May Presentation
The Mighty Goose River
When: 7pm, Monday, May 20, 2024
Where: Abbott Room* at the Belfast Free Library
Cost: Free ($5 donation appreciated)
Gary Stuckey, museum volunteer, will present the history of the Goose River (its mouth at Belfast Bay, Maine) from the first dam built to power sawmills to electrical power generation at its mouth. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries the river provided power for grist mills, sawmills, leatherboard factories and axe factories. Several ice businesses flourished along its length.
*Event limited to 75 attendees.
Capt. Albert W. Stevens & the Total Solar Eclipse in Maine, 1932
On August 31, 1932 Maine experienced a total solar eclipse. This natural phenomena was important to scientists and especially to Belfast's own, Capt. Albert W. Stevens. He was a noted aerial photographer, perfecting his craft over France during World War I.
Capt. Stevens goal in 1932 was to be the first to capture the moon's shadow as it moved across the earth. And, yes, he did it, making aerial astronomy history.
BHSM Publications
Introducing Belfast, the newest book in Arcadia’ Publishing’s Images of America series available for purchase at the Museum.
Co-authors Megan Pinette and Jane McLean have assembled informative and entertaining text with photographs from the Belfast Museum, Belfast Free Library and Penobscot Marine Museum collections. Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr, Maine State Historian, wrote the foreword.
The book highlights Belfast history from early settlement in 1770 to 1953, the year we celebrated 100 years as a City. Belfast will feature both photographs and text which highlight our history from 1770-1953. Chapters will include "Belfast Views", "Making A Living", "Home Sweet Home", "Celebrations" and more.
Books will be available for purchase at the museum, local outlets, and Amazon.
Watch the video about this exciting release!
Become a BHSM Member
Joining or renewing your membership costs only $20, and shows your dedication to preserving and sharing Belfast’s unique history. Your financial contribution provides for community programs, educational events, scholarships for future historians, artifact preservation and museum operations.
10% discount to all members on retail items available at the museum, including our new book Images of America, Belfast.
Featured Video Presentations
More BHSM Videos
These programs are held at the Belfast Free Library. Check schedule for dates and time. Many of our recent programs can be viewed on our Vimeo channel.
Belfast History is Your History!
We need your support to keep the Belfast Historical Society & Museum open and continue to preserve Maine's coastal history. Please consider a small donation.
Thank you!
What People Are Saying
“Belfast History Comes Alive”
The Belfast Historical Society & Museum is a hidden gem right off the town's center. I visited with my small group on a recent Saturday and we found the collection interesting and the staff friendly.
—Visitor from Warren, Massachusetts
“Great Little Museum”
If you are in Belfast or from Belfast there is no reason why not to spend 45mins or so at this free museum. It has tons of interesting articles, artifacts, and pictures of the history of this charming little town. It can ben done in 30mins or over an hour, however long you wish. Don't forget to visit the barn next door too. Really enjoyed reading about the history of the town, it has a lot of it for such a small place.
— Visitor from Miami FL
“The perfect little museum”
This is a wonderful place. Megan, loves to help, we are now looking up the history of my house. Fascinating history. Open during the tourist months.
—Visitor from Belfast, Maine