Thursday November 15, 2018 at 6:PM at the Freeport Library 

Ford Reiche has owned and restored four buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places. Recently he renovated a local lighthouse which has become the recipient of local and national awards. The restoration is the subject of a recent book and documentary on Discovery/DIY channels.

In 1871, the federal government built Halfway Rock Light Station at the entrance to Casco Bay, ten miles off shore from what was then one of the busiest ports in America. Called a “stag lighthouse” because it was deemed too dangerous for women or families, it was staffed 24/7 for 105 years by rugged men who survived harsh conditions, and rowed all the way to Portland for shore leave. In 1975, the federal government automated the horn and light, then abandoned the station to the ravages of Mother Nature. On 2012, Halfway Rock was placed at the top of a list of The Most Endangered Lighthouses In America. After 40 years of neglect, the station was sold at auction by the government in 2014 . The auction sale was delayed by 14 months because it was discovered that the federal government did not actually own the station, and it took a special act of the Maine legislature to clear the title.

At the time of sale water was leaking through all seven stories of the granite tower, broken out windows and doors were boarded up, and most of the 120’ dock had been washed away. Over the course of three years a complete restoration has brought the buildings of Halfway Rock back to their original condition, ready to fend off Mother Nature for a few more decades.

From the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing, this book contains 229 previously unpublished historic photographs with new research and information. Holly’s presentation will highlight historic images from the book and include behind-the-scenes bonus material. Reception to start at 6:00pm. $5 or free with a purchase of a book. Seating is limited so advanced registration is recommended. 

UPDATE:

Due to rain tomorrow 10/27, we will be offering one indoor performance of Ghosts of Freeport’s Past at the First Parish Church at 7pm. Guests are also welcome to attend the Sunday performance at 3:30 at the First Parish Church.

Presented by Freeport Historical Society and the Freeport Players

Thursday through Saturday, October 25-27, 2018

6:30, 7:00, and 7:30pm

Woodlawn Cemetery

In the event of inclement weather, one evening show at 7pm will take place at First Parish Church, 40 Main Street.

The interred of Woodlawn Cemetery will provide Ghost Tours for all those present in the flesh. Our Ghost host will greet us with a brief history of the cemetery and introduce us to friends who are haunting the cemetery. All apparitions will be portrayed by actors from the Freeport Players, in period costume who will materialize and share stories from their mortal state. Note: This event is historical, not scary, and is appropriate for school-aged children.

An indoor performance will take place on Sunday, October 28^th at 3:30pm at the First Parish Church on Main Street. Tickets to be sold online and available at the door. 

PURCHASE TICKETS

Sunday Sep 30th, 2018 

10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

31 Pettengill Road 

Join us at for a day of family fun at our pristine 140-acre Salt Water Farm. There is always a lot to see and do on this 200+ year old farmstead as we celebrate rural life of the 1800’s.  We will enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, kid’s crafts and games, farm animals, apple cider pressing, specialty walks on the grounds, agility-dog exhibition, lunch and more. The original farmhouse will be open that day and guided tours available. Old Time Baseball is back and played to 1860’s rules.  A youth participation inning is included. Adults $5 Children $2. 

Freeport Public Library

September 18, 2018

6PM

A view of the history of the Mast Landing area from 1760-1860, including masting, ship building, and the mills and brickyards. We will look at the impact the Dennison family had on the area and their contribution to the economic growth and expansion of Mast Landing. We will also cover the growth of the road structure and its importance, a time line of selected homes, and discuss important lotting maps by the decade complied E. S. Coffin. A scale drawing of the mill site will be shown with details on the mills never before discussed. The lecture will be given on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at 6PM at the Freeport Library.

Refreshments and a display of Mast Landing lotting maps by E.S. Coffin will be on view. $5 donation. 

Saturday May 19, 2018 at the Harrington House

Get a head start on your spring gardening! Purchase annuals and perennials from our own plant sale. This is a fundraiser for our gardens. Please consider donating a few of your perennials to our sale. Drop off on the porch May 17th and 18th. Thank you for your support for our downtown oasis! Baked goods to be sold by the Freeport Woman’s Club.

Sunday April 29, 2018 5:00-7:00pm
South Freeport Church

Join us for a reception and a brief business meeting. We will be presenting our annual awards and honoring three influential Freeport historic preservationists: Vicki Lowe, Mary-Eliza Wengren, and the late Sally Rand. Our volunteer of the year will be named along with the preservationist of the year. We will also be launching our Historic House Marker program and highlighting selected homes. Light refreshments provided.