Bar Harbor Historical Society

About Us

The Bar Harbor Historical Society is headquartered in La Rochelle, a 1903 Gilded-Age, oceanfront, summer cottage in downtown Bar Harbor. La Rochelle is a historic house museum open to the public featuring the history of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mount Desert Island. The museum has three floors of exhibits, including owner's suites, servant quarters, and the shore facing piazza that offers beautiful view over Bar Island and Frenchman Bay. There are guided and self-guided tours available. The Bar Harbor Historical Society has over 20,000 pieces in its collection from maps to manuscripts to period clothing. The mansion is a classic and elegant venue for your next event. As a membership based non-profit, we welcome researchers, residents, and the public to engage with the history of Bar Harbor through our numerous programs and community partnership events. The museum is open from late May to the end of October, however, tours can be arranged year round by appointment.