2026 Events & 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 EVENTS
For tickets, please click on event or see individual event descriptions.
Searching Your Family History
March 27th, 10 am
A Free, Online Genealogy Class!
In this free, online course, Madison Uliano, the Bar Harbor Historical Society’s Collection Registrar will teach you about the fundamentals of starting a genealogy project, history research project, or simply how to tell fact from fiction when doing research online. A little bit webinar and a little bit workshop, this course is aimed at all ability levels.
Make sure to pre-register at the link below to reserve your spot!
Community Threads
May 15, 4-7PM
May 16 & 17, 10AM-3PM
Join the Bar Harbor Historical Society for a free community textiles event!
See contemporary and historic textiles, quilts, and rugs at this event. There will be free workshops and lectures as well!
To have your textiles be part of the exhibition, contact info@barharborhistorical.org
Rhythms of the Garden: Painting the Pulse of Nature
Saturday, July 18 to Monday, July 20
Step into the quiet beauty of the historic Land and Garden Preserve properties—Asticou Azalea, Thuya, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Gardens—and translate the garden’s pulse into color and movement in a painting.
In this workshop, we’ll slow down and look closely—at the curve of a petal, the rhythm of a fern’s unfolding frond, the repetition of leaves spiraling toward the light. Through direct observation and expressive brushwork, you’ll explore how nature’s intricate designs reveal both structure and spirit.
This is an all media workshop, featuring demonstrations in watercolor and oil, plus individual instruction. The small group nature and exclusive garden access create a powerful educational experience.
The First Wash:
Starting Off in Watercolor
Sunday, July 19, 1:30-5:30 PM
Absolute Beginners Watercolor Workshop
Join Artist Deena Ball to begin your watercolor journey with confidence and curiosity in this introductory class
designed for absolute beginners.
Through step-by-step demonstrations and simple exercises, you’ll learn foundational techniques including washes, layering, and brush handling.
All materials are provided; just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore!
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.