Peaks Island Batteries
Peaks Island, ME
Installed during World War II and designed to defend the Portland area (with its Naval base) from potential attack.
South Coast region historic attractions add interest to your Maine getaway
Perkins Cove Drawbridge
Ogunquit, ME
The only foot drawbridge in New England, and one of the few in the country.
Sarah Orne Jewett House
5 Portland Street South Berwick, ME Phone: 207-384-2454
Open: June 1-October 15, Friday-Sunday. Tours on the hour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Writer Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) chronicled the lives of the country people of coastal Maine in books like The Country of the Pointed Firs. She spent much of her life in this stately Georgian residence. Jewett and her sister decorated the house as an eclectic blend of family furnishings from various eras, set off by the imposing 18th-century interior.
Admission: $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Admission: $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Sayward-Wheeler House
9 Barrell Lane Extension York Harbor, ME Phone: 207-384-2454
Open seasonally. Visit HistoricNewEngland.org for hours and admission.
This house, overlooking a once-bustling waterfront, was the home of prosperous merchant, judge, and leading citizen Jonathan The house was updated as a summer residence in the early 20th century, but in the parlor, the original furnishings and family portraits remain in place, creating a time capsule of the Colonial era.
Admission:$5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Admission:$5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
The Wreck of the Helen Eliza
Peaks Island, ME
The Helen Eliza foundered on the rocks off the southern end of Peaks Island in 1869. The view of the wreck site inspired Longfellow to write Wreck of the Hesperus.
York's Historic District
Route 1A York Village, ME Phone: 207-363-4974
York was the first officially chartered city in America, made a Royal Colony in 1641. Now an outdoor historic site, visitors will see several colonial structures, including the Elizabeth Perkins House (built in 1730), the Emerson Wilcox House (built in 1742), the Jefferds Tavern (built in 1750), the John Hancock Wharf (built in 1800), the Old Gaol (built in 1720), and the One Room Schoolhouse (built in 1745). Maintained by the Old York Historical Society, most of the structures are open for visitors and contain exhibits and authentic colonial artifacts.
Brick Store Museum
117 Main Street Kennebunk, ME 04043 Phone: 207-985-4802
Open: Year round, Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.; closed all national holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and few days between Christmas and New Year.
Exhibits and collections include Artifacts and papers pertaining to the maritime heritage of the Kennebunks and items from the estates of renowned authors, Kenneth Roberts and Booth Tarkington. Highlights include quilts with secret pouches and handwritten inscriptions; a rare chest dating to 1685; a painting found floating at sea of a Kennebunkport ship captain; pieces salvaged from area shipwrecks; a Civil War drum for a real surprise; and the largest collection of World War I and II posters in Maine. Cost: Suggested donation of $3.
Fifth Maine Regiment Museum
45 Seashore Ave Peak's Island, ME 04108 Phone: 207-766-3330
Open: Memorial Day-July 1, weekends, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; July 1-Labor Day, week-days, 1 to 5 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Labor Day-Columbus Day, weekends, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Exhibits commemorate the Civil War, and in particular the contribution of Maine citizens to the war effort. Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person.
First Church
Wells, ME
This historic church was complete in the mid 18th century.
Fort McClary
Kittery, ME Phone: 207-384-5160
Built in 1690, this Colonial fort takes visitors back to the beginnings of coastal Maine's strong maritime background. Hiking trails are also a part of this state historic site, in addition to a picnic area. Open Memorial Day-Sept. 30. A fee is charged.
Hamilton House
40 Vaughan’s Lane South Berwick, ME Phone: 207-384-2454
Open: June 1-October 15, Wednesday-Sunday. Tours on the hour, 11 am-4 p.m.
A century ago, Emily Tyson and her stepdaughter, Elise, came upon this mansion on a bluff overlooking the Salmon Falls River. Its beauty cast a spell on them and the two women dedicated themselves to its restoration. Inspired by the Colonial Revival movement, they strove to create a vision of a glorious past, with painted murals, antiques, hooked rugs, and country furnishings. The extensive formal garden and pergola have been partially restored.
Admission: $8; seniors, $7; students and children, $4.
Admission: $8; seniors, $7; students and children, $4.
Hussey Seating Company
North Berwick, ME
This company was a major manufacturer in the area during the 19th century. They build farm plows, and the original plant is still standing. Visitors there can see a variety of plows dating back to when the factory first opened.