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 Historical Society
Location: Portland, ME
Founded: 1822
One of America's oldest historical societies, maintaining extensive research library and museum collections documenting Maine history from colonial times through maritime heritage, lumbering, and tourism industries.
Website: mainehistory.org
Maine State Museum
Location: Augusta, ME
Founded: 1836
Explores Maine's natural and cultural heritage through exhibits on Native Americans, fishing and maritime industries, manufacturing, and "Made in Maine" products. Located in the Maine State House complex.
Website: mainestatemuseum.org
Penobscot Marine Museum
Location: Searsport, ME
Founded: 1936
Celebrates Maine's maritime heritage through historic buildings, ship models, marine art, and collections documenting Maine's shipbuilding tradition, fishing industry, and seafaring culture.
Website: penobscotmarinemuseum.org
Maine Historical Society
Location: Portland, ME
Founded: 1822
State's premier historical organization with museum and extensive research library. Collections document maritime heritage, lumbering industry, Longfellow family, and Franco-American culture.
Website: mainehistory.org
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
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
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.
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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