Biddeford Meetinghouse

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.

Enjoy this video created by one of our Board Members:
Click to view video: Pepperell Mills, the Melting Pot

2023 Events

Join us at the Meetinghouse!

Try something new! Join us at the Meetinghouse for one of our many unique gatherings.

Click to learn about all of our 2023 Season Events, including the much anticipated Saco River Cruises.

Join us for our 2023 Season Events
View our Online Collections

Online Collections

View our Online Collections!

You can view our online collections and search for random images or perform a catalog search through the archives, library, objects and photos. You can also find exhibits and people.

The image shown here is a snipet of the actual pages from the 1653 Biddeford town records. You can view the full size image of this by visiting our Online Collections.

Enjoy spending quality time sifting through some fascinating Biddeford history!

Click to view our Online Collections.

Uncovering Biddeford through centuries-old headstones

The Biddeford Historical Society has spent the last two years cleaning and restoring headstones at community cemeteries along Pool Road that have been neglected for years. Along the way, they research those who were buried so they can tell their stories.

Read the entire article through the Portland Press Herald. Subscription needed to access article.

 

Follow us on facebook for more intriguing history.

Uncovering Biddeford through centuries-old headstones
Become a Member!

Become a Member!

It is simple to become a member or to renew. Choose the level of membership that meets your needs, and gain access to our amazing events and collections.

If you aren't interested in becoming a member, we welcome donations as well.

JOIN NOW

Downtown Parade in Biddeford

"While this video has some family significance, I thought I'd share this with the community since there's not much out there like this. My grandfather, Paul Delorge Senior, was a police Captain in this parade. Further, my great grandfather Edward Delorge owned and operated the Sunbeam Bakery in town, run under the name Ed Delorge's Baking Co."

- Doug Delorge

Video conversion by Video Creations, Kennebunk, Maine

A Step Back in Time

Biddeford Remembers. Video includes Biddeford's Song, A Proud City Rising Where the Water Falls.

BIDDEFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY


HISTORY
History

It was Ferdinando Gorges’ grandfather’s passion for the wilds of New England that fueled his grandson Ferdinando’s determination to visit and settle this unknown world...

TELL YOUR STORY
Tell Your Story

Valuable stories of Biddeford are disappearing every day. We would like to capture first accounts of mill stories, of veterans and others who can provide invaluable insights of our rich history.

MEETINGHOUSE
Meetinghouse

The Biddeford First Parish Meetinghouse was constructed in 1759 and remodeled into a Greek revival-style chapel in 1840. The Meetinghouse is an interesting piece of our history.

MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships

It is simple to become a member or to renew. If you aren't interested in becoming a member, we welcome donations as well.

ONLINE COLLECTIONS
Online Collections

You can view our online collections and search for random images or perform a catalog search through the archives, library, objects and photos. You can also find exhibits and people.

GALLERY
Gallery

Our Gallery is made up of historic photos of people and places within Biddeford, Maine. It includes the mills and other city locations, school houses, the old Webber Hospital, farmland and ocean front.

EVENTS
Events

Join us at our upcoming events!

BLOG
Blog

Interesting articles pertaining to Biddeford, Maine.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Membership

Learn who we have on the Board of Directors.

Proud Member of the Maine Tourism Association   Guidestar Gold Transparency