August Presentation
When: 7pm, Monday, August 24, 2026
Where: Abbott Room* at the Belfast Free Library
Cost: Free ($5 donation appreciated)
*Event limited to 75 attendees.
History with Pizzazz
Students from the Belfast Senior College course “History with Pizzazz” will share their research findings. Explore Belfast's past through Sanborn insurance maps, the rise and fall of the city's broiler industry, and family stories stretching back centuries — including a harrowing tale from the French and Indian War, generations uncovered in Williamson's Belfast history, and diary entries from an early 19th-century ancestor. Also featured: Louise Nevelson's difficult Rockland childhood and her rise to sculptural fame.
Speakers: Deb Douthart, Barbara Ford-Latty, Rick Gatewood, Spencer Stephens, Hugh Townsend, and Bill Whitman.
Hello America!
The Story of the Experimental RCA Radio Station in Belfast
Harry Nelson, radio historian, presents an in-depth look at the history of the Radio Corporation of America’s relay station located in Belfast from 1921 to 1929. March 14, 2025 marked the 100th anniversary of the history making first live trans-Atlantic long-wave radio broadcast from London, England to the Radio Corporation of America’s relay station located on Congress Street in Belfast. This broadcast paved the way for full global communications.
Hear for yourself the rare recordings of that 1925 broadcast
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.
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 are available for purchase at the museum, local outlets, and Amazon.
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