Founded:
The Kennebunkport Historical Society was founded in 1952 and has been operating continuously since then, especially since 1955 when it was given the Town School House.
Mission:
The mission of the Kennebunkport Historical Society is to preserve local history so that succeeding generations may benefit from knowledge of the past.
Collections:
The Kennebunkport Historical Society has over 5,000 photographs documenting the history of the town, as well as local genealogical information and histories of the town's oldest houses. The collections also include original documents including store journals, ship logs. shipbuilders' records and diaries. Artists such as Thomas Badger, Hannah Skeele, Louis Norton, and Abbott Graves have works kept in the collections.
Facilities:
The Pasco Center serves as the headquarters for the Kennebunkport Historical Society, and thus houses offices, meeting rooms and other administrative necessities. The building also has exhibit space that is used for changing displays. The Town School House also houses changing exhibit space as well as many of the Society's other collections. It also serves as the Society's library and research facility.
The Clark Shipyard Office contains many of the Kennebunkport Historical Society's maritime collections. The Society also maintains the Nott house, once the Greek Revival home of the wealthiest man in town. Tours can be arranged through the house.
The Benson Blacksmith shop has been recreated, though it is outfitted and furnished with original equipment and products. Lastly, in 2003 Louis Norton's studio received many badly needed repairs and was moved onto the Kennebunkport Historical Society's grounds to be preserved.
Activities: