Donald G. Bennett, former president of the Bethel Historical Society, should be credited with naming the society’s annual heritage festival, Sudbury Canada Days, which was first held in August 1980.

The first event began modestly. Among the features were an antique show in General Alger’s Barn on Broad Street (now the Gideon Hastings House), children’s parade, craft demonstrations, historical film series, a Tom Sawyer fence painting contest, a tour of 18th century sites in Bethel, a slide presentation on Bethel’s architectural heritage, an old fashioned church service and an old time concert at the Middle Intervale Meetinghouse.

Sudbury Canada was Bethel’s original name, which was officially used from the date of granting in 1768 until 1796 when it was incorporated as the town we know today. The earlier name honored the original grantees from Sudbury, Mass., who had fought unsuccessfully to conquer Canada in 1690. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts rewarded these veterans with land in the “District of Maine,” naming it in honor of their Massachusetts town and the campaign in which they served. The Rev. Eliphaz Chapman is generally credited with naming Bethel, which comes from the Bible, meaning “House of God.”

This year’s event will be held on Aug. 12 to 14 and promises to be bigger and better than ever with a wide range of activities for all ages.

More than 1,300 members strong, the Bethel Historical Society, founded in 1966, is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive full-time historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the regional past for present and future generations.

For nearly 40 years, the society’s activities have included lectures, exhibits, special events, heritage festivals, workshops, conferences, school and educational programs and publications. Since 1974, the society has operated from its Broad Street headquarters, the Dr. Moses Mason House, a period house museum and research library.

In 1999, it opened the O’Neil Robinson House (next door at 10 Broad St.) to the public for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space and administrative offices. Through the years, the society’s achievements have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations.

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling (207) 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910 or e-mailing: [email protected]. Also check the Web-site: www.bethelhistorical.org.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.