Old Bristol Historical Society was founded in 2003. Our charitable and educational nonprofit serves the public by collecting archival materials and hosting a vibrant series of lectures and events throughout the year, including our summer series.
Discover the passion behind Old Bristol Historical Society as we embark on exciting projects to enhance our community's understanding of history. Our Bristol History Center is at the forefront of our initiatives, and we look forward to your visit.
OUR MISSION
Collect, preserve, and share the Bristol region’s rich history and prehistory for present and future generations.
OUR VISION
Old Bristol Historical Society aspires to:
-
Continue to improve our unique campus, encompassing an early-1800s mill, a history center and archive, and a riverside park as a regional destination for people of all ages to explore and learn about life over the centuries in Midcoast Maine.
-
Be recognized as the most significant resource for the preservation of and research on the Bristol Region’s history.
-
Offer accessible year-round exhibits, programming, events, and educational outreach that engage children and adults.
-
Catalyze regional collaboration among towns, organizations, and individuals with a shared appreciation for the history of Midcoast Maine.
Upcoming Events
3 days to the eventThu, Feb 05PLEASE REGISTER BY RSVP FOR THIS ZOOM CALL - Her presentation will have a particular focus on Petersborough in Warren which was founded by Revolutionary War veteran Amos Peters and his wife.
OBHS TALK SERIES
"STUCK IN THE MUD"
Pete Hope is looking to shed some light on the world of Maine clamming and bring some new recognition for the work Maine’s roughly 1,200 licensed harvesters do. He’s written what may be one of the very first books on the subject: “Stuck in the Mud," described as a history of clamming and clammers.
“As a clamdigger and a historian, it was... natural, don’t think anyone could do it any better,” he joked.
Pete grew up on the shore of a clam flat, a long tidal cover on what’s known locally as the East Branch of the John’s River. As a youngster, he worked the family farm, but when it was time for college, he began digging clams and kept at it for more than 50 years.