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KENNEBUNKPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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KHS PRELUDE
EVENTS SCHEDULE!
The Prelude season is almost here! Our full events schedule is available, and we’re excited to celebrate a fantastic
season with you!
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Cheers to Janet Poirier and to all our wonderful volunteers!
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PRESERVING THE PAST, PROTECTING THE FUTURE
Taking the first steps toward organizing, documenting, photographing, & properly storing our vintage clothing collection.
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PRESERVING MORE THAN HISTORY:
OUR ANNUAL APPEAL
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In the coming weeks, many of you will receive our annual appeal letter from our Board President, Andrea Rolleri. As you consider your seasonal giving, we hope you will include the Kennebunkport Historical Society among the organizations you choose to support.
Our work is about so much more than preserving historic buildings and caring for archival collections. We are the stewards of your stories, the keepers of family photographs, handwritten recipes, treasured diaries, letters, and the everyday objects that tell the extraordinary stories of ordinary lives.
We are a place where a grandmother's cherished possessions become part of a community's shared history. Where schoolchildren discover what life was like generations ago. Where volunteers find friendship, purpose, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. And where residents, researchers, and visitors can explore the people, places, and traditions that have shaped Kennebunkport.
Every photograph we preserve, every child we teach, every story we uncover, and every historic space we care for is made possible through the generosity of people like you.
As we look ahead to our 75th anniversary in 2027, we are especially mindful of the responsibility and privilege of carrying this history forward for future generations.
We simply cannot do this work without your support. Whether your gift is large or small, it makes a difference. Your generosity helps ensure that the stories of Kennebunkport, and the people who have called it home, will continue to be remembered, celebrated, and shared.
Thank you for believing, as we do, that our community's history is worth preserving.
Your history. Your community. Your Historical Society.
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GET READY FOR
CHRISTMAS PRELUDE 2026!
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CANDLELIGHT
& CHAMPAGNE:
A Prelude Celebration
at White Columns
We invite you to join us for our annual Prelude Kickoff Christmas Party on Thursday, December 3, from 6–9 PM.
This year's celebration will feature the wonderful musical talents of Lisa Mills and Women of Note, along with the return of our popular Taste of the Town, offering a delicious selection of passed and stationary hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants and caterers.
Tickets are $75 per person, or $65 for KHS members.
We also invite you to consider becoming a Prelude Party Sponsor for $250/$500, which includes two/four complimentary tickets to the party! Your sponsorship helps us bring the magic of Prelude to life while supporting the Society's ongoing work to preserve and share Kennebunkport's history.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you and thank all our sponsors, members, and friends for making these special traditions possible!
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COOKIE DECORATING:
With Mrs. Claus
Bring the little ones for a sweet holiday tradition during Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude! Join us at the historic Town House School on both Saturdays of Prelude, December 5 and 12, for a festive morning and afternoon of cookie decorating, creativity, and Christmas cheer!
Each child will decorate their own cookie box, create delicious holiday cookies to take home, write a special letter to Santa, and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus!
Tickets are $15 per participant and include all supplies and activities.
Reservations are available every half hour beginning at 9 AM, with the final session at 1:30 PM. Activities conclude at 2 PM.
Space is limited, and advance reservations are encouraged!
We can't wait to share a little Christmas magic with our youngest Prelude visitors!
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VICTORIAN MANSION
ERA TOURS:
of White Columns
Step back in time and experience the beauty of a Victorian Christmas at the historic Nott House, beautifully decorated for the holidays by our dedicated volunteers. Wander through festively adorned rooms, discover the traditions of Christmases past, and enjoy the warmth and charm of one of Kennebunkport's most treasured historic homes.
For an especially magical experience, join us for one of our popular Candlelight Tours, when the house takes on a beautiful holiday glow. These special evening tours are a Prelude favorite and often sell out, so we encourage you to reserve your tickets early!
Prelude Tour Hours:
- Friday & Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM, with Candlelight Tours from 4–7 PM
- Sunday: 1–4 PM
- Monday–Thursday: 10 AM–3 PM, with a special Candlelight Tour at 4 PM
We look forward to welcoming you to White Columns for a memorable holiday experience!
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MID-WEEK MUSIC:
6th Annual Christmas Show
It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! Join us at the historic Town House School for the 6th Annual Mid-Week Music Christmas Show, featuring the wonderful musical talents of Dana Pearson, Mark Gunter, and John Kumnick.
Now in its sixth year, this festive evening of holiday favorites, music, and good cheer has become a beloved Christmas Prelude tradition, bringing friends and neighbors together to celebrate the season.
Wednesday, December 9, at 5 PM | Town House School.
Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your seats early for this special evening of music and holiday spirit!
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THE MAINE MADE CRAFT FAIR:
Returns to White Columns
Shop Local at Our Christmas Prelude Craft Fair!
The festive tent returns to the lawn of White Columns this December as we welcome a wonderful collection of talented artisans and crafters for our annual Christmas Prelude Craft Fair!
From December 4–13, visitors can browse an ever-changing selection of handmade gifts, unique creations, and seasonal treasures, all while enjoying the magic of Christmas Prelude in the heart of Kennebunkport.
Our heated tent will feature a rotating collection of vendors throughout the ten-day celebration, offering plenty of reasons to stop by more than once! Whether you're searching for a special holiday gift or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of Prelude, we invite you to visit, shop local, and support the artisans who help make this event so special.
Craft Fair Hours:
- Friday and Saturday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
- Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–4 PM
We look forward to welcoming you to White Columns for another magical Prelude season!
** As Prelude approaches, keep an eye out on our website for a list of our vendors for each day of our Craft Fair **
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GIRL'S NIGHT OUT:
Wreath Decorating Party
Gather your friends for one of our most popular Christmas Prelude traditions! Our annual Girls' Night Out Wreath Decorating Party, generously sponsored by Wallingford Farm, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive evening of creativity, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Join us on Thursday, December 10, at 6 PM for a fun and festive BYOB evening decorating a beautiful holiday wreath to take home.
This event sells out every year, and space is limited! Be sure to reserve your spot early so you don't miss out on this holiday favorite.
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THE OFFICIAL PRELUDE DOCK SQUARE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
Whether you've lived here for generations or are visiting for the first time, there's always something new to discover about Kennebunkport! During the first weekend of Christmas Prelude, we invite our local community to join KHS historian Sharon Cummins for a fascinating walk through Dock Square, exploring the people, places, and stories that shaped our town's earliest days.
Visiting for Prelude? We'd love to share our history with you, too! Guided walking tours will be offered throughout both weekends.
Tours are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM, December 4–6 and 11–13.
Space is limited.
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TRAVELING TO THE PACIFIC IN THE 1830S:
Adventures Not for the Fainthearted!
Join us on Friday, December 11, at 4 PM at the historic Town House School for a fascinating guest lecture with Jean-Philippe Beaulieu, astrophysicist, Director of Research at the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, and Warren Chair Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Tasmania.
Travel back nearly two centuries to explore the extraordinary adventures and challenges of Pacific voyages in the 1830s. Through stories of maritime exploration and encounters with the peoples of Fiji, Tonga, and other Pacific islands, Jean-Philippe will offer a fascinating glimpse into the experiences of early travelers and the cultures they encountered.
Jean-Philippe has also generously shared his research with KHS historian Sharon Cummins, contributing to her Throwback Thursday exploration of Kennebunkport's maritime history and involvement in the China trade.
For a preview of these remarkable adventures, enjoy Sharon's Throwback Thursday story, "Kennebunk Ships on Wilde Adventures in the Pacific".
We hope you'll join us for this special opportunity to discover another fascinating chapter of our community's maritime history!
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LOOKING BACK:
A SUMMER OF STORIES & DISCOVERY
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SUMMER & FALL LECTURE SERIES
With Sharon Cummins
Our wonderful historian, Sharon Cummins, once again brought Kennebunkport's rich history to life through a series of engaging and informative lectures this summer and fall. From the fascinating history of St. Ann's Church and the stories of Goose Rocks Beach to the maritime heritage of Cape Porpoise and the history of the Indigenous peoples of the Kennebunks, each presentation offered a unique glimpse into the people, places, and events that have shaped our community.
These well-attended and enthusiastically received lectures are a wonderful example of our mission in action: to protect, preserve, and present the unique history of Kennebunkport for current and future generations.
We are especially grateful to Sharon for her tireless research, remarkable knowledge, and gift for storytelling. And, of course, we thank everyone who attended, asked questions, shared memories, and helped make this year's lecture series such a success. History is always more meaningful when we share it together!
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BEHIND THE SEAMS:
Preserving Our Vintage Clothing Collection
One of our most exciting behind-the-scenes projects this fall was a major undertaking to organize, document, photograph, and properly store the Historical Society's remarkable vintage clothing collection.
In September, we welcomed an enthusiastic team of volunteers from Wipfli, who joined our own dedicated volunteers and staff for a day devoted to caring for this special collection. Working together, the teams tackled everything from unpacking and inventorying garments to photographing, cataloging, labeling, and preparing items for long-term preservation.
Our collection includes clothing and accessories that offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives, fashions, and everyday experiences of generations past. But these garments are so much more than beautiful old clothing. Each piece has a story to tell about the people who wore it, the occasions they celebrated, and the times in which they lived.
We are also deeply grateful to the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, whose generous grant provided the funding for much-needed archival boxes, acid-free tissue, and other essential preservation materials. Their support has made it possible to give these delicate and irreplaceable pieces the proper care and protection they deserve.
This project represents an important step toward making the collection more accessible for future research, exhibitions, and educational programming, while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful Wipfli team, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, and our own dedicated volunteers and staff. Together, they have helped us take a significant step forward in the stewardship of this extraordinary collection. There is still much to do, but what a wonderful beginning!
Sometimes preserving history means rolling up our sleeves, opening a few boxes, and discovering the treasures waiting inside!
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A SUMMER FILLED WITH MUSIC!
History wasn't the only thing coming to life at the Historical Society this summer! We also enjoyed a wonderful season of live music, bringing friends, neighbors, and visitors together for some terrific entertainment.
Our talented Dana Pearson continued his popular midweek musical performances at the historic Town House School, welcoming an impressive lineup of local musicians, including Aja Bowley, John Kumnick, Dylan Kumnick, Mark Gunter, and Adam Dubay. From the rock 'n' roll classics of Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly to the timeless beauty of traditional torch songs, these performances offered a little something for everyone!
We also enjoyed a very special summer evening on the lawn of the Nott House, where singer Jo O'Connor and her band treated guests to a nostalgic journey through the music of the 1960s. With familiar songs, warm summer breezes, and the beautiful Nott House as a backdrop, it was an evening to remember.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dana and all the talented musicians who shared their gifts with our community. These performances are a wonderful reminder that our historic properties are not simply places where history is preserved, but welcoming spaces where people gather, friendships grow, and new memories are made.
We look forward to more music in the seasons ahead!
| | It has been an exciting season for our archives, as several remarkable and historically significant treasures have found a new home at the Kennebunkport Historical Society! | | | | | Roy Langenberg, a descendant of Dr. George F. Merrill, generously donated several beautiful original paintings, including works by celebrated local artists Louis D. Norton and Abbott Graves. The fascinating family connections behind these paintings were featured in Sharon Cummins' July Throwback Thursday story, Worlds Collide on Spring Street. | | We were also delighted to receive a generous donation from Mr. James Green of Pennsylvania, including original oil portraits of Eliphalet Perkins II and his wife, Elizabeth Stone Perkins, along with additional items from the Perkins family collection. | | | | | Another wonderful addition came from Jim Stockman, who donated a 1931 set of Sanborn Maps, complete with handwritten notes. These historic maps offer a fascinating glimpse into Kennebunkport's buildings, streets, and changing landscape. | | Each of these gifts adds another piece to the rich tapestry of our community's history. We are deeply grateful to these generous donors for entrusting us with their family treasures and historical collections. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to preserve these remarkable pieces of our past for generations to come. | | |
We have been so fortunate to welcome many wonderful new volunteers this year, including Janet “Jan” Poirier, who has quickly become an invaluable member of our docent team! Jan has generously stepped in to cover shifts whenever needed, warmly welcomed visitors to White Columns, and even invited us to share the Society’s mission with her condominium association, helping spread our message throughout the community.
Jan brings a wonderful background in event coordination and administration, having served as Event Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the President at Saint Anselm College, where she continues to volunteer at the Chapel Art Center. With a long family history of summers at Granite Point, Jan now enjoys making Kennebunkport her home. Her interests include gardening, history, antiques, and reading.
We are so grateful for Jan’s enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand. She, along with all our new volunteers, has been a wonderful addition to the Historical Society family!
| | BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE | |
WELCOME TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, JOYCE VIECELLI!
We are delighted to welcome a familiar face and longtime friend of the Kennebunkport Historical Society to our Board of Directors!
Originally from West Springfield, Massachusetts, Joyce Viecelli and her husband, Bill, now call Maine home. Over the past several years, Joyce has become an invaluable member of our volunteer family, generously sharing her time, talents, and enthusiasm in countless ways.
From helping in our gift shop and assisting with fundraising events to welcoming visitors, supporting our Cribbage Club, teaching art classes, and lending a hand wherever needed, Joyce has truly done a little bit of everything! Her creativity, warmth, and willingness to jump in have made her a treasured part of our organization.
Joyce also brings a wealth of professional and leadership experience to the Board. She spent 42 years as Practice Administrator for a successful oral surgery practice and previously served as President of the Ramapogue Women's Club. Her background in management, organization, and community service will be a wonderful asset as we continue to grow and plan for the future.
We are especially pleased that Joyce has chosen to deepen her commitment to the Society by joining our Board. She already knows our mission, understands our challenges, and shares our enthusiasm for all that lies ahead.
Welcome, Joyce! We are so fortunate to have you on our team!
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WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR DEPARTING
BOARD MEMBERS
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ann Kasyan and John Caron as they conclude their service on the Kennebunkport Historical Society Board of Directors.
Ann has brought wonderful energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. Her remarkable talent for securing donated items for our raffles has been especially appreciated! We are grateful for her dedication and generosity and sincerely hope she will continue to be part of our volunteer family.
Although John's time on the Board was brief, we are grateful for his willingness to serve and share his perspective. With the closing of The Landing School, professional and family commitments will be taking him away from the area for the foreseeable future. We wish him and his family all the very best in their next chapter.
To Ann and John, thank you for sharing your time, talents, and commitment to preserving Kennebunkport's history.
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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS!
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As we reflect on another wonderful season, we extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors. Their support makes it possible for the Kennebunkport Historical Society to offer engaging programs, special events, and educational opportunities while continuing our important work of preserving our community's history.
We are truly fortunate to have businesses and individuals who believe in our mission and invest in its future. We encourage you to show your appreciation by choosing our sponsors whenever possible for your shopping, dining, and business needs.
Support the businesses that support us! Together, we strengthen the community we all cherish.
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OTHER WAYS YOU CAN
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
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