Orrington Historical Society

09/08/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6:30 - 8 P.M.
446 Dow Road

ENTERPRISE GRANGE # 173

Dottie Dunton England will be presenting this month’s program on the Grange.
Many of us knew of the Grange but really, what was the Grange to our agricultural
community? What history do all Granges share? Look at our building, do you see the old bones on the outside and the inside of Grange # 173? If only the walls could talk…..or maybe they can!
You don’t have to be a member of the Historical Society to join us for our programs. Please let others know of this meeting.
Light refreshments and time to socialize end our evenings.

09/06/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAM
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6:30-8 P.M.
ENTERPRISE GRANGE # 173

This month’s program is a walk down memory lane for many of Orrington’s citizens. Originally, our building was the Enterprise
Grange #173 and a hub of the community.
Dottie Dunton England will be giving the first of her two part program on Grange history and its importance in small town America.
Dottie grew up in Orrington and, like so many of us, has her own
memories of those years when friends and family were active in our
Grange. How about you?
Please join us and remember, you don’t need to be a Historical Society member to attend our programs.
Light refreshments and time to socialize follow our meetings.

Orrington Historical Society 446 Dow Road

09/06/2026

08/17/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY CIVIL WAR PROGRAM
Tomorrow! Tuesday August 18, 2026 6:30 - 8 p.m. 446 Dow Rd.

Curious about how a soldier from Castine managed to escape from the Confederacy’s clutches twice in 6 months?
Brian Swartz, Civil War historian and author, will fill us in on Charles W. Tilden’s amazing escapades. Tilden is called Maine’s “ Harry Houdini” and the reference is well deserved!
Please join us and let friends and family know about this Civil War program. You don’t need to be a member to join us for our monthly presentations.
Our evenings end with light snacks and time to socialize.
We hope to see you tomorrow night!

08/16/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY CIVIL WAR PROGRAM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 6:30-8 P.M. 446 Dow Rd.

MAINE’S “ HARRY HOUDINI” ESCAPED CONFEDERATE CAPTIVITY TWICE!

Brian Swartz, Civil War historian and author, will present his program on Charles W. Tilden from Castine. Charles went from being a clerk in his father’s business to becoming a Colonal and a prisoner. That’s one escape. Then 6 months later, another capture, another escape!
Please join us and spread the word to friends and neighbors about this interesting Civil war program. Light snacks and time to socialize follow our meetings. And you don’t need to be a member to attend our meetings.

08/15/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
446 Dow Road 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026

MAINE’S CIVIL WAR “ HARRY HOUDINI”

Civil War historian and author, Brian Swartz will present his program on Charles W. Tilden who was captured twice! And escaped twice.
Charles grew up in Castine and worked as a clerk in his father’s business.
His rank rose as he gained combat leader experience until he was captured and ended up in the Confederate Libby prison.
Hear how he managed to escape from prison and beat the odds. Then, six months later, Maine ingenuity helped with a second escape.
Join us and hear how this Maine soldier earned the “Harry Houdini”moniker.
Our evenings end with light snacks and time to socialize.
Remember, you don’t have to be a member to attend our meetings.

08/13/2026

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 6:30 - 8 P.M.
ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 446 DOW ROAD
CIVIL WAR PROGRAM

Civil War historian and author, Brian Swartz will present his program about Charles W. Tilden : Maine’s Harry Houdini.
From working in his father’s Castine business, Charles soon became Captain of Co. B , 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment. Brian will speak about Tilden’s combat experiences and his capture and confinement at Libby Prison in Richmond.
Not one escape….but two from Confederate imprisonment!
Please pass the word about this Civil War program and join us for the evening!
You do not need to be a member to attend our monthly programs.
Our meetings end with light snacks and time to socialize.

08/11/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST PROGRAM

BRIAN SWARTZ, CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR
Presents Maine’s “ Harry Houdini “
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 6:30 - 8 p.m.
446 Dow Road

Charles W. Tilden grew up in Castine, Maine, worked in his father’s business and became a Union combat leader and then an escape artist from the Confederate Libby Prison in Richmond.
Not only did he escape, but he returned to his unit and pulled another Houdini escape act 6 months later!
Please join us for this special program and invite friends and neighbors!
You don’t need to be a member to attend our programs!
We offer light snacks and time to socialize after our meetings.

08/11/2026

ORRINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY AUGUST MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 6:30 - 8 P.M.

MAINE’S CIVIL WAR “HARRY HOUDINI “ FROM CASTINE

Curious about how Charles W. Tilden managed to escape the fate of so many prisoners of the Confederate Army?
Civil War historian and author, Brian Swartz will present his program on Tilden who rose in rank from Captain of Co.B, 2nd Maine Infantry Regiment to Lt. Colonel of the new 16th Maine Infantry Regiment. Then, promoted to Colonel after Fredericksburg, Tilden found his unit in trouble west of Gettysburg.
Please join us for this interesting program and pass the word to friends and neighbors that they don’t need to be a member to come to a program.
As always, light snacks and time to socialize end our meetings.