Western Lakes/Mountains historic attractions add interest to your Maine getaway
Marrett House
40 Ossipee Trail East, Route 25
Standish, ME
Phone: 207-882-7169
Open seasonally. Visit HistoricNewEngland.org for hours and admission.
In 1796, Daniel Marrett moved to Standish, Maine, with his wife to assume the post of town minister. He purchased the most imposing house in town to reflect his status as the community’s leading citizen. Each room showcases treasured possessions, including pewter, ceramics, and textiles from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Marrett House is a classic example of the “big house, little house, back house, barn” configuration. A 20th-century perennial garden is located beside the house.
Admission:$5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Muskie Archives
Bates College
Lewiston, ME
This small library houses papers of and an exhibit about the late U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie. Muskie also served as Maine Governor, U.S. Secretary of State, and was an alumnus of Bates College.
Naples Historical Society Museum
Route 302 Village Green
Naples, ME 04055
Phone: 207-693-6879
OPne: July-August, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Exhibits focus on the area's history, particularly the use of the C & O Canal and the steamboats which were a mode of transportation on Sebago and Long Lakes over a century ago.
Norlands Living History Center
Route 4
Livermore, ME
Phone: 207-897-4366
A former farm, now comprised of a barn, victorian mansion, library and one-room schoolhouse. All give visitors a window into life in the 19th century. Programs are scheduled there throughout the year.
Parson Smith House
Windham, ME
Historic home features 18th and 19th century household items and furniture.
Shaker Society
New Gloucester, ME
Originally founded in 1793, the society is now a wellspring of Shaker history and cultural information.
Washburn-Norlands Living History Center
290 Norlands Rd.
Livermore, ME 04253
Phone: 207-897-4366
Open: July 1-Labor Day, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 6 p.m.; September 4-October 7, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 6 p.m.; October 8-June 30, weekdays, 2:30-4 p.m. or by appointment.
The Norlands Living History Center helps rural 19th century New England come to life. The center has six buildings depicting a crossroads community. There is a one-room schoolhouse, stone library, church and grand mansion built in 1867. Toys, clothing and personal items appear to tell the story of every day life in the Washburn Mansion. Norlands was the family home of the Washburns, one of the great American political dynasties. The 445-acre site, with five historic buildings, offers hands-on living history experiences in 19th century rural life for all ages. Cost: Tours, adults, $5.50; students, $2.
Willowbrook Museum
70 Elm Street
Newfield, ME 04056
Phone: 207-793-2784
Open: Thursday through Monday, Memorial Day weekend through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Two historic houses and their barns, a reproduction schoolhouse and bandstand, and a millpond grace this restored country village. Exhibits include horse-drawn sleighs and carriages, an 1849 Concord stagecoach, a 1894 carousel, gas engines, and various trades shops — blacksmith, broom maker, canoe builder, cooper, cobbler, harness maker, printer, wheelwright, woodworker. Plan to spend about three hours. Picnicking welcome. Cost: Adults, $9; seniors age 65 and older, $7.50; students age 6-18, $4. Visit willowbrookmuseum.org.
Bates College
Lewiston, ME
Founded in 1855, Bates College has the distinction of being the first coeducational college in the eastern United States.
Bethel Village
Bethel, ME
This picture-postcard village has charmed visitors for over 100 years. Originally founded in the late 17th century, the town features many 18th and 19th century homes and shops. The ambiance is that of a traditional New England town, so much so that Bethel has even been featured on Hallmark card.
Bridgton Historical Society Museum
2 Lingalls Road
Bridgton, ME 04009
Phone: 207-647-3699
Open: Late fall-early winter, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., weather permitting
The former fire station on Gibbs Avenue (built in 1878) in downtown Bridgton houses the Bridgton Historical Society's Museum collections, archives, and research facilities. Special exhibits change each summer, and programs on Bridgton history and related topics are held throughout the year. Topics of exhibits include the narrow-gauge railroad, the Civil War, and more.
Cumberland and Oxford Canal
Windham, ME
Over a century ago, the Cumberland and Oxford Canal was the busiest in the state of Maine. Remains of the canal can be seen in several places in Windham.
Dr. Moses Mason House
Broad and Mason
Bethel, ME 04217
Phone: 207-824-2908
Open: Guided tours, July 1- Labor Day, Tuesday- Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; September- June, by appointment
Built in 1813, this home is now a museum featuring changing and permanent exhibits, as well as a theater. Historic films and lectures are scheduled there year-round. The museum also houses historic archives and is home to the Bethel Historical Society. Cost: Adults, $3; children age 6-12, $1.50.
Fryeburg Academy
Fryeburg, ME
This historic school was founded in 1791, and is one of the oldest, continuously operating preparatory schools in the country.
Hebron Academy
Route 119
Hebron, ME
Phone: 207-966-2100
This historic prep school was founded in 1804.
Historic District
New Gloucester, ME
Explore this quaint village and its 18th and 19th century structures.
Indian Burial Ground
Windham, ME
Native Americans inhabited the area for centuries before colonists from Europe arrived. This burial ground is an example of a now vanished culture.
