In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Maine Historical Society Facts

Founded:
Founded in 1822, the Maine Historical Society is the third oldest state historical society in the United States.

Mission:
The Maine Historical Society preserves the heritage and history of Maine: the stories of Maine people, the traditions of Maine communities, and the record of Maine's place in a changing world. Because an understanding of the past is vital to a healthy and progressive society, we collect, care for, and exhibit historical treasures; facilitate research into family, local, state, and national history; provide education programs that make history meaningful, accessible and enjoyable; and empower others to preserve and interpret the history of their communities and our state.

Collections:
The Brown Library collection at Maine Historical Society spans the 16th to 21st centuries and is the state’s most comprehensive resource for the study of Maine and New England history. The rich and voluminous manuscript collections include personal papers, diaries, maps and the records of businesses, proprietorships and towns. Every county in the state is represented. Special collections include major photographic holdings, broadsides, postcards, railroad and engineering drawings, and the largest single collection of architectural plans in the state.

The Maine Historical Society Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. Original and provocative exhibitions feature art, artifacts and documents that vividly bring Maine history to life. Politics, culture, sports, religion, art and business all find expression through the Society’s extraordinary collections.

Facilities:
The Maine Historical Society's one–acre campus, which is open year round, is situated in downtown Portland, across from Monument Square. MHS is comprised of the Wadsworth–Longfellow House and Longfellow Garden, the Maine Historical Society Museum and Store, the MHS Research Library and the Maine Memory Network.

Activities:
Programs and events at Maine Historical Society are listed here.