Research Library & Archives

The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society collects, preserves, organizes, and makes available to the public all forms of information relating to the region. Our holdings include books, pamphlets, diaries, letters, photographs, maps, atlases, gazetteers, scrapbooks, periodicals, audio/video recordings, microforms, and ephemera. Our research collections are particularly strong for Bethel, western Maine, and the White Mountain region of Maine and New Hampshire.

Planning Your Research Visit

To determine whether or not we have materials related to the topic you are researching, it may be helpful to spend some time searching our Online Collections & Catalog website before visiting. Please note, however, that at the moment the catalog remains incomplete. We may still have information on your topic even if it is not listed at present.

Location

Access to the library and archival collections is provided through the Spidell Reading Room, located on the first floor of the Huntoon Center at the Robinson House (10 Broad Street). This is a private facility with public access that is supported by member contributions, research fees, and gifts to the Annual Fund. Research is conducted at all times under the supervision of staff or authorized volunteers.

Hours

The facility is open to the public year-round by appointment. The library office is staffed Monday through Friday, and most appointments will be made between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on these days. Other days and times may be possible for appointments made well in advance.

Fees

Members and students may use the library for free. We ask that those who are not members of the Bethel Historical Society consider becoming a member or making a donation ($10/day suggested) to help keep this valuable resource available for everyone.

Requesting an Appointment

Appointments are required. Because of our small staff, we ask that those wishing to conduct research contact us in advance so that information can be gathered pertaining to specific requests before your arrival. To request an appointment, please call 207-824-2908, email us at library@bethelhistorical.org, or use our appointment request form.