History of the Bangor Children's Home

For more than 190 years, caring for children has been at the heart of who we are.

The story of Bangor Children's Home began in 1835, when a group of women gathered as a sewing circle in Bangor, Maine. They came together with a desire to help women and children in their community. Their mission soon took shape around helping girls who were orphaned, abandoned, or living in difficult circumstances.

In 1836, the Bangor Female Orphan Asylum was established, opening its doors to girls from throughout the region. Over the years, hundreds of children found shelter, care, and a place to call home within its walls. After 1869, the institution expanded its services to include boys as well.

In 1869, the Bangor Orphan Asylum moved to its current location on Ohio Street and became known as the Bangor Children's Home. The beautiful Victorian building that stands today—including its distinctive mansard roof—has been part of the Bangor community ever since.

For generations, children who had few other places to turn found safety and care here. As social services changed throughout the twentieth century, so did the mission of Bangor Children's Home. The residential program eventually came to an end, and by 1975, the organization had transitioned to a child-care center and early education school.

While the way we serve children has changed, our commitment to children has not.

Today, Hilltop School continues that long tradition by providing children with a place to learn, grow, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. We are proud to carry forward a mission that began nearly two centuries ago while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today's children and families.

Being housed in a historic building gives Hilltop School a character and warmth that is difficult to replicate. When you walk through our doors, you don't feel like you've walked into a typical commercial childcare setting. Our historic Victorian building has unique spaces, original character, and a welcoming, home-like feel that makes Hilltop feel like a place where children belong—not simply a place where they spend their day.

Over the years, we have thoughtfully updated and maintained our building to meet the changing needs of the children and families we serve. While we are proud of the history and character of our building, safety always comes first. We maintain our facility in accordance with applicable licensing, building, fire, health, and safety requirements, while also carefully preserving the character of this historic property.

It is this combination of history, character, warmth, and thoughtful modern updates that makes Hilltop such a unique place for children to learn and grow.

Hilltop School is more than a childcare and early learning program—it is a place with a story.

We would love the opportunity to welcome you into our historic Victorian building on Ohio Street, show you our beautiful mansard roof and unique spaces, and share more about the history that makes Hilltop such a special part of the Bangor community.

We offer tours to families interested in our programs as well as individuals who have a personal or family connection to the former Bangor Children's Home. Tours must be scheduled in advance so that we can make sure someone is available to welcome you and give you the time and attention you deserve.

Historical information adapted from The Inmates and the Asylum: The Bangor Children's Home 1835–2002 by Trudy Irene Scee.