Founded:
1966
Mission:
Because an understanding of how people lived in the past enriches our lives and community, the Bethel Historical Society fosters a sense of place, centered in western Maine and the White Mountain region, by collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting historically significant artifacts and documents for residents, visitors, students, and scholars.
Through its exhibits, programs, events, and publications, the Society makes the region's history meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable to inspire others to treasure and preserve this rich heritage.
Collections:
The Bethel Historical Society collects, preserves, organizes, and makes available to the public all forms of information relating to the region. Our holdings include books, pamphlets, diaries, letters, photographs, maps, atlases, gazetteers, scrapbooks, periodicals, audio/video recordings, microforms, and ephemera. Our library and archival collections are particularly strong for Bethel, western Maine, and the White Mountain region of Maine and New Hampshire.
Facilities:
The Society's museum features six exhibit galleries and nine period rooms spread throughout two buildings—the 1821 O'Neil Robinson House and the 1813 Dr. Moses Mason House.
Activities:
Throughout the year, the Bethel Historical Society provides a full schedule of high quality events for people of all ages.