Is There a Benefit to Banking Local?
When it comes to where you choose to bank, convenience and technology are important. But banking locally is also about ...
For 135 years, First Seacoast Bank has been more than a place to manage money. We’ve been a constant through generations of change, a partner in times of uncertainty and growth, and a cornerstone of the Seacoast community since 1890. What started as a single bank serving local families has grown into a trusted financial institution rooted in tradition and focused on the future.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re taking a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve built together, and where we’re headed next.
Built on Trust. Growing with Purpose.
Our story is one of people, not just numbers. For more than a century, our customers have counted on us for honest guidance, personalized service, and a commitment to doing what’s right. That trust is why parents bring their kids to open their first accounts, why local businesses bank with us through every stage of growth, and why so many choose to stay with First Seacoast Bank for life.
We’re proud of our past, but we’re not standing still. Today, we continue to evolve while staying true to our community-first values. That means expanding digital tools, simplifying the way you bank, and offering products that work harder for you.
One example? Our Rewards Checking accounts. It’s a customer favorite, with no monthly maintenance fees and built-in perks just for doing your everyday banking. Whether you’re making debit card purchases or signing up for eStatements, you can earn rewards without changing your routine.
A Look Back: 135 Years of Milestones
It all began in 1890, when a group of Dover citizens came together in the Cocheco Hose Company building to form the Dover Cooperative Savings Fund and Loan Association. Their mission was simple: support the local community with dependable banking services. Over the decades, as the Seacoast evolved, so did we, expanding locations, adopting new technologies, and staying rooted in service.
From the early 1900s through the postwar boom, the bank helped families finance homes, supported small businesses, and modernized its offerings. In 1983, we became Federal Savings Bank, and in the 1990s and 2000s, we embraced online and mobile banking to meet customers wherever they were. Our Rochester office, which opened in 2009, introduced a new style of service designed around meaningful conversations, not just transactions.
By the time we celebrated our 125th anniversary in 2014, we were already looking ahead, launching mobile deposit, supporting community spaces like Puddle Dock Pond, and reaffirming our commitment to giving back. The next year, in 2015, we established the First Seacoast Community Foundation, expanding our reach to support even more local nonprofits. And in 2019, our rebrand to First Seacoast Bank brought our identity into alignment with the communities we proudly serve across New Hampshire and Maine.
Deep Roots, Local Impact
As a true community bank, we measure success by the relationships we build and the difference we make. You’ll find us supporting local nonprofits, partnering with schools and small businesses, and showing up for events that make this region unique. From Dover to Portsmouth and beyond, our team is part of the fabric of the Seacoast.
And we’re not just in the community, we are the community. Many of our employees live here, raise families here, and volunteer here. It’s personal for us, and it always has been.
Focused on the Future
While our roots run deep, our vision looks forward. That means continuing to invest in technology, enhancing your experience both in-branch and online, and helping you navigate your financial goals with clarity and confidence. Whether you're opening your first account or planning for retirement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We’re also continuing to offer services that reflect how you live, work, and bank today. That includes mobile and online banking, personalized lending solutions, and competitive accounts that reward your loyalty and smart money habits.
Celebrate With Us
Our 135th anniversary is a celebration of the people who have made this journey possible. To our customers, employees, and community partners, thank you. Your trust and support have shaped who we are and continue to guide who we want to be.
We invite you to celebrate with us by learning more about our story, exploring the services we offer, and discovering how we can help you achieve what’s next.
Visit our site to learn more or stop by your local branch to say hello. We’d love to see you.
Here’s to 135 years of partnership, progress, and community. And here’s to the future we’ll build together.
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