For generations, the stories of Belfast, Maine, from its maritime heritage to the people who shaped this community, have been preserved by neighbors who cared enough to save them. While the museum is closed for an expansion that will let us share those stories in new ways, your gift protects the collections, supports our programs, and keeps this work moving forward.
All Gifts Are Tax Deductable
Please consider a gift to support the important community and preservation work of this organization.
The Belfast Historical Society & Museum is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization. EIN: 51-0161688
Prefer to send a check?
Make checks payable to: Belfast Historical Society & Museum, 10 Market Street, Belfast, Maine 04915
Your Gift in Action
Artifact Preservation
Your donation helps BHS&M care for the objects that tell Belfast’s story. Gifts support archival-quality storage, climate control, and protective supplies that keep fragile photographs, documents, textiles, and tools from deteriorating.
They also fund careful cataloging and conservation so each artifact can be documented, repaired when essential for preservation, and shared with future generations through exhibits and programs.
Investing in People & Programs
Your gift also helps BHS&M bring history to life for the community. Donations support public programs such as lectures, walking tours, workshops, and school visits that connect residents and visitors with Belfast’s past.
They also fund hands-on internships that give students and emerging professionals real experience in collections care, research, and exhibit development, training the next generation of museum stewards.
Keeping the Doors Open & Growing
Your gift also supports the everyday work that keeps BHS&M running: maintaining our historic buildings, keeping the lights on, and staffing the museum so visitors are always welcome.
Unrestricted gifts give us the flexibility to meet our most pressing needs and to plan ahead, whether that means expanded gallery space, improved accessibility, or new exhibits and programs that reach more of the community.
Additional Ways to Give
Double Your Impact with an Employer Match
Did you know your gift to BHS&M could go twice as far? Many employers will match charitable donations made by their employees, and some will match gifts from retirees or spouses too. It's one of the easiest ways to multiply your support for Belfast's history at no extra cost to you.
How to double your gift
- Check with your employer. Ask your HR department, or look for a "matching gifts" or "giving" page on your company's intranet.
- Make your gift to BHS&M. Give as you normally would, by check, online, or with a gift of stock.
- Submit a matching gift request. Most employers have a short online form or paper form. Some need to be completed within a certain window after your gift, so it's best to do this soon. Include BHS&M's federal tax ID, EIN: 51-0161688, when you submit your request.
- We'll take it from there. BHS&M will verify your gift with your employer when asked, and the match will arrive directly from the company.
Need help? Contact us and we'll assist you: info@belfastmuseum.org or 207-338-9229.
Your generosity plus your employer's equals twice the history preserved.
Become a BHSM Member
Joining or renewing your membership to the BHS&M shows your dedication to preserving and sharing Belfast’s unique history. Your financial contribution provides for community programs, educational events, scholarships for future historians, artifact preservation and museum operations.
10% discount to all members on retail items available at the museum, including our new book Images of America, Belfast.