Berlin revives 150-year-old tradition.

BERLIN - Berlin's Art and Historical Society announced a Leap Year Ball, to be held on Friday, Feb. 29, at 8 p.m. This event will revive a social tradition from the 1850s of community dances, to raise funds for the renovation of the Bullard House. Along with music and dancing, period writings will be read by members of the Historical Society.

The recently renovated 1870 Town Hall will serve as the venue for this unique event.

"We have letters and poems from the 1850 Lyceum that describe specific balls and refer to these community events. We're thrilled at the prospect of using a 150-year-old tradition to preserve another building from our town's history," said Richard Wheeler, president of the society.

The Bullard House was purchased in 1996 by the town (with the assistance of the Berlin Art and Historical Society) for use as a museum of local history and art. The structure was built in at least seven parts over two centuries, beginning as early as 1750.

Past uses of the building included a tavern, an inn and barber shop. Listing on the National Historic Register is being proposed for both the Bullard House and the 1870 Town Hall.

The Berlin Art and Historical Society has taken responsibility for repairs and renovations of the Bullard House, with most work thus far being done by society volunteers. The suggested donation of $10 per person for the Leap Year Ball will support these efforts.

Live music will be provided by Tahanto Regional High School's Swing Band and award-winning Jazz Combo. Light refreshments will be served. In addition, articles will be on display from the society's historical dress collection to evoke past balls. Fancy dress for participants is suggested.

"We hope many Berlin townspeople, and those of neighboring communities, will attend the Leap Year Ball to meet friends, have fun and recall time's past while supporting this treasured building," Wheeler said.

For more information, contact Richard Wheeler at [phone] or go to www.townofberlin.com.