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MUSEUMS
Alfred
Old Mill in Biddeford
Alfred Shaker Museum, 118 Shaker Hill Rd., Alfred. Restored buildings of former Shaker community. Wednesdays and Saturdays, May to October. FMI alfredshakermuseum.org or 324-8669 or 324-7650.
Biddeford
Biddeford Mills Museum, located at 2 Main Street, Building 18, Suite 108, is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon until 4 PM. The museum offers programs and tours of the historic mill complex in season. Tours are often conducted by former mill workers, offering insight into the 150-year history of the Biddeford/Saco mills.Explore the exhibits that tell the history of the second largest textile manufacturing plant in the United States. Enjoy a photo and video slideshow with details about the vast campus on the large-screen or ask to see the 30-minute narrated movie, A Walk Through History. Browse the collection of old Pepperell Sheet newspapers for familiar names, and see video interviews of former mill employees as they share personal memories of work in the mills. Visit the gift shop for a unique cribbage board made of old mill flooring. https://biddefordmillsmuseum.org FMI 207-229-6387
Kennebunk
The Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk
Brick Store Museum, 117 Main St., Kennebunk. A block of restored 19th century buildings. Exhibitions, events, guided and self-guided walking tours. Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM; Sunday, noon–4 PM. Ongoing exhibits. Free to members. FMI 985-4802 or www.brickstoremuseum.org
Kennebunkport
Pasco Exhibit Center of the Kennebunkport Historical Society. The society was established in l952 to preserve the history of Kennebunkport. The campus includes the Benson Blacksmith Shop, an old schoolhouse building, where there is a genealogical research library, and the former office of the Clark Shipyard of Kennebunkport, which contains a small maritime exhibit. 125 North St., Kennebunkport. Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM, year-round. FMI kennebunkporthistoricalsociety.org or 967-2751.
White Columns in Kennebunkport
White Columns, 8 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. Historic 1853 Greek Revival home with restored gardens and gift shop, owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Historical Society. 30-minute tours on the hour, starting at 10 AM; last tour begins 3 PM; Monday–Saturday, Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Closed late October to early May, except for first two weekends in December for Christmas Prelude. FMI kennebunkporthistoricalsociety.org or 967-2751.
Also found at White Columns is The First Families Museum - Kennebunkport’s George H.W. Bush exhibit. This one-room exhibit has a photo timeline of President George H.W. Bush’s life in and out the White House. The gallery also features rotating collections of Bush Family memorabilia and artifacts. Open 10 AM–4 PM. FMI visit http://www.kennebunkporthistoricalsociety.com/ or call 207-967-2751.
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
Seashore Trolley Museum houses one of the largest collections of electric and railway cars in the United States. It offers trolley rides in authentic cars, educational slide shows, displays of historic trolleys and a gift shop. Guided tours and trolley rides. The regular season is May through October, rain or shine. 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport. Please visit trolleymuseum.org for hours of operation and admission rates.
Kittery
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum, 200 Rogers Rd. Ext., Kittery. Items and artifacts that reflect Kittery’s rich historical and maritime past, including shipbuilding, toys, archaeological finds and household artifacts. Special programs offered year-round. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday, 1 to 4 PM, mid-April through Columbus Day. FMI kitterymuseum.com or 207-439-3080. http://www.kitterymuseum.com/
Ogunquit
Ogunquit Fire Company Fire Museum, Firemen’s Park, 86 Obed’s Lane, Ogunquit. On view 24 hours a day. View the steam pumper, firefighting memorabilia and memorials.
The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is located in the Captain James Winn House. The restored c.1780 cape retains many original architectural features. Exhibits focus on maritime history, Ogunquit’s famous artist colony, local Colonial architecture. A “Do You Remember?” room is devoted to more recent history. Free admission. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 1 to 5 PM, June to October. 86 Obeds Lane, 207-646-0296. http://www.ogunquitheritagemuseum.com/
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Ogunquit Museum of American Art, founded in 1952 by artist Henry Strater, is a privately endowed, nonprofit institution dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of 20th century American art. The property is surrounded by carefully tended gardens and landscaping. The glass-fronted lobby opens to a spectacular view of the sea. Open May 1 through October 31; daily, 10 AM to 5 PM. Located on Shore Road, Ogunquit. 207-646-4909. www.ogunquitmuseum.org
Old Orchard Beach
Harmon Museum of Old Orchard Beach Historical Society, 4 Portland Ave., Old Orchard Beach, Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM; Saturday, 10 AM–2 PM, late June through end of August, free admission. Open winter by appointment. FMI harmonmuseum.org or 934-9319.
Saco
Saco Museum is a regional museum of fine and decorative arts and historic artifacts. The collection contains more than 10,000 artifacts, including documented local furniture, clocks and other decorative arts such as silver, ceramics, textiles and costumes. Saco Museum features three permanent exhibits that explore the settlement period along the Saco River, immigration, industrialization and conservation in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the natural history of the area. Additionally there are two long term exhibit galleries and a large exhibit hall with frequently changing exhibits that feature the Saco Museum’s collection, regional art exhibitions and community events. The museum’s distinctive red brick Colonial revival building was designed by noted Maine architect John Calvin Stevens. 371 Main St. (Rte. 1), Saco. Tuesday–Thursday, noon to 4 PM; Friday, noon to 8 PM (free after 4 PM); Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; also Sunday, noon to 4 PM, June through December. FMI dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org or 283-3861.
Hamilton House, South Berwick
South Berwick
Counting House Museum is a brick cotton factory dating back to the 1830s located by the Salmon Falls River. It is the headquarters of the Old Berwick Historical Society, which owns and maintains the property. The building contains one of northern New England’s last textile mill ballrooms and has documents, photographs and historic curiosities covering a wide spectrum of community life in and around the Berwicks, the site of the first permanent settlement in Maine. Open 1 to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, June through October. Admission is free. Main (Route 4) and Liberty streets, 207-384-0000. www.obhs.net
Hamilton House, built in 1785, stands majestically on the banks of the Salmon Falls River. It is owned by the Society for Preservation of New England Antiquities. Restored in 1898, the home is decorated with elegant antiques, murals and country furnishings representing America’s Colonial period. There are lush gardens where concerts are held on Sunday afternons in the summer months. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM, June 1 through mid-October; tours offered on the hour; grounds open dawn to dusk. Last tour ar 3 PM. The property is adjacent to (and accessible by footpath from) Vaughns Woods. 40 Vaughans Lane, 207-384-2454. www.historicnewengland.org
Jewett House, the Georgian-style home of writer Sarah Orne Jewett, is owned by the Society for Preservation of New England Antiquities. The view from her desk in the second-floor hall overlooks the village of South Berwick and inspired material for her books, such as The Country of the Pointed Firs, which capture the character of the Maine countryside and seacoast. Open Friday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, June 1 through mid-October. Last tour is at 4 PM. First and third Saturdays, November to May. 5 Portland Street, 207-384-2454. www.historicnewengland.org
York
The pillory, Old Gaol, York
York’s Historic District comprises York Village, York Harbor and York Corners. The Old York Historical Society has eight historic museum buildings, including: a Colonial tavern, an old jail complete with dungeons and cells, a riverside estate filled with antiques and a warehouse that once belonged to patriot John Hancock.
The Old Gaol (Jail), a highlight of the Old York Historical Society properties, dates back to 1719. It housed prisoners from 1719 to1860 and is one of the oldest British public buildings in America. A tour of the famous “aol” includes a visit to the gaoler’s quarters, the cells and dungeons. Also on the site are a nature preserve, museum shop, contemporary art gallery and restored gardens.
The visitor center is located in Jefferds’ Tavern, Route 1A and Lindsay Road, in York Village. Open June through September 2, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 1 to 5 PM. September 7 to Columbus Day, open Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday, 1 to 5 PM. 207-363-4974. www.oldyork.org
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Strawbery Banke
Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum with restored furnished houses, exhibits, historical landscapes and gardens and costumed role players. In 1630 the Englishmen who settled on this tidal inlet of the Piscataqua River called their outpost Strawbery Banke because of the profusion of wild berries that grew near the river. In 1958, the founders of the museum chose to use the name (and spelling) of the original community. Strawbery Banke is an authentic neighborhood, with most of the 42 historic buildings on their original foundations. Some of the houses have been restored and furnished to particular periods; some are used for exhibits; others serve as shops for artisans practicing traditional trades. Open May 1 through October; daily, 10 AM to 5 PM for self-guided tours. The museum parking lot is on Hancock Street, 603-433-1100. www.strawberybanke.org
TOURS
Ogunquit Playhouse
Backstage Tours at Ogunquit Playhouse are offered from July to September. Visitors go behind the scenes to see how the magic on stage is made, from wigs, sound, sets and costumes to the dressing rooms, where stars such as Bette Davis, Myrna Loy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Walter Matthau, Steve McQueen, and more prepared for their performances. The tour highlights the history of the theatre, including how it survived the Great Depression. 90-minute and 45-minute tours can be purchased at the Box Office at 207-646-5511.
Biddeford/Saco self-guided walking tour includes City Theater, Saco City Hall, the Masonic Block, several churches, the Saco mill district and many fine examples of 19th century architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A walking map of Saco’s historic district is available at www.sacomaine.org/
Brewery Tours, Kennebunkport Brewery, the Shipyard Shops, 8 Western Ave., Lower Village, Kennebunk. See local ale being brewed. By appointment, preferably 24 hours in advance. Year-round. FMI 967-1261.
Historical Walking Tours, 11AM, Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk. Learn the history of the elaborate and historical homes that line Kennebunk’s Summer Street neighborhood. Led by trained tour guide. Continues Fridays and Saturdays through August. FMI 985-4802 or brickstoremuseum.org.
City Theater, Biddeford
Fishing and sight-seeing along the Kennebunkport coastline aboard the custom 23-foot Striper Swiper. Captain Greg Metcalf has more than 30 years of experience sport-fishing in the Northeast. Call Captain Greg at 401-617-9265, email greg@captaingregmetcalf or visit www.captaingregmetcalf.com
Historic Mill Tours, Biddeford, June to October. Visit a massive weaving room, a cotton warehouse, and the underground canals that powered the machines when they were first built in 1850. The two-hour tour meets at the Pepperell Center at 40 Main Street at 10 AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Book your tour online at least 12 hours in advance at biddefordmillsmuseum.org. Walk-in guests are welcome, but space is not guaranteed. Visit http://biddefordmillsmuseum.org
Historic Village Walking Tours from White Columns (formerly known as the Nott House), 8 Maine St., Kennebunkport, 11 AM, Thursdays and Saturdays, July and August; 11 AM, Saturdays, September. Adults, Open mid-June through mid-October. Tours are offered by the Kennebunkport Historical Society, which owns and maintains White Columns. FMI 967-2751.
Wood Island Light
Lighthouse Tours of Wood Island Light, Vine’s Landing, Biddeford Pool. Tours are in July and August on Wednesdays at 4:30 and 5:30 PM; Thursdays at 5 and 6 PM; and Saturdays at 1 and 2 PM. Tours run by the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse. FMI and reservations, call 286-3229 between 9 AM and 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday. Suggested donation is $10.
Tours at The Jagger Brothers Mill, 5 Water Street. Springvale. This family-owned mill has been spinning yarn in Springvale for over 100 years. The tour shows the process of spinning from bales of fiber to spun yarn. Yarn is available for purchase at the end of the tour. Tours offered the 4th Wednesday of the month at 10 AM. Reservations required; call 800-225-8023. Children must be at least age 12. Free.
Whale Watch Cruise aboard Nick’s Chance, an 87-foot-boat that travels 20 miles offshore to view whales, dolphins and other marine life. Scenic Lobster Tours also offered. Trips leave from Performance Marine, on the Kennebunk River in Kennebunk Lower Village. Call for times and reservations 1-800-767-BOAT or 967-5507.
LANDMARKS
The Wedding Cake House, Kennebunk
Kennebunk
First Parish Unitarian-Universalist Church on Main Street is a beautiful example of New Englandarchitecture. Built in 1772-73, the galleried church features an Asher Benjamin-type steeple and Paul Revere bell, both of which were added in 1803-04. In l838 the interior was divided into two levels, with the church proper on the second floor and meeting rooms, library and kitchen on the main level. 207-985-3700.
The Franciscan Monastery on Beach Avenue in Lower Village is a former private estate now owned and maintained by the Lithuanian Franciscan Fathers. It features a 30-acre park along the Kennebunk River designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Within the main building are art, antiques, a modern chapel and a gift shop. Open daily year-round. Free admission. 207-967-2011
The Wedding Cake House on Summer Street is one of the most photographed structures in the Kennebunks. This unique, Federal-style, brick house was built in l825 by shipbuilder George Bourne. He added the lavish, ornamental “frosting” about 25 years later. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wedding Cake House is a private home.
12 Depot Street, Kennebunk, Maine
P.O. Box 647, Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
207-467-3292 publisher@touristandtown.com