Welcome to the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society!

The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and interpreting local and regional history. Founded in 1966 in the beautiful and historic village of Bethel, Maine, MBHS operates two unique museums and a research center.

Throughout the year, we provide a full schedule of high quality events for people of all ages.

Our Museums

Museum of Regional History

The Museum of Regional History, headquartered at the 1821 O'Neil and Betsey Straw Robinson House, features permanent and rotating exhibits spotlighting important themes in the history of western Maine and northern New Hampshire. The Museum also offers a well-stocked Museum Shop full of unique gift items and books covering all aspects of local and regional history.

Mason House Museum

The Mason House Museum at the 1813 Dr. Moses and Agnes Straw Mason House offers visitors the chance to step back in time through guided tours of nine period rooms restored to a 19th-century appearance.

Huntoon Research Center

The Huntoon Research Center is a center for historical and genealogical research. Our helpful volunteers and staff catalog, care for, and provide access by appointment to a treasure trove of artifacts, books, and manuscript material held at our facility, the Charles R. Huntoon Center for Archives, Library, and Museum Collections.

Business Partners

We sincerely thank the following businesses, whose investment in Museums of the Bethel Historical Society is critical to the success of our programs, exhibits, educational activities, and publications. Please take advantage of the services they offer and let them know you appreciate their support!

For information about the benefits of becoming a MBHS Business Partner, click here.