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KENNEBUNKPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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TIME TRAVEL TUESDSAYS
Historian Sharon Cummins has done it again!
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APRIL ECO-CAMP
Join local artist and metalcraft specialist, Ann Thompson
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VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE
Join the Kennebunkport Historical Society's volunteer team!
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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY |
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Picture a Kennebunkport summer in the 1920s:
Kenneth Roberts and Booth Tarkington were busily writing books and plays, Louis Norton was painting, canoes filled the river as summer and local families were living and working together, enjoying the beauty of our fine town.
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Details in the coming weeks |
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July 28-30, 2023
- Kids activities
- Lectures, exhibits, & demonstrations
- Family fun
- Great Gatsby style cocktail party (7/29)
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The Junior Board wants to hear from you!
In the coming months, our Junior Board will be continuing to conduct interviews with our local community to create a collective history of COVID-19 experiences. These last few years that included empty Hannaford shelves, isolation, masks, cancellations, virtual experiences, and more will be documented by our team of young people.
The Junior Board students will be continuing their interviews in-person, virtually, and through emailed surveys. Spring interviews are scheduled with students at local schools, residents of senior housing facilities, and private interviews.
The time capsule of community experiences will be kept in our archives for future learners who may wonder what this unique time was like for people living in the Kennebunks.
If you are interested in sharing your story with our team, if you have photographs of local Covid-19-related images, please send email: [email protected].
We are seeking new members: If you know of a student 10-17 who may be interested in joining our Junior Board, please contact us.
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Join Mike Burd, historic book enthusiast, for an intimate look inside the private library of the Perkins-Nott families of White Columns.
The unique book collection dates from before the home was built up to the time of local librarian, Elizabeth Nott's passing in 1982.
This special pre-season "book-lovers" tour will take place on Saturday, May 13 at 11am & 1pm. Tickets will be available by May 1st.
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NOSTALGIC CONCERTS AKA "MID-WEEK MUSIC" CONTINUES 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, Mar 8, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: The Musical Poetry of Paul Simon
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Andy MacLeod & Rob Duquette join Dana Pearson in a celebration of the musical works of wordsmith extraordinaire Paul Simon. |
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Wed, Apr 12, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: "Grab Bag"
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Dana Pearson (guitar, vocals) is joined by Mark Gunter (keyboards, vocals) and Carl Mabee (mandolin, banjo, vocals) for an eclectic mix of classic folk and modern songs that they feel would benefit with the addition of a mandolin (and a bit of banjo). |
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Wed, May 10, 2023 7:00 PM EST
Mid-Week Music: "Hits from the Eighties"
The Town House School,
Kennebunkport
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Join Dana Pearson (guitar, piano), Andy Macleod (guitar), and Susan Richardson (drums), for a mess of hits from the 1980s. |
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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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It’s called a Dance Party for a reason: every song is a guaranteed rocker from the decade that gave us Elvis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, and Buddy Holly. |
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DAN BLAKESLEE & THE CALLABASH CLUB
AT THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL
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Local musician, Dan Blakeslee and his band will be performing at the Town House School for the following dates:
Thursday, April 6, 7PM
Saturday, June 17, 7PM
Details and tickets will be available soon on our website!
BYOB-21 & Over only
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TIME TRAVEL TUESDAYS
Historian Sharon Cummins has done it again! For those of you who look forward to her weekly historical story, “Throwback Thursdays” found on Facebook & Instagram and featured as a blog on our website, Sharon is adding a video story that will highlight some of the physical items in our collection. This new feature will be called, “Time Travel Tuesdays”.
Although not promised weekly, Sharon’s video stories will surely delight viewers.
To preview Time Travel Tuesdays, please follow the link to our website:
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RESEARCH DROP-IN HOURS
Historian and writer Sharon Cummins will hold drop-in hours on Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. If those hours don’t meet your schedule, Sharon will gladly set up a time for a private session. A donation is requested for non-members.
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From the Archives:
We are always thrilled to receive new items for our archival collection.
Thank you to David Platt, who donated many items and photographs from his family's collection to the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Mr. Platt's family grew up spending summers in Kennebunkport at the cottages then called, "Seacrest"-now the Cape Arundel Inn and Resort.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
CORNING AND KENNEBUNK SAVINGS BANK
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The Kennebunkport Historical Society is pleased to be supported by local businesses and their employees who volunteer their time and talents with us. |
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Denise Stevens, a long-time Historical Society volunteer is also an employee of Corning in West Kennebunk. Corning supports its community by encouraging employees to volunteer with local nonprofits. Denise gave her community over 100 hours of volunteer service in 2022! Denise can be found at the historical society behind the scenes making sandwiches and scones for our many Tea & Tales events, decorating a space at Christmastime at White Columns, she runs the kitchen during our annual Prelude Gala, and supports our Building history program by assisting our Girl’s night out crafts night. |
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Our 70th anniversary Gold Sponsor, Kennebunk Savings Bank similarly supports its employees. Our Board President, Sarah Reagan Auer, and volunteer, Irene Cluff, have both served our Society in many ways this past year. Irene and Sarah participated in the Christmas Decoration committee, dug in the dirt during gardening days, helped out at special events, and more. Irene won Kennebunk Savings Bank’s volunteer of the year because she served the community with 627 hours of her time.
We are beyond grateful for the continued support of these local businesses and their volunteer programs. Corning and Kennebunk Savings donated to our Annual Fund in honor of their employee volunteers. Many thanks to all involved.
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BUILDING HISTORY:
A NOD TO HISTORIC TRADES, CRAFTS AND HOBBIES
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The Community of Kennebunkport was built on the hard work of many different trades, crafts, and hobbies. Our vision for the Town House Corners Campus is to pay homage to those hard-working citizens of yesteryear and slowly build our campus community by offering workshops, camps, and demonstrations.
One of the goals is to educate and give our community some hands-on experience with trades such as masonry, carpentry, blacksmithing, sewing, farming, fishing, boatbuilding, painting, and much more.
We are seeking local talent to help us with Building History workshops, camps, program/campus development, and events.
Do you have a skill you are willing to share? We are also seeking assistants, materials, and project sponsors. Please let us know how you’d like to help.
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ANN THOMPSON RETURNS FOR APRIL VACATION
"ECO-CAMP": A BUILDING HISTORY PROJCET
We are hosting our second annual “Eco-Camp” with local artist and metalcraft specialist, Ann Thompson during April school vacation week. Students 9-12 can join us at our Town House Corners campus for experience with an assortment of crafts including metal crafting and mosaic garden art.
$125 for non-members
$100 for members
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Mon, Apr 17, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Kid's Eco-Camp
The Pasco Center,
Kennebunkport
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HISTORIC GARDEN PROJECT AT WHITE COLUMNS:
A BUILDING HISTORY PROJECT
In 1853, White Columns was built by the wealthiest merchant in town, Charles E. Perkins. The first lady of the house, Celia Nott Perkins, was known for two of her hobbies: needlework and gardening. Historians have come to know Celia because of her daily journaling which has since helped us understand some of the histories of Kennebunkport.
Celia’s diaries tell us about every plant, tree, herb, and flower she grew on the property in the 1800s.
In partnership with Wallingford Farms, a local nursery known for its historic garden planning expertise, and with the assistance of local school groups and volunteers, the Kennebunkport Historical Society will begin to recreate a 2023 version of Celia’s historic garden.
Charles Godfrey, owner of Wallingford Farm and a self-professed history buff is excited to participate in this creative endeavor with us. His knowledge of architecture and plants along with his talented and creative design team will work with our space to make history and beautify our already lovely spot overlooking Dock Square and Mast Cove. Charles Godfrey will be offering a lecture about historic architecture and gardening later in the spring.
If you are interested in supporting Celia’s Historic Gardens, we welcome plant donations, sponsorships for materials, and physical support during garden volunteer days.
Our first informative meetings are Wednesday, March 22nd at 1 PM and Saturday, March 25, at 2:30 PM. All ages are welcome to attend.
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LOCAL SCHOOLS: A BUILDING HISTORY PROJECT |
Students in Mrs. Porter’s English class (RSU21) will be working with the Kennebunkport Historical Society on a project that highlights some of the local trades and crafts. Students will be asked to research a chosen topic and research the mechanics therein. At the end of the semester, the Kennebunkport Historical Society will welcome her class to the Town House School to showcase and demonstrate what they have learned. We look forward to sharing our collection of old tools and curiosities when the students visit our archives in the spring.
Students at Acton Academy are learning a bit about their local community history. Our collaboration began in January when learners met with the executive director, Kristin Haight, to talk about the importance of community and keeping records for the future. They were tasked to conduct oral history interviews with their families and explore their family trees. The students shared their thoughts about what makes a community and how all communities are made up of people who offer something different and often come from different backgrounds. They also explored the kinds of work locals did for a living. We look forward to their visit in the spring.
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ORAL HISTORY PROJECT 2023 |
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We recently received two separate donations earmarked for digitizing and editing our oral history project interviews from our collection. Some of the older tapes and videos require technology that isn’t easy to find. Sharon has been busily reviewing and Emma has been editing videos. We look forward to finding ways new ways to share these special stories with our members.
We need participants! Do you know of any local or summer resident seniors who would like to share their stories of growing up in Kennebunkport?
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2023 interviews will begin again in April. If you are interested in supporting our oral history project, we need the following:
- Volunteers to conduct interviews
- Video editors
- Transcribers
- Sponsors
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RETURNING IN APRIL:
Girls’ night out will resume in April at the Town House School and continue monthly through December:
The ongoing hands-on historic craft night will feature a different craft or trade and an opportunity to take a night off with friends.
Girl’s night out will take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7 PM. It is BYOB and therefore, 21& over only.
The curriculum is subject to change. Check our website before purchasing tickets.
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GIRL'S NIGHT OUT:
A BUILDING HISTORY PROJECT
- April 13: (Earth Day Craft)
- May 11: (Seashell and local rock mosaics for gardens)
- June 8: (Plein air Oil painting)
- July 13: (1920s head-dress)
- August 10: (Fun with Flowers)
- September 14: (Fun with Herbs)
- October 12 (harvest craft with gourds and pumpkins)
- November 9 (hand-made Christmas Cards)
- December 7 (wreath making)
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Tea & Tales will take place at White Columns (8 Maine St) on the following Thursday afternoons at 4 PM.
Tea & Tales are appropriate for all ages.
- April 13 (Kennebunkport history: An overview)
- July 13 (1920s in Kennebunkport)
- October 12 (Shipbuilding in the port)
- December 7 (Grandparent and child Christmas tea)
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TEA & TALES IN 2023
Our Victorian-style teas are a wonderful way to transport to a different time, relax, and listen to tales of a past era. Each teatime with the Society is an elegant experience. Tables are set with fine linens, antique cups & saucers, and silver spoons. The mini-sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, and bite-sized desserts accompany your choice of black tea or decaffeinated fruit tea. Each item is made with love by our dedicated team of volunteers.
The historical topics will rotate and be announced on our website.
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WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR MISSION |
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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