Lincoln County Historical Association held its Preservation Party fundraiser Sept. 10 on the Dresden grounds of the historic Pownalborough Court House.

The evening included a gathering on the lawn for wine and antipasto to tunes by guitarist Neil Lamb, who was joined by a guest from New Orleans who had brought along his sax and clarinet for an impromptu jazz session, according to a news release from Christine Hopf-Lovette with the association.

Maine State Archivist Kate McBrien confirmed the importance of the association’s mission with a message about the importance of preserving history and how it gives a sense of place locally.

During an Italian dinner under a large tent, guests took their chances on a variety of raffle gift cards and bid for auction items offered by veteran auctioneer Kaja Veilleux of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries.

Volunteers Ann Light, Linda Pope and Claudia Sortwell wove their way through the tables to display eight cakes and a trifle that sold for an average of $300 each. Light’s limoncello cheesecake went for a high of $425. Vacation packages to a Tuscan village and the Amalfi coast were in such demand that Veilleux sold each one twice.

By the time the last item had been sold, Veilleux had encouraged bidders to spend more than $25,000. But he wanted to give everyone a chance to contribute to the ongoing needs of the organization, so he initiated a pledge round in which 23 guests pledged an additional $11,300.

“This huge success demonstrates that our supporters deeply value the places, objects, and stories that helped shape us into the community we are today,” said executive director Shannon Gilmore.

The funds raised will go toward the association’s educational programming and stewardship of the 1761 Pownalborough Court House; the 1811 Old Lincoln County Jail in Wiscasset; and the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta.

Check out other upcoming area events!