Maine is home to over 250 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Augusta and Portland to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Maine's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Maine State Museum
Location: Augusta, ME
Founded: 1836
Comprehensive museum in state capital interpreting 12,000 years of human history. Collections cover Native Wabanaki cultures, shipbuilding, granite quarrying, and industrial water power
Website: mainestatemuseum.org
Abbe Museum
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Founded: 1926
Dedicated to Wabanaki Native peoples' history and contemporary culture. Collections include archaeological materials, birch bark canoes, and contemporary Native art and crafts
Website: abbemuseum.org
Maine Historical Society
Location: Portland, ME
Founded: 1822
State's premier historical organization with museum and extensive research library
Website: mainehistory.org
Nylander Museum
Location: Caribou, ME
Founded: 1938
Preserves collections of Swedish immigrant naturalist Olof Nylander. Holdings include Aroostook County fossils, minerals, Native artifacts, and natural history specimens. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore local history through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs
Penobscot Marine Museum
Location: Searsport, ME
Founded: 1936
Documents Maine's seafaring heritage through ship models, navigation instruments, and captain's portraits. Campus includes historic buildings and extensive maritime artifact collections
Website: penobscotmarinemuseum.org
Submit a Society
Know of other Maine historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Maine History Resources
- Maine Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- Maine Historic Preservation Commission - State historic preservation office
- Maine State Archives - State archives in Augusta