Programs & Events

Our public programs and events 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 all over the island at libraries and other public spaces, in-person and online. Check out our Calendar of Events for detailed information and to register, or view the Program Archive for event recordings.

In addition to public programs, we offer several ongoing series and annual events, described below.

History Happy Hour

Gather over good eats, and good times while learning local history in a fun and relaxed setting. History Happy Hour is an experiential, fun way to learn local history through trivia, tours, games, and other active experiences. In 2024, we will gather in February, April, October, and December at island restaurants and bars.

History Book Club

History Book Club is an online community gathering to discuss books by MDI authors or with 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.

What’s our next book? When’s the next meeting? How do I join? Click here to learn more.

Community Baked Bean Supper

The Annual Baked Bean Supper is a beloved community gathering that takes place at MDI High School every January, featuring dozens of volunteers and their varieties of beans, desserts, and all the fixings. The supper is followed by an educational presentation.

The 14th Annual Baked Bean Supper will be held on January 20, 2025 from 5 to 7:30pm at the MDI High School. After the supper, COA President Sylvia Torti and Dr. Bill Horner will speak about the importance of civic engagement to a healthy democracy and preview the film “Join or Die.”

Tickets are $10 adults and $5 children and can be purchased on the night of the event at the door, or online with a credit card HERE. Click here to purchase The Baked Bean Supper Cookbook: Commemorating 10 Years of Community Suppers (2021).