BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society has received a gift of $10,000 from society life members Larry Stifler and his wife, Mary McFadden, for the Stanley Russell Howe Lecture Fund, an endowment established earlier this year by the society’s board of trustees to honor Howe’s 35 years of service to the organization.

Reflecting on the tribute, Board President William D. Andrews said, “Over his years as the society’s curator and, later, executive director, Stan diligently developed programs to bring important scholars and speakers to the community, and thus creating a special lecture in his name seemed an appropriate way to honor him. We are happy that he agreed.”

“This generous donation from Larry Stifler and Mary McFadden, who have been generous supporters of the society, has been added to financial gifts already received from many thoughtful individuals, bringing the total amount in this special fund to over $20,000,” said Randall Bennett, society executive director.

He added, “This endowment, which will continue to grow, has been invested under society investment policies, and only its interest income will be used to fund the annual lecture.”

Reacting to the news, Howe said “When this fund was established, Larry and Mary expressed great interest in it and soon made the suggestion that they would match the $10,000 original goal when it was met. They did, and I am most grateful for this superb support. Now we can all look forward to the first lecture in 2011, which they and 119 other donors have made possible.”

Founded in 1966, the Bethel Historical Society is western Maine’s largest historical agency, with more than 1,000 members. For more information, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or e-mail info@bethelhistorical.org.