Bangor Historical Society

09/05/2026

Did You Know?
On September 5, 1959, the New York Giants played the Green Bay Packers in a preseason NFL game at Garland Street Field. The game was played in Bangor to celebrate the city's 125th anniversary. The game would feature many future Hall of Fame members including Pat Summerall, Bart Starr and Frank Gifford. Most notably, it was also the rookie season for legendary Green Bay head coach Vince Lombardi. The game was won by the New York Giants, 14-0

09/04/2026

Did you know?
This Pier Street home was built in 1892 by carpenter Jospeh Raynes. He lived there with his second wife, Eliza, and their daughter Lillie Bell.
It is believed that Joseph also built four of the neighboring homes.
Jospeh died in 1901 and was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery. Eliza and Lillie remained in the home. Eliza died in 1909 and was also laid to rest in Pine Grove. Lillie lived in the home until her death in 1944 at the age of 71. She is buried next to her parents.

09/02/2026

Ask a Historian Series: What is your favorite fact about Bangor?
We asked Matt Bishop, curator at the Bangor Historical Society, what his favorite fun fact about Bangor is. Visit the Hill House and learn more about the history of Bangor!

09/01/2026

We are a month away from the start of our Ghostly Bangor Walking Tours. Join us in October for tales of unsolved mysteries, murder, and energies that may still linger in the Queen City.
Use the link below to secure your tickets today.

08/31/2026

Did you know?
One time Maine Senate President Henry Lord was born in Bangor in 1847 and lived there for his entire life. He operated Henry Lord & Co., a ship brokerage firm that hauled ice, lumber, hay, slate and bricks. Lord served on the Bangor City Council, as President of the Board of Trustees of Maine state College, on the board of the Westbrook Seminary, President of the Bangor Historical Society, in the Maine House of Representative and two terms in the Maine Senate.

08/30/2026

Did you know?
From the Bangor Jeffersonian. December 3, 1861.

08/29/2026

Behind the scenes of the Hill House!
This chandelier was added to the front parlor during one of the renovations of the Thomas A. Hill House in the 1840's. They were originally gas lamps but have since been electrified. The pattern of the chandeliers is called “Morning Glory.”
To continue supporting the Bangor Historical Society, visit our website and learn more about becoming a member.

https://bangorhistoricalsociety.org/membership/

08/28/2026

Did you know?
This Hammond Street residence was built in 1893 by noted architect Wilfred E. Mansur. Known as the Francis B. Denio House, it was originally the faculty residence for the Bangor Theological Seminary.

08/26/2026

Tickets for our upcoming tours will be available for public purchase at noon on Friday, August 28th:
-Soldiers at Rest: A Civil War Walking Tour of Mount Hope Cemetery, scheduled for Saturday, September 19th, at 10am.
-Ghostly Bangor walking tours throughout October.
-A special History in Focus: The Brady Gang scheduled for Saturday, October 24th, at 10am.
We will have purchase links on our website available at that time.

Not a member and want early access to purchase tickets? Visit the link below and become a member today!

Membership & Corporate Partnerships Preserve. Protect. Promote. The Bangor Historical Society (BHS) is a 501(c)3 member based organization. BHS is susta ...

08/26/2026

Did you know?
Jonathan F. Parkhurst founded his trunk manufacturing business at 281 Main Street in 1866. His son, Frederick, would join him in 1881 and the company would be incorporated in 1892.
One of New England's top trunk producers, J.F. Parkhurst & Son Company sold 50 styles of trunks in 3-4 sizes per style.
With 175-200 employees, the company was Bangor's largest employer in 1910.
The Main Street location grew to include 12 buildings and occupy the block between Barker and Rowe Streets (Rowe Street no longer exists).
Frederick Parkhurst was elected Governor in 1920, but died in office in 1921.
Pictured: J.F. Parkhurst and one of the company buildings.