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About the Kennebec Historical Society
It's hard to imagine a place with a deeper and more unique history than Maine's Kennebec Valley. Our real estate agents never tire of delving into the past of Augusta and the surrounding areas.
For history buffs, the Kennebec Historical Society is an incredible asset. Offering a wealth of educational resources and programs, the Kennebec Historical Society should be your first stop if you want to learn more about Maine history.
The Kennebec Historical Society
The Kennebec Historical Society was founded in 1891. Originally known as the "Kennebec Natural History and Antiquarian Society," its early focus was primarily on the natural history of the Kennebec Valley (a large array of mounted birds and animals were counted among its collection).
Over the years, the purpose of the Kennebec Historical Society has shifted to focus more on the human history of the region. The physical location of the society has changed too.
Initially housed in a third-floor hall in Augusta furnished with shelves and cases, the Kennebec Historical Society has moved multiple times over the last 130-plus years. Following stints in the Lithgow Library, the Special Collections Room at the University of Maine at Augusta, and a private residence on Augusta's Winthrop Street.
Today, you can visit the Kennebec Historical Society and access its vast collection of resources at its headquarters in the Henry Weld Fuller, Jr. House. This 16-room house is located in a beautiful Augusta neighborhood, a stone's throw from numerous Augusta homes for sale.
Historical Society Resources
Want to learn more about the history of Augusta and the Kennebec Valley? The Kennebec Historical Society provides some incredible resources to just that. Some of the most impressive materials the society offers include:
- Genealogical Holdings: The Kennebec Historical Society offers a vast database for anyone interested in genealogy, including a list of over 50,000 surnames, with 88,000 entries for those surnames.
- Physical Collections: Housed in a state-of-the-art storage facility, the archives of the Kennebec Historical Society include a library with more than 1,500 volumes on local, state, and regional history. The collection also includes 19th-century manuscripts, historic postcards, scrapbooks, school yearbooks dating back to 1916, and newspapers spanning the period from 1825 to 1900.
- Historical Events: For a quick and easy guide to Augusta area history, check out this timeline provided by the Kennebec Historical Society.
The Kennebec Historical Society is an amazing resource. That being said, if you're interested in learning more about the history of the Kennebec Valley, the best way to do so is to visit in person.
Maine's Kennebec County is home to 137 properties and districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including 7 National Historic Landmarks. Some of the most notable historic sites in the area include:
- Fort Halifax - US-201, Winslow, ME 04901
Located in the community of Winslow, Fort Halifax was built in 1755. The remaining portion of the fort is the oldest surviving blockhouse in America. - Blaine House - 192 State St, Augusta, ME 04330
Originally built by a ship's captain in 1833, the James G. Blaine House in Augusta has served as the governor's residence since 1919. Home and garden tours are available by appointment. - Cushnoc Archeological Site - Augusta, ME 04330
One of the oldest remnants from the colonial period in Maine, Cushnoc Archeological Site, includes the remnants of a 17th-century trading post operated by England's Plymouth Colony.
Contact us today to learn more about finding your dream home in Augusta. The Kennebec Valley is rich in history, but it's also a vibrant place to live today, with a wealth of art, culture, and natural beauty.