The Bowdoin Chapter of Alpha Delta Phi was established on October 16, 1841. The Charter members were all of the class of 1842. For the first few years the meetings of the Chapter were held in a small building on the west side of the road running in front of the college. The Chapter was fortunate in the selection of suitable members from the very first, and at once established an enviable reputation for scholarship and general leadership. It was the first fraternity on the Bowdoin campus.

During July of 1898 the Alpha Delta Phi Chapter House Association was formed to “acquire and maintain a Chapter house in Brunswick…”. Later that year property was purchased on the corner of Maine and Potter streets and the house there was remodeled to serve as a new Chapter house until 1924. At that time it was decided that a new house should be built on the existing property and in June of 1925 the annual meeting was held in a new Adams Style house. This prompt construction was made possible by many gifts including a generous bequest of Marshall P. Cram, A.B., Ph.D., BDN 1904, Professor of Chemistry for many years.

During the years of 1861-1865, the Chapter furnished many members to the Armed Service, including Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a distinguished and notable war hero (he accepted General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox), later Governor of Maine and President of the college. His former house, now a museum, is located next door to the former Chapter house. In World War I, 116 Bowdoin Alpha Delt’s served and 6 lost their lives. The Chapter kept its flag flying throughout World War II, although reduced in numbers at one point, to six active members. About 200 from the Chapter served in the armed services, from Private to Major General, and seven gave their lives.

Due to postwar growth of the Chapter, a group of alumni, commencing in 1957, organized a fund raising and building program for expansion of the Chapter house, and by 1964 there had been added an addition to the dining room, and a major wing, including a library and additional living quarters.

During the early seventies the house suffered, actually closing for four years and used as a dormitory for the college. In 1976 the house reopened to a smaller, but stronger membership. Sometime thereafter the decision was made to allow women to be initiated, thus making the Chapter coed. Soon after, the College ruled that all fraternities must be coed, and eventually decided that all Greek societies must cease to exist at Bowdoin College.

The Fraternity made the Chapter inactive in 1992.