Public Programs
Our free public programs offer a deeper look into Chebacco articles, explore current issues in a historical context, bring the community together, entertain and delight, and inspire civic and cultural engagement. They take place on Mount Desert Island, Hancock County, and beyond, at libraries and other public spaces, in-person and online. Check out our Program Calendar for detailed information on what’s coming up, view the Program Archive for event recordings and subscribe to be emailed our program updates.
In addition to our public programs, we offer several ongoing series and annual events, described below.
Community Baked Bean Supper
The Community Baked Bean Supper is a beloved annual gathering held at MDI High School every January, featuring dozens of volunteers and their various beans, desserts, and all the fixings. A presentation follows the supper. CLICK HERE to sign up to contribute food or volunteer.
Save the date! The 16th Annual Baked Bean Supper will be held on Monday, January 18, 2027 from 6-8 pm at MDI High School.
Click here to purchase The Baked Bean Supper Cookbook: Commemorating 10 Years of Community Suppers (2021.)
Annual Meeting, Supper, and Concert
The annual meeting is an opportunity for the staff and board of the Historical Society to attend to important business, thank our members, volunteers, and community, and celebrate our successes with a community supper and entertainment.
Save the Date! We will gather on August 20, 2026, at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, for a potluck and the Bagaduce Northern New England Ensemble . CLICK HERE to learn more.
History Happy Hour
Gather over good eats and good times while learning local history in a relaxed setting. History Happy Hour is a fun, experiential way to learn about local history through trivia, tours, games, and other engaging activities. We gather at island restaurants and bars every other month from October through April. Stay tuned for October 2026 dates.
History Book Club
on hiatus until Fall 2026
History Book Club is an online community that gathers to discuss books by MDI authors or set in local settings, using literature as an entry point to regional history. The Society provides MDI-specific historical context to bring the novels to life, such as sharing relevant artifacts from the collection, sound bites from oral histories, and photographs or slides of the book’s people and places. The Club usually meets quarterly. What’s our next book? When’s the next meeting? How do I join? CLICK HERE to learn more.