By Dana Porter Carson and Robert Porter In 1876 a group of prominent businessmen, factory owners and lawyers from the Auburn-Lewiston area purchased the Nathaniel Pinkham farm in South Harpswell and established a summer colony retreat for their families. They called...

By Peggy & Betsy Orlando Centennial Hall in Harpswell Center stands as a resilient anchor of coastal community spirit and cultural heritage. Located at 936 Harpswell Neck Road, this understated landmark has evolved from a 19th century patriotic monument into a hub for...

As they prepare to leave for college in the fall of 2026, graduating Mt. Ararat High School seniors Savannah Gates and Katherine Kelly reflect on the deep connection they share with Harpswell. For both students, growing up along the coast has made the sea an essential...

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a grand celebration of Harpswell’s vibrant past and multi-faceted present.  In April, the first event was a talk by Matt Gilley on Fishing in Harpswell that drew 72 people to Cundy’s Harbor on...

A list of HHS accomplishments during the past 12 months: Published newsletters and updates regularly throughout the year to 360 Harpswell area residents.  We highlighted upcoming events and published new articles on The Bridge That Saved Harpswell, Rum-Running in...

Brunswick, Me. July 25, 1887 Mr. D.E. ParlinPresident, Auburn Colony Dear Sir. There are thirteen young men in our party, and we want to know if we can hire a cottage at Harpswell for the second and third week in August. We are told that is the place to go for a real...

The Kellogg Church Walk The World War II Memorial Walk and Plantings The Fire Department Well Painting the Improvement Hall Metal Legs for Harpswell Day Tables Moving and Restoring the Old Hearse House Acquiring the Surrey Restoring the Historic Stepping-Stone...

From the HHS President Chuck Alexander Our son recently got married and his mother and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend making memories with family and friends sharing good times.  I continue to be pensive and thoughtful (more than I normally am!) since that day, and I...

Harpswell Civilian Defense Council (1943) BY ARMY ORDERS, most of the town of Harpswell is in the Coastal Dim-Out Zone. In compliance with this Order, the following Regulations are effective within the area, and you are asked to cooperate in enforcing these measures...

Sunday, September 27, 6 p.m. at Centennial Hall 936 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell Center, opposite HHS Museum Many Mainers are descendants of Scottish-Irish settlers who immigrated to Maine in the 1700’s.  U.S. census data from 2020 confirms that Maine has the...