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KENNEBUNKPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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1920S LAWN PARTY
Get your tickets now!
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CELIA'S GARDENS
A collaboration with Wallingford Farms to recreate Celia's historic gardens at White Columns!
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ROBERT E. CURRIER SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to Kylie Parsons and the class of 2023!
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SUMMER FUNDRAISING LAWN PARTY AT THE NOTT HOUSE:
1920S KENNEBUNKPORT
JULY 29TH
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Join us for an unforgettable summer lawn party at the Kennebunkport Historical Society! On July 29th, starting at 7 PM, we will be hosting a delightful outdoor gathering at the beautiful Nott House. This year's event promises to be a celebration of Kennebunkport's vibrant past, with a focus on the enchanting 1920s era. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Roaring Twenties as we gather together for an evening of live music by Bess Jacques, delicious food catered by Musette and Kitchen Chicks, and captivating stories. With the picturesque Nott House as our backdrop and a vintage car sponsored by Maine Classic Car Museum, this lawn party is the perfect opportunity to join friends, mingle with fellow history enthusiasts, enjoy the charm of Kennebunkport's historic district, and support our ongoing preservation efforts. Mark your calendars and join us for an enchanting evening of nostalgia, community, and a touch of old-world glamour. We can't wait to welcome you!
Tickets are selling fast!
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Sat, Jul 29, 2023 7:00 PM EST
1920s: A Lawn Party
White Columns,
Kennebunkport
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SEASON SPONSORS:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who have made our 2023 season possible. We are immensely grateful for their steadfast support of our mission. Their commitment to preserving the history and heritage of Kennebunkport is truly commendable.
We want to recognize and thank the following individuals and businesses who have shown their dedication by sponsoring our endeavors. We encourage you to show your appreciation by visiting these local establishments whenever possible, as they play an integral role in our community.
Their support enables us to continue our important work in preserving and sharing the rich history of Kennebunkport. We are immensely grateful for their partnership and look forward to the positive impact we can make together.
If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We greatly appreciate any contributions that help us in our mission.
Thank you once again to our incredible sponsors for their invaluable support and to our community for their continued patronage.
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NEW ANNOUNCEMENT:
SHOPPING LOCAL WITH THE KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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We are excited to announce the launch of our new online gift shop in this newsletter. We invite you to visit and explore the wide range of items available. Our dedicated team has been working diligently to set up the physical gift shop at the Nott House, and we are pleased to announce that most of these items can now be found in our new online store. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Emma Stevens and volunteer Patti Chick Tynan for their exceptional efforts in creating an amazing store this year.
As the online gift shop is still in its early stages, we kindly ask for your patience as we work out any minor issues and continue to expand our selection of product
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Additionally, in preparation for our upcoming 1920s party, we have curated a selection of fun costumes and accessories on Amazon. By using our special Amazon link for any of your purchases, you will not only find great items for the event but also contribute to the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Every purchase made through this link will generate a small commission that directly supports our organization. We encourage you to consider using our special link whenever you shop at Amazon. |
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PROJECT: CELIA'S GARDEN
We are excited to announce a special collaboration between the Kennebunkport Historical Society and Wallingford Farm. Together, we are working on a remarkable project to recreate Celia Nott Perkins' historic gardens at her home, White Columns (also known as the Nott House).
Celia, who lived in the house from 1853 to 1888, kept detailed diaries where she recorded the plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and herbs that she cultivated in her garden during those years.
Wallingford Farm, led by its owner Charles Godfrey, has taken on the challenge of restoring this beautiful garden. Charles has a personal passion for historical architecture and gardens, making him the perfect fit for this endeavor.
With Wallingford Farm's expertise and support, we aim to revive the spirit of Celia Nott Perkins' garden and bring it back to life at the Nott House. By carefully following Celia's diaries and paying close attention to historical accuracy, we will recreate her garden as it was in the past.
We are immensely grateful to Wallingford Farm and Charles Godfrey for their generous sponsorship and dedication to preserving our local history. Together, we are forging a meaningful connection between the present and the past, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and charm of Celia's garden.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this remarkable restoration project. We invite you to witness the transformation of White Columns and be a part of this journey into our town's rich heritage.
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Thu, Jul 13, 2023 4:00 PM EST
Tea & Tales: Kennebunkport in the 1920s
White Columns,
Kennebunkport
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TEA & TALES:
VICTORIAN-STYLE TEA WITH HISTORIC STORIES
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We kicked off the spring season by launching our Tea & Tales series, featuring captivating stories of Kennebunkport's rich history. The theme for the event was "an overview of town history," and an enthusiastic group gathered at the Nott House to partake in this delightful experience. Attendees enjoyed delectable homemade mini sandwiches and sweets while immersing themselves in a short lecture that delved into the fascinating narratives of our past.
We invite you to mark your calendars for our next Tea & Tales event in July, where we will transport you to the vibrant era of the 1920s in Kennebunkport. Join us for an engaging session as we present a snapshot of this remarkable period, filled with intriguing stories and captivating insights into our town's heritage.
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BOOK-LOVERS TOUR AT THE NOTT HOUSE |
Book-Lovers Tour at Nott House
In May, our dedicated Board member and lifelong bibliophile, Mike Burd, treated us to an extraordinary exploration of the remarkable book collection housed within the Nott House. This captivating tour provided a glimpse into the literary world that spanned generations of the Nott family, offering valuable insights into their unique interests and passions over the years.
We received some feedback after the event asking if we would consider offering this again in the fall. With enough interest, we would gladly offer this again. Kindly let us know if you might be interested to help us decide.
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AT THE TOWN HOUSE
CORNERS CAMPUS:
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PROJECT:
BUILDING HISTORY
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As we honor the hands-on trades that played a crucial role in shaping Kennebunkport's history, we are thrilled to highlight our student workshops led by artist and educator, Ann Thompson. These dynamic workshops provide students with a valuable opportunity to enhance their fine motor skills while crafting exquisite jewelry and engaging in metalcraft projects.
We recently had the pleasure of hosting students from Acton Academy at our Town House Corners Campus for a captivating session on historic crafts. It was a joy to see these young minds immerse themselves in the artistry and techniques of the past, gaining firsthand experience in traditional crafts that were integral to our town's heritage.
By offering these workshops, we aim to inspire a new generation of artisans and preserve the legacy of the hands-on trades that were the backbone of our community. We are immensely proud to be a part of their creative journey and look forward to welcoming more students in the future.
If you know of any schools or organizations that would be interested in participating in our historic crafts workshops, please don't hesitate to reach out and share the opportunity with them.
Thank you for your continued support as we foster a passion for craftsmanship and honor the traditions that have shaped Kennebunkport's history.
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COMING UP:
MID- WEEK MUSIC AT THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL
Since the summer of 2021, musician Dana Pearson has appeared monthly at the Town House School with other talented local musicians and has established a tremendous following for his “Mid-Week Music” concert series. Town House School concerts are BYOB-21 & over.
Mark your calendars for upcoming concerts:
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Wed, Jun 14, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: ‘50s Rock & Roll Dance Party
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Get ready to twist and jive on Wednesday, June 13th, as we transport you back to the fabulous 1950s with our upcoming tribute event. Aptly named the Dance Party, this lively gathering promises to keep you on your feet all night long with a lineup of guaranteed rockers from the era that brought us legendary artists such as Elvis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, and Buddy Holly.
Returning by popular demand is the talented quartet that wowed us with their '60s R&B show at the School House in August 2021. Mark Gunter will be on the keys, Ron Breton on drums, Dana Pearson on guitar/bass, and Alan Shepard on the tenor saxophone. Together, they will recreate the magic of the 1950s music scene, delivering a high-energy performance that will have you dancing the night away.
The venue will have plenty of floor space available, so get ready to showcase your best moves on the dance floor. While dancing is highly encouraged and almost mandatory, we want to assure you that those who simply want to listen and enjoy the music will be warmly welcomed as well.
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Wed, Jul 12, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: "Three of a Kind & Friends Play Good Songs"
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Wed, Aug 16, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: Originals
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Wed, Aug 9, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: Master/Pupil - Dylan/Waits
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Wed, Sep 13, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: Cat Stevens (Yusuf)
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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DAN BLAKESLEE & THE CALABASH CLUB |
On Saturday, June 17, Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club will be returning to the Town House School. They will be performing original songs from Dan’s true life adventures as a traveling troubadour with a few covers mixed in. |
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Sat, Jun 17, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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KATHERINE RHODA: SONGS OF THE SUFFRAGETTES
JULY 26TH AT 7PM
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Katherine Rhoda prepared this special program for 2020 but was denied sharing it with a live audience because of the pandemic. We thought that with our nod to the 1920s, her program would fit right in! |
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Wed, Jul 26, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Katherine Rhoda: Songs of the Suffragettes
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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CAR SHOW: SUNDAY, JULY 30TH
Thank you to our sponsors at the Maine Classic Car Museum, the Town House Corners Campus will host an early American Car show as part of our nod to the 1920s. The show will include early American Vehicles and not necessarily specific to the 1920s. Donations are suggested.
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WINNER OF MARCH MEMBERSHIP MADNESS MONTH:
Congratulations to author, Fred Boyle, for winning our march madness membership drive raffle. We gained a few new members and friends and met charming Mr. Boyle, who is personally researching Kennebunkport genealogy for an upcoming book project. He seeks assistance in this project and wanted us to reach out to our community friends. Welcome to the Society, Mr. Boyle. We look forward to seeing your project when it is completed.
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ROBERT E. CURRIER SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to RSU21 senior, Kylie Parsons, for winning the Robert E. Currier Scholarship this year. An endowed gift from local celebrity, Jane Morgan Weintraub, in memory of her brother, Robert, founder of the community Kennebunkport Playhouse, this scholarship is offered bi-annually to a local graduating senior who is planning to dedicate his/her future to studying performing arts.
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THANK YOU TO RSU21 STUDENT INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS:
We are grateful for our local student volunteers who assisted us in early-season gardening at the Nott House. Seniors Reyna, Maya, and Liv joined the team to offer volunteer service and to assist Wallingford Farm with Celia’s garden project. Thanks so much!
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JUNIOR BOARD NEWS
Our Junior Board members have been hard at work on their COVID-19 time capsule project this spring, conducting insightful interviews at the Center. These dedicated students asked thought-provoking questions, delving into the personal stories and local events that unfolded during the pandemic in the Kennebunks.
We invite you to join in this meaningful project by sharing your own experiences. If you are interested in participating, it's as simple as answering a few questions or providing any photographs that capture the essence of the pandemic times, such as the sight of empty Hannaford shelves. Your contributions will help preserve a unique and personal perspective of this historic period.
To get involved, please reach out to Kristin at [email protected]. Your stories and photographs are invaluable in creating a comprehensive record of our community's resilience during these challenging times.
We are currently seeking new students for our Junior Board. The Junior Board features students ages 11-18. The common denominator for these students is simply a love for Kennebunkport. Please reach out with any questions.
Two of our Junior Board members are graduating this spring! Please join us in congratulating them.
Alana Harrison, our first Junior Board President, and student social media intern, is graduating from RSU21 and will be studying next year at Bentley College.
Heidi Vander Schaaff, our first Junior Board Secretary, will be graduating from Pennington School in New Jersey and attending Wake Forest University in North Carolina next fall.
We are having a small Junior Board gathering to celebrate their success in June. We would welcome notes and cards from our community to help send them off and thank them for their contribution to the Society.
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IN MEMORIAM:
We are saddened to have lost members of the Historical Society family recently:
Larry Ryan passed away in early May. Larry served the Historical Society as a volunteer for many years and in various roles. He was a Board member, parliamentarian, docent, behind-the-scenes handyman, gardener, mentor, and more. He and his wife, Marylou, were an integral part of our volunteer family. We are grateful to his family for requesting donations to the Society in his name in lieu of funeral flowers. To read more about Larry’s amazing accomplishments, please follow this link to his obituary,
Kennebunkport’s oldest citizen, Frank Handlen passed away just last week. He was 106 years old. We celebrated his remarkable life by hosting a birthday party for him when he turned 105 years old at the Town House School. His creative contributions live on in our community. Frank participated in our oral history project in 2021. To read more about Frank’s life, please follow the link to his obituary.
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Mark your calendars for this year’s Membership meeting:
August 31st at 5:30pm
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We have new additions to our volunteer family in 2023. Please join the KHS in welcoming the following new volunteers:
- Jen Izvicki
- Anne Banfield
- Larissa Crockett
- Anne Barnes
- Dawn Luis
- Jean Betses
- Lisa Whittaker
- Elizabeth Fox
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We are always seeking new volunteers and have much need in our archives. Please let us know if you are willing to help with any of the following volunteer opportunities:
- Digitization
- Transcription
- Research requests
- Tour guide
- Special event support
- Gift Shop
- Gardening
- Vintage Clothing collection
- Lectures
- Building History demonstrations
- Junior Board
- & more!
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THROWBACK THURSDAYS BY SHARON CUMMINS
A little history: If you follow us on social media, you are familiar with Sharon Cummins’ weekly “Throwback Thursday” stories about Kennebunkport History.
Did you know that those stories are also on our website? Each week, a new story about Kennebunkport will educate, entertain, and maybe spark nostalgia or make you laugh. Please follow Throwback Thursdays on Facebook, Instagram, or on our website: www.kporths.com
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WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR MISSION |
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Want to Become a Kennebunkport Historical Society Member?
Click here to learn more about our membership.
Oral History Project: We are seeking sponsors for professional filming and editing of these ongoing community conversations. Please click here to support this project. Sponsoring a single video is $2,000.
Nott House Preservation Fund: This fund will be for the ongoing care of our collection at the historic Nott House (White Columns). The fund will go towards upkeep and preservation of the collections within and will include cooling, dehumidification, and proper storage for precious collections therein. Please click here to support this project.
Tea & Tales: Your $200 Sponsorship will support this ongoing intergenerational storytelling and tea combination. Please click here to support this project.
Building History: Your sponsorship will provide for materials and instruction for our ongoing hands-on historic trades, crafts, & hobbies programs, including Girl's Night Out. Please click here to support this program.
Gift Shop: Your sponsorship will help us build our inventory at our Gift Shop and grow our online outreach. Please click here to support this program.
Volunteers: You can support the Historical Society’s Volunteer program in three ways: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Your sponsorship will help us with our volunteer appreciation parties & assist us with necessary supplies for the team. We also welcome assistance in all areas of our organization. Kindly let us know about your interests and your schedule and we will gladly find a place for your talents. Please click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Rotating Art Exhibits at Pasco Center: Your $200 sponsorship will help us prepare light snack offerings and champagne. This will also assist with any maintenance or display fees associated with the exhibit. Please click here to support this project.
Prelude: Believe it or not, Christmas Prelude is not far away and we look forward to many new and old traditions with the Society. Your sponsorship helps us with our Christmas gala as well as other costs associated with the season. Please click here to support Prelude 2023.
Celia’s Garden: Your gift will go to help us acquire plant material, tools, and any necessary professional assistance towards our project to recreate Celia’s historic gardens. Please click here to support this project.
Bush Family Hometown Exhibit: Your gift will assist our plans to freshen this special exhibit. Please click here to support this project.
General Gift for Operations: Your gift will be used to continue our administrative work at the Kennebunkport Historical Society. We appreciate unrestricted funds. Please click here to support this project.
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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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