Queen City Keepsakes

160th Anniversary Exhibit, running from July through September

For the past 160 years, the Bangor Historical Society has preserved, protected, and promoted the history of the Bangor region. Few people in New England or even Maine are aware of the vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of the Queen City in such compelling and often moving detail. From our founding in post Civil War Bangor, the BHS has worked diligently to curate the stories that have defined our city, state, and region. Now, in celebration of our 160 years, the Bangor Historical Society is proud to open our largest exhibit in years. Queen City Keepsakes includes 160 artifacts arranged in themes to tell the detailed stories of Bangor and her people.

Along with the exhibits at the Hill House, the Bangor Historical Society has partnered with four local cultural institutions: the Zillman Art Museum, Maine Discovery Museum, the Cole Land Transportation Museum, and the Bangor Public Library. Each partner institution will be displaying themed exhibits comprising items from the historical society’s vast collection through the end of September.

  • Interested in the history of fashion? Check out our partner exhibit at the Zillman Art Museum, showcasing several items from our extensive clothing collection.
  • Looking for the history of Freese’s department store or the development of science technology and tools? You won’t want to miss the exhibit at Maine Discovery Museum!
  • Fascinated by the history of transportation in the Queen City? Look no further than the Cole Land Transportation Museum, exhibiting items from the old Union Station, a “penny-farthing” bicycle, a side-saddle, and more.
  • Wondering about the Fire of 1911 or the history of the arts in Bangor? Be sure to explore the exhibit at the Bangor Public Library.
  • Are you interested in Bangor during the Civil War or its time as the lumber capital of the world? Be sure to peruse the Hill House exhibits, including historic items and images from those periods of Bangor’s history.

Great Bangor History Hunt

Join us in our history hunt on September 14! Keep tuned for more details to come!