Independence 250

04/10/2026

The Independence 250 quilt is nearly completed!

03/20/2026

“The Last, Best Hope: The 250 Year Struggle for the American Experiment in a Divided Federation” with Colin Woodard

Tomorrow is the day! Acclaimed Maine author Colin Woodard will be at Bingham Auditorium at Gould Academy on Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 pm, to discuss his work on regional cultures in United States history!

The presentation and signing are FREE to all!

Woodard will be discussing the thesis first put forward in his award-winning book, American Nations: that there’s never been one America but rather several Americas, each with its own, centuries-old ideals, values, and religious and cultural heritage. Thrown together in an accident of history, these regional cultures have fought over the meaning and purpose of the U.S. federation, testing Americans’ commitment to securing the natural rights ideals in the Declaration of Independence.

March 21, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bingham Auditorium, Gould Academy
39 Church Street, Bethel, ME 04217
Presentation & Signing: FREE!
Special Reception Tickets: 250bethel.org/woodard

Include webinar Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81614645980?pwd=s2cxYMYxn7LQuyVUT0SYovt96CJAkQ.1

03/16/2026

You’re invited to join our upcoming book club discussion of Angelica by Molly Beer.

This engaging biography shines a light on the remarkable life of Angelica Schuyler Church—a sharp, worldly, and influential figure of the Revolutionary era whose story moves between America and Europe. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, Beer brings Angelica out of the margins and into the center of the early American story.

We’ll gather on March 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Norway Memorial Library, 258 Main Street, Norway, ME to share insights, favorite moments, and reflections on the book. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love a compelling biography, this promises to be a lively and thoughtful conversation.

We are also offering a virtual link through Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86998059139?pwd=CveUsASrcIwfLKPXZgavTHJvZTr8b1.1

Link to video presentation by Molly Beer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvwdWqiSk60

Please let me know if you plan to attend, and feel free to invite a friend!

Original broadcast: 09/23/2025“A fresh, arresting history of the American Revolution as people lived it: facing forward. Molly Beer recovers the suspense, pe...

03/10/2026

This beautifully written biography brings Angelica Schuyler Church out from the margins of history and into the spotlight she absolutely deserves. Most people recognize her name because of Hamilton, but this book shows that the real Angelica was even more impressive than the stage version.

Smart, politically astute, well-read, and deeply connected on both sides of the Atlantic, Angelica moved through circles that included some of the most powerful figures of her time. Her transatlantic life, sharp wit, and intellectual partnerships reveal just how influential women could be—even when history tried to sideline them.

If you love Revolutionary-era history, stories about brilliant women reclaiming their place in the narrative, or richly detailed biographies that read like novels, this one is worth your time.

🗣️Join us for a lively discussion. 📚

📍258 Main street, Norway, ME 04268

📆March 28, 2026
2 p.m.

03/07/2026

Reserve your spot for “The Last, Best Hope” with Colin Woodard!

🗓️ Event Details:
• Free Public Webinar: Join us on Zoom to hear Colin Woodard speak about his latest work.
• Special Author Reception: Want a more personal experience? Attend the reception for $25 and meet Colin!

🎟️ Registration is required for both the free webinar and the reception.

🔗 Quick and easy registration: 250bethel.square.site

Scan the QR code on our flyer for fast access, and help us spread the word!

We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting community event celebrating history and storytelling.

03/02/2026

Remember Hamilton and the unsung sister Angelica? Curious to learn more? Molly Beer’s vivid, deeply researched biography brings Angelica Schuyler Church out from the shadows of her famous family and into the spotlight she deserves.

Sharp, worldly, and politically astute, Angelica moved confidently through the circles of the early American republic and Europe—corresponding with leaders, shaping conversations, and navigating revolution-era society with wit and intelligence. If you loved the energy of Hamilton, this book adds rich historical depth to one of its most intriguing figures.

Are you interested in early American history, powerful women, and the transatlantic world of the founding generation? Join us for a lively discussion. 📚

Join Us March 28, 2026

2 p.m.

To be held in Norway Library

02/23/2026

Big News! Tickets Are Now Live!
You can now reserve your spot for the Colin Woodard event!
🗣️ The speaking event is FREE and open to the public, followed by a Special Author Reception with Colin Woodard for those who would like a more personal experience. Registration is required for both events.
🎟️ Author Reception Tickets: $25.00
👉 Visit: 250bethel.org/woodard
This link makes it quick and easy to register for the free event and purchase tickets for the reception. A QR code is attached to the flyer for fast access — please help us spread the word!

We can’t wait to welcome you for this exciting community event!

02/20/2026

Ghosts of Centennials Past with Will Chapman

📅 February 21
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Mason House – Museums of the Bethel Historical Society
14 Broad Street, Bethel, ME

Join Us through Zoom link below 👇

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82930632437?pwd=20xBr26ks95ACa08vfLujQrejmCCRm.1

Join Museums of the Bethel Historical Society Executive Director Will Chapman for a fascinating look at how the Bethel area celebrated America’s Centennial (1876), Sesquicentennial (1926), and Bicentennial (1976) right here at home. Discover local stories, traditions, and moments from the past that helped shape our community’s history.

This engaging program is perfect for history lovers and anyone curious about Bethel’s rich heritage!

02/18/2026

“Ghosts of Centennials Past” with Will Chapman
February 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Mason House, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society 14 Broad Street, Bethel, ME, United States
MBHS Executive Director Will Chapman will present a program on how the American Centennial of 1876 and Bicentennial of 1976 were celebrated in the Bethel area.

Webinar Zoom link:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

02/07/2026

An original copy of the Declaration of Independence will be at Norway Memorial Library on October 9 and 10, and at the Maine MILL Museum on October 16 and 17! Here is your chance to see one of America’s founding documents up close and in person!

Maine Historical Society has events and exhibits planned all year long as part of its "Revolutionary Maine: America at 250" celebration.