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 French Presence in North America to Quebec By Dr Norman Beaupré

Norman Beaupre_ 2014_Coaticook (11)

THE FRENCH PRESENCE IN NORTH AMERICA TO QUÉBEC
 
Join the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center as we welcome distinguished author, educator, and Franco-American cultural advocate Dr. Norman Beaupré for the first of two special historical presentations.

Through historical accounts, documentary sources, and his extensive knowledge of Franco-American heritage, Dr. Beaupré will introduce audiences to the people, places, and events that shaped early French North America.

Whether you have French-Canadian or Acadian ancestry, enjoy genealogy, love local history, or simply want to learn more about the people and events that shaped North America, we invite you to join us for this special evening!

Presented by the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center America at 250: Voices and Visions Lecture Series
Biddeford 250.
Remembering • Reckoning • Re-Imagining

Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6PM
McArthur Library on Main Street in Biddeford, ME.
 


ALL LECTURES ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year

October 3, 2026

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Franciscan Jubilee Year, running from January 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027, to mark the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi (b. 1181- d. 1226). Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee program will celebrate the Pope’s decree, sponsored by the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center with the University of New England (UNE) in Biddeford, scheduled on October 3, 2026, on the UNE campus. The purpose of the community program is to recognize the history of the Franciscans in Biddeford and at the Saint Anthony Shrine Monastery in Kennebunkport Maine. #FranciscanSpirituality
A copy of Pope Leo’s decree is at this link here. https://press.vatican.va/…/pubb…/2026/01/16/260116c.html

Honoring Heritage, Embracing Diversity, Building Community.