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KENNEBUNKPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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BOARD OF DIRECTOR TRANSITIONS
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome new officers in place.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Cheers to Joyce and Bill, and to all our wonderful volunteers!
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KENNEBUNKPORT TRIVIA
How much do you know about our history in Kennebunkport? Scroll down to find out!
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SUMMER LAWN PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT!
We are thrilled to announce our summer lawn party fundraiser on August 3rd at the Nott House, and this year’s theme is "Kennebunkport in the 1970s!" Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring live music by local talents Dana Pearson and Mark Gunter. Our food offerings will be a delightful blend of modern twists on 1970s classics, prepared by professional caterers and our amazing team of volunteers.
Tickets are on sale now, and we expect them to sell out quickly. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting event—purchase your tickets today!
In preparation for the event, we are gathering photographs, stories, and memories from the 1970s. If you have any family memories from this era that you'd like to share, please consider contributing to our collection. We are also seeking individuals willing to provide oral history testimonials. Your contributions will help us create a rich and engaging experience for all attendees.
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
We invite you to support the Historical Society by becoming a sponsor for our 2024 season. Our most reasonable option is $250, your sponsorship includes two tickets to either the summer 1970s lawn party or our Christmas Gala, plus access to a special VIP pre-party. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our mission and enjoy exclusive benefits at our premier events. For more information about our sponsorship opportunities, please click the image below.
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Your sponsorship will play a crucial role in helping us preserve and share the rich history of Kennebunkport. It enables us to maintain our programs, events, and facilities, ensuring that we can continue to educate and
inspire both residents and visitors alike.
Don't wait—become a sponsor today and make a significant
impact on our community!
For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or how to contribute your memories, please contact us at Info@Kporths.com.
We look forward to celebrating with you this summer and
creating new memories together.
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WINTER & SPRING PROJECTS
AT THE NOTT HOUSE
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This past winter brought severe storms that have unfortunately caused significant foundational damage to the historic Nott House. The impact of these storms has left the house in urgent need of repairs to preserve its structural integrity and historical significance.
The necessary repairs include:
- Drainage Improvements: Installation of gutters and water diversion systems to prevent future water damage.
- Excavation: Addressing issues below the surface to ensure proper drainage and stability.
- Foundation Repairs: Fixing areas affected by rot and water damage.
- Sump Pump Installation: Adding a sump pump to manage groundwater and prevent flooding.
These repairs are critical to maintaining the Nott House, a cherished landmark in our community. We are actively seeking financial support through grants and other funding opportunities to help offset the costs associated with these extensive repairs.
Your support is essential in helping us restore and protect this important piece of our local heritage. We hope to secure grants that will provide the necessary funding, but community contributions are also vital. Every donation helps us move closer to ensuring the Nott House remains a stable and integral part of Kennebunkport for generations to come.
If you would like to contribute to the preservation efforts for the Nott House, please click the photo below. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will make a significant impact on our ability to complete these urgent repairs.
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Thank you for your continued support and dedication to
preserving Kennebunkport's history.
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CELIA'S HISTORIC GARDEN PROJECT:
SECOND YEAR OF PARTNERSHIP
WITH WALLINGFORD FARM
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We're excited to share that our partnership with Wallingford Farm for Celia's Historic Garden Project is continuing into its second year! Wallingford Farm, local historic garden specialists, are generously sponsoring this initiative to recreate the beautiful gardens of the Nott House based on Celia Nott Perkins' diaries.
Celia Nott Perkins, an avid gardener, meticulously documented her gardening practices and the layout of her beloved gardens. With Wallingford Farm's support, we're bringing Celia's gardens back to life by restoring historic garden beds with heirloom plant varieties.
The expertise and dedication to preserving local horticultural history make Wallingford Farm the perfect partner for this project. Wallingford Farm owner, Charles Godfrey stated, “It is so important that the historic home’s architecture is reflected in the landscaping and gardening. Historic architecture and gardens are our passion.”
We invite everyone to visit Celia's Historic Garden and witness the beauty and history being brought back to life.
Thank you for your continued support, and don't forget to stop by Wallingford Farm for all your gardening needs!
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The historic Town House School has been a hub of activity this spring, hosting a variety of events that celebrate our community's rich heritage and vibrant culture.
We kicked off the season with a soul-stirring performance by the Hamilton College Choir. Comprising 35-50 voices, the choir enchanted audiences with their diverse repertoire and captivating performances. It was a memorable evening that showcased the talent and passion of these young musicians.
In addition to the musical performances, the Town House School recently welcomed esteemed meteorologist Jason Nappi for a special lecture exploring recent storms and weather phenomena. Nappi's presentation provided invaluable insight into the causation of these events, sparking discussions about the impacts of changing weather patterns on our coastal community.
Looking ahead, the Town House School is gearing up for an exciting lineup of concerts this summer. Dana Pearson, a local favorite, has been entertaining audiences with his monthly concerts. On June 12th, Dana will be joined by Jim O'Neil and Nick Georges for an evening of acoustic renditions of Tom Petty songs. Then, mark your calendars for July 17th, when we'll journey back to the 50s with some rock and roll classics featuring musicians Mark Gunter, Ron Breton, and Alan Shepard.
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As we continue to celebrate our community's heritage and culture, we invite you to join us at the Town House School for these fabulous concerts and events. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we look forward to another season of music and community at this historic venue. |
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RENTING THE TOWN HOUSE SCHOOL |
The charm of history abounds in this one room schoolhouse. Consider renting this space for your upcoming private event. The schoolhouse has several tables and chairs, Wi-Fi, and plenty of parking.
Members of the Society receive a discount.
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STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES: CHARLES MORGAN
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Charles Morgan was one of the founding members of the Kennebunkport Historical Society when it was established in 1952. Mr. Morgan was an avid collector of shipbuilding memorabilia, and his passion for preserving maritime history led him to donate many items to historical societies during his lifetime and after his passing. Among his many accomplishments, he published a pamphlet detailing the shipbuilding history of Kennebunkport and generously donated the David Clark shipwright office to the Historical Society, which now resides next to the Town House School on our North Street campus.
Recently, members of Charles Morgan's family met with Sharon Cummins to explore the Charles Morgan collection in our archives. This collection holds a wealth of historical artifacts and documents that offer a glimpse into Kennebunkport’s rich shipbuilding past. Mr. Morgan’s family's visit was a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Charles Morgan’s contributions to our community and the importance of preserving our shared history.
We are deeply grateful for the family's continued support and for the opportunity to honor Charles Morgan's memory by maintaining and showcasing his remarkable collection. Visit his niece, Anne Banfield, on Wednesday mornings at the Nott house as she is currently a volunteer docent.
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EDUCATIONAL VISITS FROM
THE NEW SCHOOL STUDENTS
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Recently, students from The New School in Kennebunk visited the Kennebunkport Historical Society's archives for research and learning as part of their ongoing genealogy projects. During their visit, they had the opportunity to delve into the history of Kennebunkport with historian Sharon Cummins and explore the rich resources available in our archives.
Additionally, the students enjoyed a pre-season tour of the Nott House,
gaining a deeper appreciation for the town's historical heritage.
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A GIFT FROM THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE |
Artist, Margaret Kilburn, was known for her art school and gallery shop she shared with fellow artist, William Fisher. Recently, the Kennebunk Habitat for Humanity Restore contacted us and let us know that they had a recent donation that included three etchings by Margaret Kilburn. Excitedly, our historian, Sharon Cummins, was able to respond on behalf of the collections committee that we were pleased to receive them into our collection. In 2020, Sharon Cummins wrote about the two artists and their contributions to the art scene here in Kennebunkport. We are so grateful for the contribution. Here is that story: |
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THROWBACK THURSDAY BY SHARON CUMMINS
Artists, William Fisher and Margaret Kilburn shared an art school and gallery shop in Kennebunk Lower Village from 1949-1974. They met in Greenwich Village in 1938 when Bill asked for Margaret’s help getting some of his paintings into an already full 13th Annual Washington Square Outdoor Art Show. She got him space at the show. The two soon became business partners, opening the very successful Eighth Street Gallery and Art School in Greenwich Village. Winter enrollment was brisk. Sometimes as many as 150 students signed up but summer months at the art school were slow. In 1949, Kilburn and Fisher bought their shop in Lower Village and started a summer art school in the Kennebunks, where artistic inspiration still abounds. In 1958, they closed up shop in Greenwich Village and moved to Kennebunkport year-round.
As a young man, William Fisher, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1890, studied at the Brooklyn Institute of Art and Science and the Pratt Institute. He illustrated the pages of the Saturday Evening Post, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, McCall's, etc. During World War I he drove an ambulance in France. After the war, Fisher stayed in Europe to further his art studies in Paris and Rome. When he got back to the United States, he taught Art in the Englwood, N.J. School System before opening the art school in Greenwich Village.
Margaret M. Kilburn was born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1897. At the age of 24, she sailed aboard the Empress of Russia to the Philippines where she taught art as part of her missionary work for the Episcopal Church. She returned to the United States via Paris, France in 1925. Kilburn also studied at The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, as a student of Architecture. She later studied and taught etching, pottery and glasswork at New York Schools before joining forces with William Fisher in Greenwich Village and in Kennebunkport.
Behind the Kilburn Fisher Studio and whatnot shop in Lower Village stood William Fisher’s house, the old Hobbs Gooch place, now Batson River Brewery. Art classes were conducted there when bad weather hampered plein air work. Margaret Kilburn had purchased her house on Chestnut Street Kennebunkport in 1951.
The Lower Village shop closed for good in 1974. A few months later, after having worked together for 36 years, Margaret Kilburn and William Fisher got married at St. Monica’s Chapel on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. He was 84 she was 77. The couple continued to teach and work together at Margaret’s house on Chestnut Street for another decade before Margaret passed away in October of 1984. William Fisher followed her just 5 months later.
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Join a group of fun people for a friendly game of cribbage in our archives. The group meets regularly from 1-3PM in our archives at 125 North Street. Contact us if you are interested at 207-967-2751 to find out more! |
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS TRANSITIONS |
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing President, Sarah Reagan Auer, for her dedicated service over the past three years. Sarah will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, contributing her expertise as a key member of the fundraising and community relations committee. We also express our gratitude to Mike Burd, our exiting Board member and Treasurer, for his volunteer service and commitment. Both Sarah and Mike have been exemplary stewards, making a tremendous difference during their tenure.
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome new officers in their place:
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Andrea Rolleri, who has been a dedicated Board member and Secretary for the past three years, was voted in as the new Board President. Andrea brings over thirty-five years of experience as an industrial designer, specializing in the planning and development of national and international museum exhibition spaces and visitor experiences. Her background with the Smithsonian Institution, National Park Service, and various state institutions provides valuable insight into interpreting, displaying, and caring for historical objects.
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Ann Nevius has been appointed as the new Treasurer. Ann grew up in Connecticut in a 1750 farmhouse, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for historic architecture and preservation. She majored in Economics at Skidmore College and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Ann has a rich background in management consulting, leading the healthcare practice at a strategy management firm. Upon retiring, she focused on historic preservation, working with Historic New England and the Trustees at the historic Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA. Ann and her husband moved to Kennebunkport in 2018, where she has been an active volunteer with the Kennebunkport Historical Society ever since.
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Diane Emerson-Holm has been elected as the new Secretary. Diane embodies Kennebunkport’s multi-generational heritage, with deep family ties to the area. She spent summers at Goose Rocks Beach with her grandmother and has strong connections to the community through her father's legacy as a selectman and former Historical Society President. Diane relocated from Colorado to West Kennebunk in 2010 to care for her parents and now owns the family property at Goose Rocks Beach with her sister. With a diverse nursing career, including service in the Air Force, Diane currently teaches Health Occupations at Sanford Regional Technical Center. Her ties to the town and personal experiences fuel her fervent advocacy for preserving Kennebunkport’s heritage.
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Bill and Joyce Viecelli recently packed up their home in western Massachusetts and moved to Maine, a place they had enjoyed for many years with their vacation home. Downsizing led them to build a new home in nearby Wells, and they relocated just a few months ago, never looking back.
Joyce quickly became an active member of our community by joining our cribbage club, playing in the archives twice a week. Always bringing homemade treats for the group, Joyce's delicious contributions didn't go unnoticed. We soon invited her to bake for one of our Tea & Tales series, which sparked her interest in further involvement. Joyce now helps out in the gift shop, teaches art classes at the Town House School, and assists behind the scenes at our fundraising events.
Bill also began to lend a hand, tackling various projects around our Town House School. He single-handedly excavated the overgrown walkway and replaced the posts for our Historical Society sign at the Pasco Center, funding the expenses himself. His dedication led us to ask for his help in excavating the stone pavers flanking the walkway at the Nott House.
Both Bill and Joyce have been invaluable to our organization. They even donated household items, such as lamps, tables, and elegant chafing dishes, as they were downsizing. A Vietnam veteran, Bill recently helped us raise the flag downtown on Memorial Day weekend, coinciding with the opening day at the Nott House. The flag-raising video we posted on social media gained significant attention, which was very exciting for our community.
Bill still has his sights on several projects at the Town House Corners Campus. He aims to illuminate our flagpole and fly the American flag at the Pasco Center and plans to replace the wood holding the sign at the schoolhouse.
Joyce, a talented pencil artist, also sells her beautiful notecards in our gift shop.
We are immensely grateful to all our volunteers and interns. Highlighting just a few in our newsletter is challenging because every single volunteer at the Kennebunkport Historical Society contributes significantly to our mission. It is through this kind-hearted community that we can serve our purpose. Cheers to Joyce and Bill, and to all our wonderful volunteers!
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KENNEBUNK HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS |
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ANNOUNCING THE FIRST WINNER OF THE
TIM DIETZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
We are thrilled to announce the first recipient of the Kennebunkport Historical Society's Tim Dietz Memorial Scholarship: Laird O’Brien!
Laird has been awarded a scholarship of $1,500, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the community and his embodiment of the values held dear by Tim Dietz. Tim Dietz was a graphic designer, sailor, local historian, author, father, and husband who had an unparalleled passion for the Kennebunks. He dedicated his time to serving the community he loved, and this scholarship honors his memory and spirit.
The Tim Dietz Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who exemplifies Tim’s generosity of time and talents, and whose love for the area and its history shines through in words and deeds. The selection committee faced a challenging decision, with many qualified applicants, but Laird stood out for his well-rounded, kind-hearted nature and dedication to his community.
In his application, Laird wrote:
"My relationship with my town, Kennebunkport, has been at the core of my life and I feel I have been molded by this tight-knit community through a collection of different influences in my upbringing here. I have realized how great a town/area/community can be when people come together to help others. I have learned that much more is possible in the world when people act with unselfishness, kindness, and caring for all."
Laird’s words and actions truly reflect the spirit of Tim Dietz, and we are proud to support his educational journey.
Congratulations again to Laird O’Brien and thank you to everyone who applied and supported this scholarship.
If you would like to donate to the Tim Dietz Memorial Scholarship Fund and help support future students who share Tim's passion and dedication, please click the photo below.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO JUNIOR BOARD PRESIDENT, GILLIAN CAMP
Gillian Camp is no stranger to the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Some of you may remember Gillian as a small child running around the Nott House, assisting her mother, who served as the Executive Director for many years. Not only did Gillian help behind the scenes as a child, but she also stepped up to serve the Society after her mother retired. Over the years, she has been an invaluable asset, helping with every event, adding her creativity to Junior Board initiatives, speaking publicly about her love for this community and its history, and shining as an example of volunteerism to her peers.
This past year, Gillian served as the President of our Junior Board, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. As she prepares to attend Northeastern University, we are thrilled to announce that the Board of Directors has unanimously voted to gift Gillian a special Junior Volunteer Award in recognition of her unparalleled service. It's rare to find an 18-year-old with over a decade of volunteer experience, and we are immensely proud of Gillian and our young volunteers at the Historical Society.
We wish Gillian all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the incredible things she will achieve.
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CELEBRATING THE RSU21 SENIOR INTERNS |
This spring, the Kennebunkport Historical Society had the pleasure of hosting a group of RSU21 senior interns who dedicated their time and energy to various projects around our historic properties. Seniors Ben, Isaac, Lorien, and Jacob made significant contributions to our organization, and we are immensely grateful for their support.
Throughout their internship, these hardworking students assisted with a wide range of tasks, including:
- Spring Garden Clean-Up & Planting:: Helping to prepare our gardens for the new season by clearing debris, planting new flowers, and ensuring our outdoor spaces are vibrant and welcoming.
- Gift Shop Preparation: Organizing and stocking our gift shop to ensure it's ready for visitors, providing an inviting and well-maintained space for guests
- Painting: Refreshing the appearance of a few key areas and some outdoor chairs with a fresh coat of paint.
Their dedication and hard work have been invaluable, and we are thrilled to see such strong community spirit and involvement from our local students. As they prepare to graduate, we congratulate Ben, Isaac, Lorien, and Jacob on their achievements and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
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In the last newsletter, we asked 5 questions about local history
and here are the answers:
- What three names has our town had?
- Cape Porpoise 1614-1719, Arundel 1719-1820, Kennebunkport 1820-present
- During which war did the Battle of Cape Porpoise occur?
- The Revolutionary War.
- When was the last large schooner built in the Clark Shipyard
- 1918 the Edmund A. Billings was launched in March of 1918 Built by David Clark's nephew, George.
- Cape Arundel was developed by what company?
- The Boston and Kennebunkport Seashore Company later known as The Kennebunkport Seashore Company.
- What is the oldest house in town?
- The Tristram Perkins house on Oak St was built c. 1724
New Questions:
- Why did Arundel, formerly known as North Kennebunkport break away into a separate town?
- Where was the Kennebunkport High School Building?
- Where did the indigenous families camp to sell baskets and canoes they made to tourists?
- Where did the trolley used to run in Kennebunkport?
- Did we have enslaved humans in Kennebunkport’s history?
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EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFIT: |
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SHARON CUMMINS'
THROWBACK THURSDAY STORIES
Attention, valued members! As a token of our appreciation, you will now receive weekly emails featuring Historian Sharon Cummins' beloved "Throwback Thursday" stories.
These stories have been a vibrant part of our social media community conversations and are readily accessible on our website under the dedicated tab, "Historic Stories." We're thrilled to bring these captivating tales directly to your inbox, ensuring you're always in the know about Kennebunkport's fascinating history. We kindly encourage you to share these stories with your friends and neighbors, spreading the word about our rich heritage, and reminding them of the importance of supporting our mission by becoming members.
Your continued support fuels our dedication to preserving and celebrating Kennebunkport's unique history.
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WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR MISSION |
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Want to Become a Kennebunkport Historical Society Member?
Click here to learn more about our membership.
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KENNEBUNKPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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