NEWS | Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center announces 2026 Hall of Fame inductees

A formal induction ceremony is scheduled Sept. 26 to honor the contributions and accomplishments of the inductees

CONTRIBUTED STORY | Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the ninth annual Biddeford Hall of Fame Awards for 2026, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the city and beyond.

The induction ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Biddeford High School’s Little Theater on Maplewood Avenue in Biddeford.

The ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a light luncheon for this year’s inductees, current Hall of Fame members and their guests.

The list of this year’s honorees includes the following:

ALFRED BONNEAU | Cultural Heritage & Advocacy

Alfred Bonneau was a leading voice for Biddeford’s Franco-American community. In 1896, he founded La Justice de Biddeford, a French-language newspaper that endured for more than half a century and gave Franco-Americans a powerful voice while promoting their language, culture, heritage and participation in community life.

DR. ROBERT L. CARET | Leadership & Public Service

From humble, working-class roots in Biddeford, Dr. Robert L. Caret rose to national prominence as a leader of major American universities and public university systems. The first in his immediate family to attend college, Caret never forgot his Biddeford beginnings and devoted his distinguished career to leadership, public service and expanding opportunity for others.

FATHER DAVID ETHELBERT FLOOD, OFM | Faith & Scholarship

Biddeford native Father David Ethelbert Flood, OFM, achieved international distinction as a Franciscan priest, historian and author. During a lifetime of religious service and scholarship, his groundbreaking research and more than 50 published works made lasting contributions to the understanding of St. Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscan movement.

DR. CARY SNEIDER | Science & Innovation

Dr. Cary Sneider grew up and attended school in Biddeford, where his family was part of the city’s business and Jewish communities and he was connected to Congregation Etz Chaim. He went on to become a nationally recognized scientist and researcher whose influential work helped shape science standards and the teaching of science to generations of American students.

CAPTAIN SETH SPRING | Patriotism & Civic Heritage

Captain Seth Spring served in the American Revolution and fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill before becoming a prominent Biddeford businessman and innkeeper. His Spring’s Tavern became a well-known stopping place and made history in 1825 when Spring welcomed General Marquis de Lafayette to Biddeford during Lafayette’s celebrated farewell tour of America.

Banners honoring members of the Biddeford Hall of Fame are currently displayed on the streets of Biddeford. Following this year’s ceremony, banners honoring the five new inductees will join them in downtown Biddeford, and plaques recognizing the new members will be added to the Hall of Fame display at Biddeford City Hall.

“This is our ninth year, and once again, we are fortunate to have an outstanding group of people representing our community,” said BCHC President Diane Cyr. “Each of this year’s inductees has made an impact that reaches well beyond Biddeford, while remaining an important part of our city’s story. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and share their stories with the community.”

Cyr said her organization hopes that the inductees’ accomplishments will inspire others.

“We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals and learning more about the contributions they have made to Biddeford and beyond,” she said.

Cyr also expressed her gratitude to the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, whose members drew upon their knowledge of Biddeford’s history and its people in selecting this year’s inductees.

For more information or questions about the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, you may contact Diane Cyr at bchc04005@gmail.com or by phone, 207-283-3993.

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