Rumford Area Historical Society

05/18/2026

THANK YOU! ❤️📜
​We are incredibly grateful to our amazing community for your continuous support of our annual fundraiser! Your generosity ensures that our local history stays alive for generations to come.
​An event like this truly takes a village, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible dedication of our officers, board of directors, and volunteers. Thank you for working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this success possible!
​To everyone who baked, donated, attended, and cheered us on—thank you for standing by us. We are so proud to be a part of this community!
​

05/02/2026

04/24/2026

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Dru Brenton, a devoted archivist of the Rumford Area Historical Society. Dru’s commitment to preserving the history and heritage of our community was exemplary and will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for the Society’s mission were evident in all she did. Dru’s contributions have enriched our understanding of the past and strengthened our connection to it.
The Rumford Area Historical Society extends our sincere condolences to Dru’s husband, Dennis, her son Michael and daughter in-law Tammy, friends, and colleagues. Her constant presence every Thursday at the Archives will be missed.

View Druscilla "Dru" Breton's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/18/2026

https://www.meaderandson.com/obituaries/Jane-Welch-Peterson?obId=48153272

04/18/2026

The Rumford Area Historical Society mourns the passing of longtime member and past
president, Jane Welch Peterson, whose dedication and passion helped shape our organization.
Jane played a vital role in bringing the Society into the digital age. Through her work
establishing our presence on the Maine Memory Network, she made our collections accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that Rumford’s rich history can be shared and preserved for generations to come.
She will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering commitment, and her deep love of local history.
We extend our sincere condolences to her daughter, Kerry Berrier; her son, Mike Peterson; her sister, Ann Welch; her cousin, Sally Welch Jordan, Barbara Burns and Rob Cameron; and her extended family and loved ones.
Her legacy will not be forgotten.

04/12/2026

02/05/2026

The Rumford Post Office being built. A few of the pictures are dated 1916 & 1917.
Photos on file at the archives.

12/25/2025

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteers for their outstanding support and commitment to the Rumford Area Historical Society. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Janice Irish
Lewis Irish
Chris Bryant
Allan Gallant
Cathy Gallant
Mary Lapointe
Dennis & Dru Brenton
Gene Gilbert

12/07/2025

For Sale

The Rumford Area Historical Society now has the 2026 calendars available for $8.00 each.
This year’s calendar features prominent local residents from the early days of Rumford Falls.

If you would like yours mailed, please add $5.00 for shipping.

Thank you for your continued support!
Rumford Area Historical Society
145 Congress Street
Rumford, Maine 04276