Bangor Historical Society

Bangor Historical Society Home of the BHS, learn more about Bangor's rich --and sometimes surprising--past at the Thomas A. Hil
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Founded in 1864, we are committed to preserving, protecting and sharing the history of Bangor and its people. The BHS offers guided tours, lectures, and special events at our Union Street home and across the city.

Did you know?This portrait of Mary Jane (Winslow) Veazie (1810-1863), completed by Bangor artist Jeremiah Pearson Hardy ...
05/31/2026

Did you know?
This portrait of Mary Jane (Winslow) Veazie (1810-1863), completed by Bangor artist Jeremiah Pearson Hardy in 1847, is one of several Hardy paintings on display at the Thomas A. Hill House.
The first wife of lumber merchant Jones Perkins Veazie and daughter-in-law of Samuel Veazie, Mary Jane was born in Topsham and married Jones in 1834. She was the mother of three children: Samuel Jones (1839-1895), Edward Winslow (1849-1927), and Sallie Johnson Winslow (1851-1930).
Mary Jane lived with her family on Broadway until her death in 1863 and was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Come see this portrait and so much more when we open for the season on June 11th.

Did you know?Canoe builder Charles R. Gould and his wife Nellie lived in this Maple Street home when it was built in 189...
05/30/2026

Did you know?
Canoe builder Charles R. Gould and his wife Nellie lived in this Maple Street home when it was built in 1892. Charles worked for canvas boat and canoe makers Gould Bros, presumably a relation, in Brewer.
Nellie died in 1901 at age 43. Charles followed 9 months later at the age of 49. They are both buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery. They had no children.

Learn more about artifacts at the Thomas A. Hill House!These are registration papers of the Schooner Blackbird and bear ...
05/29/2026

Learn more about artifacts at the Thomas A. Hill House!
These are registration papers of the Schooner Blackbird and bear the signatures of John Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts and his secretary of state John Avery. The schooner Blackbird was sold to Jonathon Eddy in 1785. Go to our online database to learn more about this artifact and other items in the collection at the Bangor Historical Society.

Behind the Scenes of the Hill House: Check out the details of the chandelier of G.A.R. room at the Thomas A. Hill House....
05/27/2026

Behind the Scenes of the Hill House:
Check out the details of the chandelier of G.A.R. room at the Thomas A. Hill House. It is believed to have been installed in the 1890’s. The glass globes were installed later. The chandelier was once a gas lamp but has since been electrified. To continue to support the Bangor Historical Society, visit our website and learn more about becoming a member.

Did you know?On May 30, 1868, the first national celebration of “Decoration Day” was held at Arlington National Cemetery...
05/25/2026

Did you know?
On May 30, 1868, the first national celebration of “Decoration Day” was held at Arlington National Cemetery. Earlier that month, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union Civil War veterans, had issued a proclamation calling for a day of remembrance for the lives lost during the American Civil War.
During the ceremony at Arlington, Civil War veteran, congressman, and future president James A. Garfield made a speech honoring the Union and Confederate soldiers buried there: “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”
Communities across the United States adopted the annual tradition, which gradually became known as “Memorial Day.”
Photo: Members of the GAR march in a Bangor parade, 1919.

Then and Now: Fire of 1911 All Soul’s Congregational Church was built on this site after the fire of 1911 destroyed the...
05/24/2026

Then and Now: Fire of 1911
All Soul’s Congregational Church was built on this site after the fire of 1911 destroyed the First Congregational Church that had stood at this location. After the fire, the First Congregational merged with the Third Congregational, which was also destroyed during the fire on French Street. Window sills, doorjams, and other building materials were taken from the debris of both churches and reused in the building that you see here. Bangor Historical Society hosts an annual walking tour that goes along the flames path and structures that survived the fire. Learn more and sign up at our website!

Then and Now: Fire of 1911 The St. John’s Episcopal Church that we see on French Street today was built between 1912-19...
05/23/2026

Then and Now: Fire of 1911
The St. John’s Episcopal Church that we see on French Street today was built between 1912-1918 and was designed by Hobart Upjohn. This building replaced the 1844-1846 church that was designed by Hobart’s grandfather, Richard. Richard Upjohn designed Bangor’s Thomas A. Hill House and the Isaac Farrar Mansion, but his crown jewel would be Trinity Church in New York City. Bangor Historical Society hosts an annual walking tour that goes along the flames path and structures that survived the fire. Learn more and sign up at our website!

Welcome to the Relics of the Revolution Series! These military orders were signed by George Washington on June 8, 1783 f...
05/22/2026

Welcome to the Relics of the Revolution Series!
These military orders were signed by George Washington on June 8, 1783 for Job Lunt of the 6th Massachusetts regiment. Lunt served over 7 years in the army before he was discharged from the military. Go to our online database to learn more about this artifact and other items in the collection at the Bangor Historical Society.

Behind the Scenes of 250th Anniversary Preparation! Check out this artifact that will be on display at the Hill House fo...
05/21/2026

Behind the Scenes of 250th Anniversary Preparation!
Check out this artifact that will be on display at the Hill House for the 250th anniversary! This dress and petticoat was worn by Eliza Salmon and according to our records, it was dress style of the year in 1765. Head to the Hill house and take a tour with us this summer!

Address

159 Union Street
Bangor, ME
04401

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

(207) 942-1900

Website

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