Monthly Programs
Our monthly member meetings feature engaging programs that highlight items from the Society’s collection, offering a closer look at the objects and stories that make up Hampden’s history. From time to time, we also welcome special guests who bring additional insight and perspective. Each program is followed by light refreshments and time to visit.
See Our Past & Upcoming Programs Below
Program List 2026
Monday, March 23 – 6:30 p.m.
Interesting Bits from the Museum Kitchen
Join us as we highlight a variety of kitchen-related items and stories from the museum’s collection.
Monday, April 27 – 6:30 p.m.
The Perry Family and Farm (Old County Road) Robin Perry
A history of the farm and family in Hampden, Maine
Tuesday, May 26 – 6:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper
Monday, June 22 – 6:00 p.m.
Mysteries, Mistakes and Surprises Dana Murch
Genealogy can be an adventure. In this presentation, Belfast author and genealogist,
Dana Murch, will discuss some of the mysteries, mistakes and surprises he has
discovered while researching the Murch family of Maine. These adventures include
stories about King Philip, the Mayflower, childbearing, genealogists, extra-marital affairs,
birth and death records, cousins, George Washington, granite and Henry David Thoreau.
Also included is the story of a mysterious gravestone at Locust Grove Cemetery in
Hampden.
Monday, July 27 – 6:30 p.m.
The Penobscot Expedition – 1779 Char Gardner
On July 24, 1779, a naval expeditionary force commissioned by the Massachusetts
General Assembly departed Boothbay, Maine, headed for the Penobscot peninsula, where
British forces had recently established a small fort and trading post. The attack, and
subsequent three-week-long siege, would end disastrously for the Americans with one of
the worst naval defeats in the country’s history.
Monday, August 24 – 6:30 p.m.
Revolutionary War Soldier – Lt. Colonel Gabriel Johonnot Adriana Gleason
Johonnot was a major of the Marblehead Regiment in 1775 and became Lt. Col. of the
21 st , and in 1776 was Lt. Col. of the 14 th . Gabriel Johonnot was born about 1748 in
Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts Bay Colony, son of Zachariah Johonnot and Elizabeth
(Quincy) Johonnot. Gabriel died on October 9, 1820 in Hampden aged ~72. He is buried
in the Old Burying Ground, Hampden.
Monday, September 28 - 6:30 p.m.
To be announced
Monday, October 26 – 6:30 p.m.
To be announced
Explore Past Programs
