Our Mission

The Biddeford Historical Society preserves, interprets, and promotes Biddeford, Maine’s rich history and its connections to the wider world.

We maintain archives, objects, and sites; host educational programs; and steward the community’s 1759 Meetinghouse in order to deepen the public’s understanding of and engagement with history.

History in its simplest sense is the study and narration of change through time. We seek to capture and tell these stories and to engage the community in this dialogue, so they can be connected to the vibrant past that makes Biddeford what it is today.

The Biddeford Historical Society (BHS) is a window into Biddeford’s rich and vibrant history dating back to the early 1600s. Through concerts, lectures and reenactments, the Society shows the community the treasures that are still with us today from the oldest meetinghouse in Maine to early maps and Indian trading posts. The Society draws its wealth of information from thousands of sources such as early diaries, church records, maps, legal records, vital statistics and letters.

Located in the historic meetinghouse on Meetinghouse Road, the Biddeford Historical Society is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization devoted to educating and co-exploring the rich and diverse history of the town. Constructed in 1759, the Biddeford Meetinghouse contains original pews, seating and original ottomans.

In July of 1776, the town congregated in the meetinghouse to read the Declaration of Independence and begin the course of America’s independence we enjoy to this day.

Be sure to check out our Events. We look forward to having you join us for these unique gatherings.