Welcome to the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society!

Founded in 1966, at Bethel, Maine, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society collects and interprets both local and regional history through two unique museums and a comprehensive research center. Our campus on Broad Street in the village of Bethel spans several historic buildings and a welcoming green space.

Our Museums

Mason House Museum

The Mason House Museum at the 1813 Dr. Moses and Agnes Straw Mason House offers visitors the chance to step back in time through guided tours of nine period rooms restored to a 19th-century appearance.

Museum of Regional History

The Museum of Regional History, located primarily at the 1821 O'Neil and Betsey Straw Robinson House, features permanent and rotating exhibits spotlighting important themes in the history of western Maine and northern New Hampshire. The Museum also offers a well-stocked Museum Shop full of unique gift items and books covering all aspects of local and regional history.

Huntoon Center

The Huntoon Center is a center for research and education about the history of the region. Our helpful volunteers and staff catalog, care for, and provide access by appointment to a treasure trove of artifacts, books, and manuscript material held at our facility, the Charles R. Huntoon Center for Archives, Library, and Museum Collections.

Our Campus

Dr. Moses and Agnes Straw Mason House

Our first facility.

O'Neil and Betsey Straw Robinson House

Long known as The Elms

The Mary Valentine Collections Wing

The Charles R. Huntoon Center for Archives, Library, and Museum Collections was constructed in

Twitchell Education Center

A replica of Dr. Moses Mason's office/library

Mount Zircon Bottle

Constructed around 1921 by the Mount Zircon Moontide Spring Company

Museum Grounds

Our grounds

Business Partners

We sincerely thank the following businesses, whose investment in Museums of the Bethel Historical Society is critical to the success of our programs, exhibits, educational activities, and publications. Please take advantage of the services they offer and let them know you appreciate their support!

For information about the benefits of becoming a MBHS Business Partner, click here.