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

Celebrating Independence Maine Style: Food and Fun on the Fourth of July

Kid with Fireworks LOC
From Lafayette Cake and ale to burgers and a cold beer, Mainers have celebrated Independence Day with festive food. Drawing on Maine diaries, letters, and newspaper accounts, we’ll explore the mouth-watering history of Fourth of July food.  


PRESENTED BY Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D. 

Elizabeth DeWolfe spent 30 years as Professor of History at UNE teaching courses in women’s history, archival research, and American culture. She is the award-winning author of The Murder of Mary Bean and Other Stories, and, Alias Agnes: The Notorious Tale of a Gilded Age Spy, a Finalist for the 2026 Maine Literary Award in nonfiction and winner of an Independent Publisher Book Award. Now retired, she spends her time working on her next book, sipping Americanos, and watching birds.

Thursday, July 9, 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.