Boothbay Region Historical Society

06/05/2026

2026 Exhibit Open House: The US Navy in Boothbay
As part of the national celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are joining the Windjammer Committee and others to honor the US Navy. This exhibit highlights the long-standing connection between local shipyards and the Navy. Local BRHS historian Jim Hunt characterized the story as "Iron men in wooden ships."

Please join us on Friday, June 19 from 12:00-2:00 pm as we present this new exhibit. Guests are welcome to share their own personal or family stories of life in the region during WWII with each other. Volunteers will be available to share details regarding the exhibit. There is no charge for this event, donations are welcome! Refreshments and a door prize sponsored by North of the Border will be provided.

Boothbay Region Historical Society is located at 72 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor. For more information contact: [email protected] or call 207-633-0820, Thursday-Saturday, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

05/28/2026

2026 Summer Raffle-Drawing to take place on Thursday, July 2!

Your private party of up to six will enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic boat ride about the 37' sportfisherman HAYVAL with Captain Bruce White. Explore the outer islands, marine wildlife, take a lighthouse tour, or view many lighthouses from the water, this choice is up to you! Value of $500.00. Winnings are valid for one year from the drawing date.

Tickets are $20.00 each or six for $100.00. To purchase tickets, send a check with your phone number to Summer Raffle, Boothbay Region Historical Society, P.O. Box 272, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or stop by the museum at 72 Oak Street, Thursday-Saturday, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. To pay by credit card, call 207-633-0820.

Funds raised will support the collections and research work being performed by the Society's volunteers and staff throughout the year.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day Parade years ago....

05/25/2026

We are in need of a museum greeter for Fridays. Shifts are 10:00 am-noon or noon-2:00 pm. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer position, please contact Connie Hartley at [email protected], or call 207-633-0820, Thursday-Saturday, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

05/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the VIP Members event at Sample's Shipyard on Thursday evening. Members and special guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres provided by Mine Oyster. Lead Shipwright and Project Manager, Ross Branch presented details about the restoration work completed at the shipyard on the USS Brig Niagara. Musical entertainment by Chip Schwehm added to the evening event. 2026 Program Sponsors in attendance were Laurie Simmons, First Federal Savings & Loan, Bob Drury, St. Andrews Village, representing J. Edward Knight, Nat Fuller and Kayla Hensley.

Special thanks to Dennis Gunderson, General Manager and Jennifer Field, Office Manager of Sample's Shipyard for hosting this event and to our "Friends of the Society" sponsors, Bob & Kitty Boyd, Colby & Gale, Dunton's Doghouse, Tim & Cathy Hodgdon, and Rock Solid Storage. Thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who helped to make this event a great success!

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

Do you remember Mac's Diner? Leave us a comment..

05/22/2026

President Kay Wilder and the board of trustees of the Society are pleased to welcome the newest member Alan P. Cleveland. Alan is a retired attorney who lives in Concord, NH and summers on Sawyers Island. Some of his areas of practice included corporate governance and fiduciary investment fund management-all important skills for a board. His love of history is a bonus for us as well.

Alan's deep connection to the region was fostered through his wife Suzanne's long family tradition of summering on Sawyers Island. Alan's research into the history of Sawyers Island first brought him to the historical society. His love of historical research was also evident in his past endeavors diving on historical shipwrecks around the world. We look forward to putting his research skills to work. Welcome aboard Alan!

05/20/2026

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of greeting members from the Northeast Mountaineers Airstream Club. The group added a stop during their weekend of camping in Boothbay. Kay Wilder and Jon Dunsford provided a guided tour of our current exhibits and shared history of the Elizabeth Reed home.

The group enjoyed their visit very much and sent along some friendly feedback!
"Thank you and the staff for allowing us the opportunity to tour the museum. Everyone who attended was totally impressed with the work that has gone into preserving history." Sent from Roger N, Vice President

If your group is interested in scheduling a guided tour of the museum house, please contact Connie Hartley at [email protected] or call 207-633-0820, Thursday-Saturday, 10am-2pm.

05/16/2026

Do you have a few hours a week/month and enjoy working independently behind the scenes? We are in need of a few volunteers to assist with projects listed below. To learn more contact Connie at [email protected].