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Collections
Preserving the past, connecting the future
We collect, preserve, and explore artifacts and documents relating to the history of Freeport.
Our collections
A shoe last from our rich collections of Freeport’s shoemaking industry.
The Freeport Historical Society holds in public trust the materials and artifacts that help connect the Freeport of the past to the present. FHS maintains a research library, archives, and object collection with the primary collecting focus on materials that relate to the history of Freeport, Maine from prehistory to present. The organization also serves as an approved Alternative Repository for the Storage of Non-Confidential Local Government Records for the Town of Freeport through the Maine State Archives.
WW1 Stowell Service Flag
We actively encourage you to engage with our collections, whether it’s through our exhibits, research, programs, newsletters, or digital offerings. The two most significant collection items are our buildings — the Harrington House and Pettengill Farm. These properties were both generously donated by Eleanor Houston Smith and her husband L.M.C. “Sam” Smith.
Collecting Focus
Freeport Historical Society collections
FHS collects objects, including maritime, agricultural, economic‐related, humanities, and other textiles, paintings, books, manuscripts, diaries, letters, books, cemetery records, maps, drawings, postcards, photographs, ephemera, and other items, the majority which have been organized and cataloged, and made available for research. Visit our research page to learn more.
We continue to actively collect items in these categories, from individual objects and documents to major multi‐item resources. Audio, video, and digital items are now sought to document both historic and contemporary archival materials.
Donate to the Collection
Interested in Donating to the Collections? Please visit our Donate to Collections page to learn about why we collect, what we collect, and what your donation means to the organization.
VISIT US
OFFICE HOURS: T-F 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
PETTENGILL FARM: Grounds are open year round, dawn to dusk. House is open by appointment.
JOIN US
There are many ways you can support FHS – become a member, donate, or volunteer. Your support makes our work possible.