Located at 489 Congress Street in downtown Portland, Maine, the Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House offer a combined journey into the state's past. The complex serves as a museum, event venue, garden, historical landmark, and library, making it a multifaceted stop for history enthusiasts. With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 210 reviews, it has attracted a range of visitors, from families to history buffs, all of whom have shared their experiences. This review synthesizes those visitor opinions to give you a grounded sense of what to expect.
Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House at a Glance
The Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a downtown Portland destination that combines several historic attractions under one umbrella. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, where poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up, is a center-hall colonial from the Revolutionary War era, offering a glimpse into 18th-century life. The adjacent museum gallery features rotating exhibits, often focusing on Maine's Revolutionary War history, as well as special displays like the Dunlap Broadsides copy of the Declaration of Independence. The complex also includes the Brown Research Library, a resource for genealogical and historical research. Visitors can reach the society by phone at +1 207-774-1822 or visit the website at www.mainehistory.org for current exhibits and admission details.
What Do Visitors Like About Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House?
Overall, visitors express satisfaction with their experiences, frequently praising the knowledgeable staff and the quality of the exhibits. Many reviewers highlight the Wadsworth-Longfellow House tour as a highlight, while others appreciate the depth of the Revolutionary War displays. A few note that the museum's focus can be narrow, and one reviewer mentioned feeling unwelcome due to political commentary in an exhibit. The overall sentiment is positive, with many saying the visit was worthwhile.
1. Knowledgeable and Engaging Staff
Multiple reviewers commend the staff and docents at the Maine Historical Society. For example, James Burnidge described two guides at the Longfellow House as having 'vast amounts of knowledge' and being 'eager to answer any question,' making the home 'come alive.' Similarly, June Gagnon noted that the docents tailored their information to her granddaughters' level of interest, pointing out details about children who lived in the house. Suzanne S also praised the tour guides as 'extremely knowledgeable, generous with their time, and open to questions.'
2. Fascinating Revolutionary War Exhibits
Several visitors were impressed with the museum's focus on the Revolutionary War period. Spiro Antoniades found the exhibit on Maine during the Revolution 'excellently detailed with rare, beautifully preserved artifacts,' including the story of Falmouth being burned by the British. John Enright enjoyed the 'Revolutionary War rooms' and found the garments and handwritten documents fascinating, noting the curators told stories from the lives of five Mainers, including an African American man and a Native American woman.
3. The Longfellow House: A Time Capsule
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a central attraction for many visitors. Spiro Antoniades described it as 'an incredible time capsule' that took him back to his school days reading 'Paul Revere's Ride.' Kent C appreciated that the house was 'small and simple with a nice garden' and that visitors could walk around freely without a guide. James Burnidge enjoyed the self-guided audio tour and the presence of knowledgeable guides, while Gabrielle Ingram used the interactive phone tour to learn about each room.
4. Special Exhibits and Events
The museum's rotating exhibits have drawn attention. Virginia Ravenel visited during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and saw the Dunlap Broadsides copy, calling it a 'meaningful experience.' Michael Blair noted past exhibits like 'Best Friends: Mainers and Their Pets' and 'Notorious: Maine Crime in the Public Eye,' describing the museum as 'offbeat, thoughtfully curated.' Shawn Lecowitch enjoyed a July 4th visit with 'cool exhibit, and nice music,' and appreciated the staff's flexibility in moving his ticket time.
5. Family-Friendly and Accessible
The site is noted as good for kids, with family-friendly amenities. June Gagnon visited with her granddaughters, ages 9 and 10, and had a great time. The presence of a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a family-friendly designation make it suitable for a range of visitors. However, John Enright cautioned that one exhibit on Italian immigrant stone cutters might not be appropriate for children, as it consists mostly of photographs and documents.