WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins today congratulated officials of the Georgetown Historical Society (GHS) on their plan to construct a new historical and cultural center. GHS officials announced today that the United States Navy has committed a contingent of Navy Seabees from Brunswick to help construct a new 3,200 square foot building to serve as a library, museum, archive storage facility, and meeting place. The new center is expected to open next year. Senator Collins expressed support for the proposal in a letter to the Navy on May 4, 2004.
Senator Collins released the following letter, which was read at today’s announcement ceremony:
“Congratulations on Georgetown Historical Society’s (GHS) award from the U.S. Navy for assistance with the construction of the Georgetown Historical and Cultural Center. I am thrilled that the Navy chose GHS as one of eleven projects nationwide to receive the Seabees’ skilled labor services under the Innovative Readiness Training program.
“GHS enlisted the help of the Navy and raised $464,000 in private funds, all of the money needed for the building materials. This is an impressive accomplishment for a volunteer organization in a small, rural town. It is also a true testament to the significance of the project and the enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment of the people of Georgetown, including the Hagan family, who kindly donated land on which the Center will be built.
“I was so pleased to support GHS’s application to the Navy for help with this worthy project, and I am looking forward to seeing the Center when it is completed. Georgetown has such a rich history, and it is important that it will be preserved in such a meaningful and accessible way for future generations.
“Thank you to GHS, the Town of Georgetown, and the many other generous contributors for your selfless and tireless efforts in bringing the project to this phase. Finally, thank you to the Navy Seabees, our neighbors and friends from the Brunswick Naval Air Station, for your much-needed help with the construction of this valuable facility. Again, congratulations and best wishes!”