Celebrating Our Past, Preserving Our Present, Shaping Our Future
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) is proud to present Biddeford at 250, a community centered initiative connecting national history to Biddeford’s local story.
Through public lectures, storytelling, and a community driven time capsule project, we invite residents, neighbors, and visitors to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that define Biddeford.
This initiative is not just about looking back, it’s about deciding what matters enough to carry forward.
Get involved:
- Attend a lecture or presentation
- Submit an idea for the Biddeford 250 Time Capsule
- Follow and share our “250 Moments” series
Together, we can ensure Biddeford’s history reflects the diversity, creativity, and resilience of its people.
AMERICA AT 250: A DEEPER HISTORY
THE COLONIZATION OF THE DAWNLAND
Samuel De Champlain sailed the coast of Maine and made one of the earliest maps of Biddeford, ME. He was here in 1605, well before 1776. The map included a Native American village which he called “Chouacoet.” He took meticulous notes and drew images of the Indigenous People who were here. He befriended them. A large part of what he documented is where UNE stands now.
We are happy to start off America at 250: A Deeper History, Voices & Visions Lecture Series with The Colonization of The Dawnland, a special presentation by Dr. Arthur Anderson, Ph.D, Associated Teaching Professor of Archaeology University of New England.
McArthur Library on Main Street in Biddeford, ME.
ALL LECTURES ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
MORE INFO AND GUIDELINES COMING SOON!
Honoring Heritage, Embracing Diversity, Building Community.