Hastings Homestead Museum

06/14/2026

Unfortunately we have to cancel Saturday’s program, “Meetinghouse and Church in Oxford County.” We apologize for any inconvenience.

06/07/2026

We want to thank all who attended Stanley Howe's "Celebration of Life" this afternoon at Bethel's "Lower Meetinghouse" (East Bethel Church). It was a wonderful gathering of family and friends in remembrance of someone who was dedicated to local, regional, and State history, and -- especially -- to the Town of Bethel.

06/05/2026

I am sorry that I am unable to attend tomorrow's celebration of life for Stan Howe. I first met Stan when he and Randy Bennett visited my hometown, Ottawa, Canada in 1983. Beginning in 1986, I made several car trips to Bethel with my friends Tom Mitchell and Tim Crook and my wife Ivanna. I got a chance to meet Ned Hastings the year before his death in 1987.
During many subsequent visits, I stayed at the Hastings Homestead. We had many lively and spirited conversations (I think especially of Charles Horne) at the breakfast table over coffee, corn and bran muffins, and in the afternoons or evenings with other friends who dropped in. As I always went in August, we would celebrate Stan's birthday at barbecues or at Kowloon Village. Stan doted on his cats Chester and Garfield.
Ivanna and I last saw Stan for his 80th birthday party in 2023. My condolences to the Howe family and to Randy Bennett. Stan was a wonderful friend and I miss him.

-- Robert Albota, Ottawa

Send a message to learn more

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

An important hold-over from earlier architectural forms in western Maine is the meetinghouse, as distinct from the church form with its nave-like hall. In Oxford County, the "Old Meeting House" in the town of Porter was begun in 1818 and completed in 1824. One of the last of its type constructed in Maine, the building displays an open interior with three-sided gallery, box pews, and high pulpit.

Learn more about Oxford County's early meetinghouses and churches on June 14th at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church). A free event!

05/11/2026

The 1803 Baptist Church at Paris Hill, Maine, followed an eighteenth-century architectural tradition. With a high pulpit and galleries around three sides, the building was used for Oxford County court cases from 1805 to 1815, when the first County Courthouse was completed a short distance away. Likewise, the church was utilized for Paris town meetings until it was replaced by the present Greek Revival Baptist Church in 1838.

Learn more about Oxford County's early meetinghouses and churches on June 14th at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church). A free event!

04/28/2026

Remembering Stan Howe (1943-2026), the last Hastings descendant to reside at the Homestead. What he contributed to the community was remarkable.

04/21/2026

“The Hastings Homestead in Bethel represents a rare instance in which the historic furnishings of one family have been preserved by each successive generation. Every room portrays the changing styles and tastes of Maine life during the last two centuries.”

Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., Maine State Historian

04/19/2026

After a number of delays due to renovation and restoration projects, the circa 1822 Hastings Homestead will open to the public starting on Thursday, June 25th. There are no regular hours and tours (approximately one hour long) will be by appointment only (call 207-824-2291 or email [email protected]). Because of the great wealth of original furnishings and artifacts on display, groups will be limited to no more than 4 people per tour, unless special arrangements are made. The cost is $10.00 per person, which goes directly toward the preservation of this National Historic Site.

03/06/2026

Planning is underway for a celebration of the life of Stanley R. Howe at the historic Lower Meetinghouse ("East Bethel Church") on Intervale Road sometime in early June. An exact date a time will be announced here soon. Remarks will be made by Stan's sister, Sue, and brother, Greg, plus longtime friend and colleague, Randy Bennett. All will be welcome and the sharing of memories encouraged.