History

The Blue Hill Peninsula is home to a wealth of historical societies and museums whose treasures tell many rich and varied stories. What better way to learn what makes a town special then a visit to the historical society or town museum? Each is lovingly cared for and presented by members of the community who are eager to share with you, so why not take the time to visit, learn and be inspired. And with everyone’s new interest in “finding our roots,” a visit to a historical society or museum may be just what you need to discover that long lost relative!

BLUE HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE HOLT HOUSE ON WATER ST. The Holt

House (1815), and the carriage house, contain collections of antiques and artifacts, as well as archives, that tell the stories of Blue Hill families. A tour includes working tools and toys, costumes and carriages, glimpses of life during two centuries. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 1 - 4 p.m.from July 5 – Labor Day.

BROOKSVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, RTE. 176 ON BROOKSVILLE CORNER The

collection at this historical society includes marine artifacts, blacksmithing and farming tools, along with genealogical information. Additional geneology resources, such as cemetery and vital records compilations are also housed on site. Hours: Wednesday and Sunday 1-4pm, July and August. CASTINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT 17 SCHOOL ST., IN CASTINE Located in

the 1859 Abbott School and 1850 Samuel P. Grindle House on Castine’s historic and picturesque town common, the Society serves as a window into Castine’s extraordinary past. Through its seasonal, permanent and changing exhibitions, lectures, town walking tours, and historic reenactments, the Historical Society reveals the historic treasures and stories still present throughout the town. The Castine Historical Society, located in the Abbott School and Samuel P. Grindle House on the town common, serves as a window into Castine’s extraordinary past. Our permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history of Castine, lectures, house and garden tours and historic reenactments occur from early June through Columbus Day.

WILSON MUSEUM AT 120 PERKINS ST.,

IN CASTINE Be prepared for a tour through time and cultures as you enter the Wilson Museum Campus, a series of buildings begun in 1921 by geologist Dr. John Howard Wilson to house collections gathered around the world and close to home. Here you will see rocks and fossils from the earliest geologic times and will follow humankind’s advances in tool-making from pre-history through Castine’s rich local history. You can wend your way across continents

and among indigenous cultures through displays from Africa, the Americas and Bali, to name just a few.

WOODLAWN MUSEUM, GARDENS & PARK, RTE. 172, IN ELLSWORTH

Woodlawn is a 180-acre historic estate located a quarter mile from downtown Ellsworth, Maine. Once home to three generations of the Black family, it is now treasured for the Black House, its historic house museum, community and formal gardens, and its public park with walking trails. Visitors can explore a superb historic house, stroll through beautiful gardens, play croquet, hike on pristine trails, and much more. FORT KNOX HISTORIC SITE, 740 FORT KNOX RD, PROSPECT, MAINE Located

on the west bank of the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine, in an area known as the Penobscot Narrows, Fort Knox is one of the best-preserved military fortifications on the New England seacoast. The fort has many unique architectural features, as well as a rich history behind its walls. During the country’s infancy, Maine was repeatedly involved in northeast border disputes with British Canada. In fact, the area between Castine and the rich lumber city of Bangor was invaded and occupied by the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Fort Knox was established in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River Valley against a possible future British naval incursion.

COVID-19 restrictions will reduce museum hours in 2021. Please call for information and an updated schedule. The park and gardens are open daily free of charge from dawn to dusk.