Interior of the old China Town Hall, now a museum displaying exhibits about the town's history.

China Historical Society

Keeping alive the history of our four villages — since 1974.

FEATURED

Upcoming Events

Main Street in China Village, Maine, early 1900s

Friday, July 17 · 6:00 PM

China Village History Walk

Friday, July 17 at 6 pm — a guided evening walk through China Village’s Historic District.

Framed artwork on display at the Made in China art exhibition

Reception Thu, Aug 6 · Open Fri–Sat, Aug 7–8

Made in China Art Exhibition

A group art exhibition celebrating China, Maine, at The Barn. Opening reception Thursday, August 6, 5–7 pm; open to the public Friday–Saturday, August 7–8, 10 am–2 pm. Free admission.

What We Do

Archive

Photographs, documents, and records from over 200 years of China, Maine history.

Programs

Community meetings, lectures, and events open to all residents.

See Upcoming Events →

Research & Publications

Genealogy assistance, local history research, and the Society’s publication record.

Ask a Research Question →

About the Society

Founded in 1974, the China Historical Society preserves the history of China, Maine – a town incorporated in 1818. We maintain an archive of photographs, documents, and records open to researchers, hold community programs throughout the year, and publish material on local history. Membership is open to anyone interested in the region’s past.

Read More About Us →

China Historical Society members

I, too, glory in the fact that I “belonged” to a rural community which shaped my life, gave me my line of direction, formed my mind, built my character, created my ideals and made me the kind of person I am glad to be.

Rufus Matthew Jones

Rufus Matthew Jones (1863–1948), born in South China, Maine

A Small-Town Boy, 1941

Join the China Historical Society

Your membership helps preserve the history of China, Maine for future generations – and gives you access to our archive, programs, and publications.