Old York Historical Society

Name: Old York Historical Society
Address: 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME, 03909, US
Telephone: (207) 363-4974
Price range: $

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Old York Historical Society

Southern Maine's largest museum of historic properties, located in the heart of York village.

Visit Old York Historical Society and explore nine historic museum buildings, a contemporary art gallery and wonderful gardens. Tour the properties, explore our collections, research your history or take part in our renowned education programs. Customize your visit by adding one or more of our living history experiences to your itinerary. At Old York you will experience over 400 years of New Engla

nd heritage while listening to tales of sea captains and their families, jailers, prisoners and others. You'll also see some of the most beautiful decorative objects and antiques preserved in America including the Bulman Bedhangings, the only complete set of 18th century American crewelwork bed curtains known to exist. Your journey begins at the museum's Visitor Center, located at 3 Lindsay Road in the Remick Barn at the corner of Route 1A and Lindsay Road in York.

09/02/2026

Beginning September 12…Experience a guided tour of the Old Gaol after dark! The Old Gaol (jail) served as the primary prison for the Province of Maine and York Country during the 18th and 19th centuries. The existing structure includes a House of Corrections, a 1719 prison, a kitchen, guard rooms, 1763 cells, and a 1799 Debtors’ Prison. Hear about the prisoners that spent time there, the colonial court system, and the structural history of this National Historic Landmark.

Recommended for ages 12+. Each tour is limited to 16 people, and you must pre-register online (this includes members). Ticket sales will end at 6:00 p.m. prior to the tour.

What: After Dark at the Old Gaol Guided Tour

When:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026
7:00 p.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: $20 per person / $15 members / $15 children (18 and under)

To register and for details see oldyork.org.

📸 The Old Gaol, photo by Laura Ritch.

08/31/2026

Join Maureen Bane of Signature Finishes Signature Finishes for a brief lecture on milk paint and a hands-on workshop. Participants will apply milk paint to small keepsake boxes, which they can take home with them.

Milk Paint is one of the oldest known paint formulas, with a history that stretches back thousands of years across multiple civilizations. This workshop explores the fascinating evolution of milk paint—from its early use in ancient societies to its revival in modern sustainable design.

Appropriate for ages 7 and

What: Historic Milk Paint and Ancient Patina Workshop

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center

Cost: $45 per person

Register at: oldyork.org.

08/28/2026

York Village in York, Maine, around 1908 and the same scene in 2026. In the distant center of both photos is the Emerson-Wilcox House, which was built around 1735 and later expanded around 1760 and again in 1817.

Historic image courtesy of the Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Company collection.

08/19/2026

There are only a few tickets left so act fast! Join us Friday, August 21 for our annual fundraising event at the beautiful Perkins House on the York River! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres by Harvest and Plate Catering, cocktails including the “Wiggly Founding Father” signature drink by Wiggly Bridge Distillery, wine and beer from Nappi Distributors, live music by the Fiddling Thomsons, and a thoughtfully curated silent auction at the Perkins House.

This year’s 250 at Old York theme commemorates the nation’s Semiquincentennial and highlights York’s rich revolutionary history. Rare Revolutionary-era items from Old York’s collection will be on display for this special event.

For tickets please visit oldyork.org/events/perkinsparty.

250 at Old York!
A Benefit for Old York Historical Society
Friday, August 21, 2026
5:00 p.m.
Perkins House Museum
394 Southside Road, York, Maine

Thank you to our event sponsors: Ellis Insurance Agency, Tim Ellis, Nappi Distributors, New York Life, Snug Harbor Farm, Wiggly Bridge Distillery, Williams & Co., and York Harbor Inn.

And special thanks to our Collector-level ticket holders: Anne and Peter Driscoll, Debby and Will Ethridge, Meredith and Bill Goodwin, Loulie Moran, and Ann Ramsay-Jenkins.

08/11/2026

For over six years, Williams & Co. Williams & Co. | Southern Maine Real Estate Experts (formerly Williams Realty Partners) has generously provided Old York with a shuttle service to transport guests to and from the York Middle School to the Perkins House Museum for our annual Perkins Party fundraiser. Thank you, Williams & Co.!

Williams & Co. believes real estate is about more than buying and selling property; it’s about helping people build a life, grow their investments, and put down roots for the long-term. With a collaborative team supporting every client at any stage, we provide thoughtful guidance, honest advice, and the kind of service people come back to for years.

Williams and Co. has recently rebranded with this new logo and a new website at williamsandco.com. Be sure to check it out!

08/07/2026

Join us on August 12 for the conclusion of this summer’s Stories at the Old Schoolhouse program, featuring ‘At One in a Place Called Maine,’ by author Lynn Plourde and illustrator Leslie Mansmann. Celebrate Maine’s unique wildlife and learn to be present in nature in this beautiful tale by Lynn Plourde. Following the story, we’ll have a visit from our friends at White Pine Programs White Pine Programs to learn about the plants and animals of Maine.

Recommended for children ages 4 to 10. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Old York will have copies of this book for sale! And our friends at the York Public Library have a book basket in the children’s room with all of the titles from this summer’s Stories program.

What: Stories at the Old Schoolhouse: ‘At One in a Place Called Maine,’ by author Lynn Plourde and illustrator Leslie Mansmann

When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10:30 a.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: FREE

For more information visit: oldyork.org.

08/06/2026

Join us at Old York’s historic Jefferds Tavern on Tuesday, August 11 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Tuesday Trivia at the Tavern. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a history buff! Questions are diverse.

Make a night of it and bring food and drinks to enjoy at the tavern! This event is open to ages 21+. Gather your friends! Teams consist of up to 4 people.

Be sure to visit our friends SoMe Brewing Company or York Beach Beer Company for your B.Y.O.B. needs! And the lucky winners will take home prizes from these local companies.

What: Tuesday Trivia at the Tavern

When: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Jefferds Tavern at Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: $20 / $15 members

Space is limited so register at oldyork.org.

📸 by Donna Amelia Vinson Seger

08/03/2026

This week’s auction highlight...our ‘Hit the Links!’ package. It includes one (1) hour for up to four (4) people in one of Seacoast Pickleball’s Seacoast Pickleball golf simulators. Also, golf for four (4) for eighteen holes at Cape Neddick Country Club Cape Neddick Country Club, “Maine’s Most Welcoming Golf Course.” (Carts not included). Value: $429.

Tickets are available for the Perkins Party on Friday, August 21. Join us for Old York’s annual fundraiser on the scenic York River! Along with cocktails, live music, and hors d’oeuvres, the event includes a silent auction. We have put together a wonderful selection of items, ranging from artwork and theater tickets, to one-of-a-kind experiences. For tickets to the event and to learn more about this thoughtfully curated auction, please visit oldyork.org/events/perkinsparty.

07/31/2026

Join us Wednesday, August 5 for ‘The Lobster Lady,’ by author Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs and illustrator Jamie Hogan. Hear the story of Maine’s own “Lobster Lady,” Virginia Oliver, who spent more than ninety years lobstering and living her life doing what she loved. We will be joined by our friends from Off the Boat Lobsters 🦞OffTheBoatLobsters🦞. After the story, we will meet some real lobsters and learn about this curious sea creature.

🦞🦞🦞

Recommended for children ages 4 to 10. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Old York will have copies of the book for sale! And our friends at the York Public Library have a book basket in the children’s room with all of the titles from this summer’s Stories program.

🦞🦞🦞

What: Stories at the Old Schoolhouse: ‘The Lobster Lady,’ by author Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs and illustrator Jamie Hogan

When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
10:30 a.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: FREE!

For more information and the full Stories schedule visit oldyork.org.

This program is generously supported by Kennebunk Savings.

Address

3 Lindsay Road
York, ME
03909

Telephone

(207) 363-4974

Website

https://oldyork.org/

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