Historic Homes and Sites
South Coast region historic attractions add interest to your Maine getaway
6 listings
York Village, ME
York's Historic District
Route 1A 207-363-4974York 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.
Kittery Point, ME
Fort McClary State Historic Site
Pepperrell Road 207-490-4079Built 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.
Hours: Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day, 10am - sunset.
Admission: Adult Non-Residents $4, Adult Residents $3, Ages 5-11 and Senior Non-Residents $1.
York Harbor, ME
Sayward-Wheeler House
9 Barrell Lane Extension 207-384-2454Open 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.
Hours: June 1-October 15, second and fourth Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours on the hour.
Admission: $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50
Information: http://bit.ly/14MAUKf
South Berwick, ME
Hamilton House
40 Vaughan’s Lane 207-384-2454A 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.
Hours: Open from June 1-October 15, Thursday-Sunday 11am - 3pm. Tours available on the hour. Check website for admission.
South Berwick, ME
Sarah Orne Jewett House
5 Portland Street 207-384-2454Writer 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.
Hours: June 1-October 15, Friday-Sunday. Tours on the hour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $5; seniors, $4; students and children, $2.50.
Information: http://bit.ly/11AXfo3
Peak's Island, ME
Fifth Maine Regiment Museum
45 Seashore Avenue 207-766-3330Exhibits commemorate the Civil War, and in particular the contribution of Maine citizens to the war effort.
Hours: 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.