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KENNEBUNKPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNSHIP
A unique internship for a high school junior or senior passionate about history and social media.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Cheers to Martha & Anne, and to all our wonderful volunteers!
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ARTISANS NEEDED
This year’s Maine Made Craft Fair will take place under the tent at White Columns for two days - Vendors & Crafters Needed!
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UPCOMING LECTURE:
GHOST CASES FROM INSPIRED GHOST TRACKING
We are excited to welcome Rob Gutro back to the Town House School on Wednesday, October 30, at 1 PM for his second lecture: Ghost Cases from Inspired Ghost Tracking. Rob will take the audience behind the scenes of real-life paranormal investigations, sharing eerie and fascinating cases from his experiences with the Inspired Ghost Tracking group. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about ghostly encounters like the Dismembered Ghost, the Alleyway Ghost, and the House of Darkness. Rob’s books will be available for purchase, and as always, donations to support the Society are appreciated.
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MONTHLY CONCERTS:
AT THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL WITH DANA PEARSON
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The Kennebunkport Historical Society is thrilled to continue its monthly concert series at the Town House School, led by local musician Dana Pearson and his esteemed guest performers. This past summer, audiences were treated to a variety of themed shows, including tributes to Elton John, 1950s music, Tom Petty, and a special performance titled Nothing but the Blues. Each concert offered a unique musical journey, celebrating the talents of Dana Pearson and his fellow musicians.
We invite you to join us for these intimate performances and experience the magic of live music right here in Kennebunkport. Be sure to check our upcoming concert schedule and mark your calendars for the next show!
Coming on October 29: Initials JR: CD release concert at 7PM at the Town House School. For more information about the band: http://initialsjr.com/
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GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS PRELUDE 2024! | | |
As the holiday season approaches, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s Christmas Prelude events at the Kennebunkport Historical Society, sure to bring magic and merriment to all! | |
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ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GALA
Join us for the highly anticipated Christmas Gala at White Columns on Thursday, December 5th, from 6–9 PM. Unlike past years, tickets will not be sold on a rolling basis, so keep an eye out for our official announcement for when sales begin! We are also seeking sponsors for this festive event. Sponsors’ names will be prominently featured throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate and support your community during this wonderful evening.
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TWO-DAY MAINE MADE CRAFT FAIR
This year’s Maine Made Craft Fair will take place under the tent at White Columns for two days, giving you more opportunities to explore local artisans’ incredible creations.
On December 6th and 7th, talented Maine makers, from photographers to jewelers, textile artists, and authors, will be showcasing their best works. Artisans can sign up for either one day or both—so mark your calendars for this exciting Prelude tradition!
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COOKIE DECORATING WITH MRS. CLAUS
For families, we are bringing back a festive favorite: Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus! This charming event will be held at the Town House School, which offers ample free parking. Join us on both Saturdays of Prelude from 10 AM to 4 PM for a sweet time decorating cookies and making memories. Reservations are required, so make sure to book early!
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CHRISTMAS CAROL
SING-A-LONG: FOR SENIORS & FRIENDS
Join us for a heartwarming Christmas Sing-a-long on Thursday, December 12, at 1 PM at the Town House School! We are excited to partner with local musician Patricia Mulholland, renowned for her work with seniors, to promote joy and well-being through the power of song. This event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends, family, and the community. Don’t miss this special gathering designed to spread holiday cheer through music.
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MID-WEEK MUSIC: 4TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOW
It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…with Christmas music. To meet that need, pianist Mark Gunter, bassist John Kumnick, and guitarist Dana Pearson get together at the Town House School to present their fourth annual Christmas Show. Join us on Wednesday, December 5th at 7pm OR on Sunday, December 8th at 1pm to hear a mix of religious songs (“O Holy Night”) with secular ones (“Santa Claus is Back in Town”).
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"GIRLS NIGHT OUT": 3RD ANNUAL WREATH DECORATING
Gather your friends, bring your creativity, and maybe an adult beverage, for our 3rd Annual Wreath Decorating "Girl's Night Out"! Join us on Thursday, December 12, at 7 PM at the Town House School for a fun evening of holiday crafting. Sponsored by our friends at Wallingford Farm, this event is perfect for creating a beautiful, custom wreath to take home and enjoy for the season.
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PAST EVENTS:
AT THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL
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MEET & GREET WITH AUTHOR JEAN BECKER | |
On September 25, the Kennebunkport Historical Society hosted a special meet and greet with Jean Becker, former Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush. Becker signed copies of her new book, Character Matters… and Other Lessons Learned from George H.W. Bush, and gave an engaging talk accompanied by a slide presentation. Attendees were treated to touching stories and reflections on President Bush’s legacy, drawn from her personal experiences and memories shared by family, friends, and notable figures. Thank you to all who joined us for this memorable evening! | |
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A MEMORABLE ANNUAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
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Last month, we gathered for our annual membership meeting, chaired by our new Board President, Andrea “Andy” Rolleri, who has served on the KHS Board for several years. With her background as a museum designer and her hands-on approach, Andy brings a wealth of expertise and energy to our mission. In addition to her role as President, she chairs the Buildings and Grounds committee, serves on the education and collections committees, and contributes her professional touch to our exhibits and informational panels. We are excited to have her leading us for the next term.
We also introduced Ann Nevius as our new Treasurer. Ann, a Harvard Business School graduate, stepped into this role after Mike Burd had to step down for personal reasons earlier this year. We are pleased to welcome Mike Burd back to the Board, and grateful for Ann’s dedication behind the scenes in multiple capacities.
Albert Black, having served three non-consecutive terms on the Board, was unanimously granted emeritus status. His leadership and commitment throughout the years have been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of his continued involvement.
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Additionally, we welcomed Christopher Dakers as the new Junior Board President. Chris has been a long-time volunteer at KHS, following in the footsteps of his father, Dana Dakers, a former KHS Board President. As a high school senior at Proctor Academy, Chris volunteered throughout the summer, giving tours at the Nott House and assisting behind the scenes. His passion for his hometown of Kennebunkport, for the Society, and his leadership within the Junior Board are inspiring.
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We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board members, Steven Lacey, who completed his term virtually after relocating to the south, and Dawn Werner, who served as event chair for this summer’s successful 1970s gala. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental, and we are incredibly grateful for your service.
To capture the highlights of our journey over the past year, Emma Stevens created a wonderful year-in-review video. We invite you to watch the video by clicking on the image below to relive some of the memorable moments that have shaped our Society this year.
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A VISIT WITH ROB GUTRO:
PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE
Last month, on September 11, we were honored to host Rob Gutro, author and paranormal investigator, at the Town House School. His insightful lecture, Pets and the Afterlife, captivated attendees as he shared touching stories about how pets communicate with us from beyond. Rob’s unique blend of scientific knowledge and mediumship offered a comforting perspective for those coping with the loss of a beloved pet. His interactive session encouraged participants to share their own experiences, making it a truly engaging and heartfelt event. We thank everyone who attended and supported the Society!
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THE GREAT FIRE OF 1887:
WITH JAMES M. STOCKMAN
This past summer, we were honored to host local firefighter and historian James M. Stockman for a compelling lecture on the Great Fire of 1887. Drawing on his 45 years of experience in Kennebunkport’s firefighting community, Mr. Stockman shared in-depth research on the devastating fire and how it transformed the town. The audience was captivated by his insights into the evolution of firefighting techniques and the lasting impact of the event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Stockman for his engaging presentation and to everyone who joined us for this fascinating glimpse into Kennebunkport's history.
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EXPLORING KENNEBUNKPORT'S ROOTS WITH GENEALOGIST, FRED BOYLE | |
This past summer, the Kennebunkport Historical Society welcomed renowned genealogist and author Frederick Boyle to the Town House School for a special book signing event. At 94 years old, Boyle continues to make incredible contributions to the field of genealogy, and his latest work, Early Families of Kennebunkport, Maine, delves into the history of the town’s founding families. During the event, attendees were treated to Boyle’s insights into families such as the Downings, Fairfields, Goodwins, and many more who shaped Kennebunkport’s early years.
Boyle, a longtime professional genealogist and respected author, shared his wealth of knowledge, drawing from decades of research. His book explores Kennebunkport’s history from the first settlers in 1623 through the mid-19th century, offering a comprehensive look at the community’s growth and resilience. It was an afternoon of rich history, engaging stories, and a wonderful opportunity for the audience to connect with one of the most prominent figures in genealogical research.
If you missed this event, Boyle’s book is available for purchase. Simply contact us and we will connect you with the author.
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PAST EVENTS:
AT THE NOTT HOUSE
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OUR 1970'S FUNDRAISER WAS A RETRO-BLAST AND HUGE SUCCESS!
On a beautiful summer evening, our 1970s-themed event was a great success. With perfect weather, we were able to showcase our property and bring the fun of the 1970s to life. We are especially grateful to Chelsea Hamilton of Captivating Moments for capturing the event with her wonderful photographs. A big thank you to our sponsors, donors, and hardworking volunteers, as well as our incoming and outgoing Board members for their support. The evening was filled with energy and excitement, and we’re happy to share photos that highlight the joy of the event.
1970s panels hang in the Nott House Gallery and showcase fun facts about world history, USA history, pop-culture, and Kennebunkport History. Please consider stopping by to take a look!
We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our sponsors, volunteers, and members. Your dedication and generosity enable us to preserve and share Kennebunkport’s rich history with the community. Sponsors, your financial contributions make our events and programs possible, while our volunteers’ hard work ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. To our loyal members, your ongoing commitment strengthens our mission and keeps our historical society thriving. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you—thank you!
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1970S HISTORY WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE WITHOUT RECALLING KENNEBUNKPORT'S FAMOUS DUMP PARADE
This summer, the Kennebunkport Historical Society hosted a special lecture by historian Sharon Cummins, celebrating the quirky and beloved tradition of the Kennebunkport Dump Parade. A tribute to the 1970s wouldn’t be complete without recalling this famous event.
Locals gathered for a nostalgic evening, enjoying a slideshow of past parades, an ice cream social, and a display of vintage items from the parade’s history. It was a fun-filled event that brought the community together to reminisce about this unique and humorous part of Kennebunkport’s past.
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IN THE ARCHIVES
We’re excited to share that Sharon Cummins will be adding more hours to her work at the Kennebunkport Historical Society! In addition to stewarding our growing collection and writing her beloved Throwback Thursday posts, Sharon will continue offering her research expertise. A special perk of being a Society member is the ability to schedule research appointments with Sharon, with different membership levels offering various amounts of complimentary hours. Non-members can still request research at an hourly rate of $35, while members enjoy a 20% discount on any additional hours.
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This summer, we were thrilled to receive several valuable donations and welcome numerous researchers to our archives. Highlights include Susan Hennesey’s donation of Ed Mayo and Louis Norton paintings, painted ostrich eggs featuring locally built ships and buildings, photos, and historic issues of Kennebunkport Items and High Tide. Kathie Harriman Thomas generously donated her uncle Albert Edward Nunan’s helmet, war medals, photos of Cape Porpoise, and a collection of letters he wrote during his service in WWI and WWII. The Frink Family also contributed an old photo album of individuals who lived in the Abner Perkins house on Locke Street.
Sharon’s increased hours will help us continue to provide valuable research services and preserve these important pieces of Kennebunkport’s history.
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CRIBBAGE ANYONE?
Join a group of fun people for a friendly game of cribbage in our archives. The group meets regularly from 1-3PM in our archives at 125 North Street. Contact us if you are interested at 207-967-2751 to find out more!
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At the Kennebunkport Historical Society, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our work, and we are constantly inspired by their dedication. On a beautiful August evening, we gathered to show our appreciation for these extraordinary individuals. A huge thank you to Roma Pizza for generously providing delicious pizzas and salad for the occasion!
While every single volunteer deserves the spotlight for their time and talents, this newsletter we are excited to feature a dynamic mother-daughter team: Martha and Anne Banfield. Not only are these two passionate about preserving the history of Kennebunkport, but they also have a special family connection. Martha and Anne are the nieces of renowned Kennebunkport Maritime historian, Charles Morgan, who graciously donated a portion of his unique collection to our Society, along with the David Clark Shipwright's office.
Anne, a local real estate agent with Portside Realtors, brings her love for the town to life as a docent at the Nott House every Wednesday morning. Her mom, Martha, brightens the gift shop with her cheerful presence every other Thursday morning. Together, they embody the spirit of community, heritage, and service that makes Kennebunkport such a special place.
We are truly grateful for their contributions—and for every one of our volunteers who help us fulfill our mission!
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SOCIAL MEDIA
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
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The Kennebunkport Historical Society is offering a unique internship for a high school junior or senior passionate about history and social media. The position runs from the 2024–2025 school year through mid-August 2025.
As a Social Media Intern, you’ll help manage our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, create engaging posts, capture photos/videos, and assist with digital campaigns to promote our events and history.
This is a great chance to gain hands-on experience, develop your creativity, and enhance your resume! Interested students should contact Kristin Haight at 207-967-2751 or KHaight@kporths.com.
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In the last newsletter, we asked 5 questions about local history
and here are the answers:
- Why did Arundel, formerly known as North Kennebunkport, break away into a separate town?
- The farmers in the northern part of Kennebunkport got tired of paying taxes for improvements they would never benefit from like Towen Water and sidewalks.
- Where was the Kennebunkport High School Building?
- On Elm Street where the Town Offices now stand.
- Where did the indigenous families camp to sell baskets and canoes they made to tourists?
- Near Government Wharf.
- Where did the trolley used to run in Kennebunkport?
- One line ran through the woods to Cape Porpoise and then along Main St, Pier Rd. out to the pier trestle. The other line ran from Town House Corners down North St. through Dock Square and reversed just before the bridge.
- Did we have enslaved humans in Kennebunkport’s history?
- Early census records indicated that there were, indeed, enslaved humans in Kennebunkport.
New Questions:
- What is the oldest commercial building in Dock Square?
- Before becoming Graves Library, name two other ways the building was used in history.
- What was the name of the vessel that was considered, “the worst local shipwreck in Kennebunkport”. It happened in 1842 and crashed on the rocks by what is now the Cliff House.
- What year was prohibition voted into law in Kennebunkport?
- What does the word Wabanaki translate to in English?
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WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR MISSION | |
KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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