Biddeford High School - B.H.S. Project ASPIRE
At Biddeford High School, our shared vision is that all students will graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in post-secondary education, compete in the global economy, and participate as informed citizens. Biddeford High School's Project Aspire is the alternative education program. Project ASPIRE stands for Achieving Success through Personalized Individualized Relevant Education. We have a small program of fifteen students involved in a variety of classes working towards their high school diploma. When students were asked what Project Aspire is, Shea Britton said, "It inspires students to stay in school."
BHS Project Aspire students with teacher Denise Doherty and Historical Society President Raymond Gaudette at the First Parish Meetinghouse, 2010
Biddeford Historical Society
The Biddeford Historical Society was chartered by the City of Biddeford to collect and preserve the history of Biddeford in one place and to educate the people of Biddeford in their cultural heritage. It now exists as a distinct corporation in the State of Maine "to establish, maintain, and conduct an historical and archives society": with the purpose of "collecting, discovering, procuring, and preserving data, records, objects and landmarks touching the history" of the State of Maine and the City of Biddeford. It uses the collection to educate people in the customs and habits of the past in the City and to preserve and perpetuate the memory of those who, through their labors and heroism, contributed to the history of the State and City.
Who says history can't be fun?
McArthur Public Library
McArthur Public Library opened as the Biddeford Public Library in 1863; it was a city department and located in the City Building. In 1894, the Mayor recommended that a private association assume the responsibility of maintaining a public library for the benefit of the city’s residents. With seed money willed to the association by Elizabeth Stevens, a retired employee of the Laconia mills, and the energy of Robert McArthur, an Agent of the Pepperell mills, the association bought the former Pavilion Congregational Church at 270 Main Street and dedicated the McArthur Library in October of 1902. Today we are a full service public library open 6 days a week and evenings. Our mission is to connect the Biddeford community with materials, programs, services, and informational and cultural resources needed to lead fuller, better, and richer lives.
