2026 Programs & Classes
“The views alone are reason enough to visit, but touring here provides answers to almost any question you have about the town and the island”
– U.S. News & World Report
Bar Harbor – More than Acadia. Come be a part of the stories that shaped us.
Join us for our 2026 events!
UPCOMING Classes and Programs
For tickets, please click on event or see individual event descriptions.
The Seraph- A Book Talk
Tuesday, August 4
4:30pm to 5:30pm
A free lecture with author Jane Goodrich
Spirits, Seances, Suffragettes! The reform movements of the 19th century made strange bedfellows as many different voices struggled to speak and be heard.
Join author Jane Goodrich for an evening of historical photographs and readings from her new novel The Seraph. You will learn about the once-famous Cora Hatch, a psychic medium and social reformer, and discover how her conversations with the dead helped shape the nation.
A Figure in Time Demo
Tuesday, August 11,
4:30-6:00 PM
Figure Painting Demo with artist Judy Taylor
Please join us for a delightful figure painting demo and conversation with artist Judy Taylor.
Judy will walk us through the stages of a portrait sitting, composition and development of the relationship between setting and sitter.
Composing a portrait with inspiration from Sargent and the setting at La Rochelle while we watch.
A Figure in Time Class
Wednesday, August 12, 3 to 7 pm
Figure Painting Class with artist Judy Taylor
Please join us for a delightful figure painting class with artist Judy Taylor.
Take in the Gilded Age architecture, gardens and live models while addressing the challenges and opportunities of natural light and live subjects.
Judy will walk us through the stages of a portrait sitting, composition and development of the relationship between setting and sitter.
Among the Gardens: A Watercolor Retreat on Mount Desert Island, Maine
Sunday, August 23 to Thursday, August 27
Join Erica Qualey and the Bar Harbor Historical Society for a truly special three-day four-night watercolor retreat offers the rare opportunity to paint on location at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Thuya Garden and the Asticou Azalea Garden.
Perfect for beginner to intermediate painters who want to deepen their skills while painting in an inspiring natural setting.
Accommodations at a scenic cottage by the ocean in Bar Harbor. Sunday dinner, and breakfast Monday-Wednesday are provided.
Hudson to Harbor
July 18 to 24
Bar Harbor Historical Society welcomes over 30 contemporary artists influenced by Maine to exhibit at La Rochelle. In this annual fundraiser, artists take home 50% of the sale price and 50% is donated to BHHS. The showcase will be available to view during the museum’s opening hours from the 20th to 24th of July.
The preview party and sale will be held on July 18th from 5-7:30 pm at La Rochelle.