The Scarborough, Maine Historical Society and Museum

649A U.S. Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074 (Located next to the Dunstan Fire Station) Origins The Scarborough Historical Society was established in March 1961 by people representing all parts of town to preserve the heritage of Scarborough. Pieces of that heritage were rapidly being taken out-of-state by those who were willing to pay the price. The Society has been accepting donations of papers and artifacts relating to Scarborough and its people ever since. Nearly all of its acquisitions have been donated.  History The Scarborough Historical Society was established in 1961 to protect the rich history, heritage, and traditions of Scarborough. Pieces of that heritage were rapidly being taken out of state by those who were willing to pay the price. The mission of our society is to inform the community of this history by collecting, preserving, and displaying materials associated with our past. The Scarborough Historical Society and Museum provides a variety of services to the community. High school, college, and elementary students consult our staff and resources for information involving their history projects. Our collection is extensive. There are farming equipment and tools from bygone coopers and cobblers, quilts and clothes from past eras. There are class pictures and other objects from early school days, as well as photographs of people, homes, buildings, and related documents including Bibles and family genealogies. (Our genealogy resources (CRBCC@aol.com) date to the early 1600's.) Our members write history articles for newspapers and speak to community organizations and schools. From September to May our society has monthly programs open to the public. Volunteer Come explore Scarborough's rich history and learn about its colorful past! Do You have an interest in Scarborough history? Become a Historical Society volunteer! The Historical Society is seeking volunteers to work together on Tuesday mornings from 9-12 at the Museum. Help is needed to care for and organize the Society's fascinating collections of artifacts and archival material. Even small amounts of time are appreciated. We offer the following volunteer opportunities: Genealogy research; Living history demonstrations for school children; Entering newspaper obituaries into a computer index; Organizing records and artifacts; Sorting historical photographs of Scarborough; Helping with the quarterly newsletter; Transcribing 19th century letters; Inventorying old newspapers; and, General housekeeping.   For more information about volunteer opportunities call 885-9997. Shop at the Museum Blockhouse Tee Shirts Ccotton tee shirts in forest green with a yellow imprint of the trademark Scarborough blockhouse. By chance, a misprint in the logo makes these shirts a real collector's item, so order yours while they're still available in all sizes -- S, M, L, & XL. They're priced at $10.50 plus $4 for priority mail
The Historical Society offers the following items for sale at the Museum Tuesday mornings from 9 am to noon or by mail: Scarborough Historical Society P O Box 156, Scarborough ME 04070
Tote Bags $8.50	Caps $7	Boxed Note Paper $2.50
Books & Pamphlets:
Grandfather Tales of Scarborough by Augustus Moulton		$50
History of Scarborough: 1633-1783 by William S. Southgate		$50
Images of America: Scarborough by Rodney Laughton		$17
Scarborough 300th Anniversary Booklet		$3
Gems of Prouts Neck History		$40
York Deeds Index		$31
Recipe Booklet		$1
MAM Directory of Museums		$2.50
A variety of tee shirts & sweatshirts (various sizes, designs, and prices)
Add $4 per item for shipment via Priority Mail.

 Links

Nonesuch Notes ... A Great Site for Scarborough Resource
Genealogy Web Page ... Hosted by Caroline Chamberlain...
Download Scarborough Vital Records 1892-1944 (PDF file) (Excel spreadsheet)

History of the Building

The Museum building was built in 1911 as a generator house for the Portland Railroad Company. It was one of three buildings on the site to service the trolleys. Later it was used by the Dunstan Fire Company. After being vacant for a few years, the building was put back in service for the Police Association. Finally, in 1961, it became the home of the Scarborough Historical Society Museum. Our renovations throughout the years have been carefully planned and executed to maintain the historical character of the building. On March 22, 1991 the Museum was placed on The National Register of Historic Places. 

In the late 1980's, the town helped us upgrade our building, and we received a matching grant to help us buy special materials needed to conserve some of our possessions. Other than that, our Society has been self-sustaining through donations and membership dues. Of this we are proud. In 1997 we completed a major addition to our building to provide meeting space and environmentally controlled storage space. 

The Society accepts donations of papers and artifacts relating to Scarborough and its people. Nearly all of its acquisitions are donated.

The Society is open on Tuesday mornings from 9 A.M. until 12 Noon and other times by appointment. Meetings are held at the Museum on the first Wednesday of the month from September to May. Our programs usually relate to some aspect of history.

Membership Membership is open to individuals provided dues are paid and by-laws are observed. We encourage you to join at the level with which you are comfortable. Benefits include monthly programs, access to facilities and monthly newsletters, among others.     The Scarborough Historical Society is a member of: Maine Association of Museums (MAM) Society of Maine Archivists (SMA) Society of Local Volunteer Executives (SOLVE)

Individual $10.00 Sustaining $20.00 Sponsor $50.00 Life $75.00 Benefactor $100.00 Student $1.00

 

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Updated: November 16, 2007