We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Portland
Log in Join
More
    Help Centre

    Maine Historical Society

    75 Reviews
    #44 of 160 things to do in Portland
    History Museums, Museums
    489 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3414
    +1 207-774-1822
    Website
    Save
    All photos (9)
    Full view
    Review Highlights
    “Check the website so you know what to expect”

    This is not really a museum sharing the history of Maine it is mostly an excellent research... read more

    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Ajaxme
    ,
    Windham, Maine
    “The History Museum Doesn't Actually Include Much History At All!”

    I had hoped to visit both the museum and the Longfellow House however unfortunately the house was... read more

    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    VikkiBee
    ,
    Houghton-le-Spring, United Kingdom
    Read all 75 reviews
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Overview
    More
    A growing museum, incomparable library and statewide educational resource, we are located in the heart of Portland’s downtown cultural district. Founded in 1822, the Maine Historical Society (MHS) is the third oldest state historical society in the United States! Our one–acre campus is situated in downtown Portland, across from Monument Square. MHS's campus is comprised of the Wadsworth–Longfellow House and Longfellow Garden, the Maine Historical Society Museum and Store, and the MHS Research Library. We also manage Maine's digital museum: Maine Memory Network. Winter Opening Hours (Oct-May) Gallery + Store: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Longfellow House: Closed until May 1, 2018 Longfellow Garden: Closed until May 1, 2018 Brown Library: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm Administrative Offices: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

    About Maine Historical Society

    A growing museum, incomparable library and statewide educational resource, we are located in the heart of Portland’s downtown cultural district. Founded in 1822, the Maine Historical Society (MHS) is the third oldest state historical society in the United States! Our one–acre campus is situated in downtown Portland, across from Monument Square. MHS's campus is comprised of the Wadsworth–Longfellow House and Longfellow Garden, the Maine Historical Society Museum and Store, and the MHS Research Library. We also manage Maine's digital museum: Maine Memory Network. Winter Opening Hours (Oct-May) Gallery + Store: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Longfellow House: Closed until May 1, 2018 Longfellow Garden: Closed until May 1, 2018 Brown Library: Wed-Sat 10am-4pm Administrative Offices: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
    4.5
    75 reviews
    • Excellent56%
    • Very good34%
    • Average5%
    • Poor4%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “longfellow house” (18 reviews)
    “gift shop” (7 reviews)
    “an amazing tour guide” (2 reviews)
    Closed
    Hours
    Hours Today: Closed
    LOCATION
    489 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3414
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 207-774-1822
    Improve This Listing
    Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Portland
    Architectural Tour of Tate House Museum
    from US$15.00
    More Info
    Portland Tate House Museum Admission and Tour
    from US$12.00
    More Info
    Narrated Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine...
    77 Reviews
    from US$24.00
    More Info
    Friday Evening Brewery Tour in Portland
    from US$70.00
    More Info
    Write a ReviewReviews (75)
    Traveller rating
    Traveller type
    Time of year
    Language
    All reviews
    "longfellow house"
    in 18 reviews
    "gift shop"
    in 7 reviews
    "an amazing tour guide"
    in 2 reviews
    "subject matter"
    in 2 reviews
    "house tour"
    in 2 reviews
    "great place to visit"
    in 3 reviews
    "walking tour"
    in 2 reviews
    "few hours"
    in 2 reviews
    "maine"
    in 36 reviews
    "history"
    in 23 reviews
    "museum"
    in 17 reviews
    "henry"
    in 3 reviews
    "industry"
    in 2 reviews
    "artists"
    in 3 reviews
    Filter

    1 - 10 of 74 reviews

    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Check the website so you know what to expect

    This is not really a museum sharing the history of Maine it is mostly an excellent research library. There is just a small exhibit which is currently about Maine food - likely better to visit in the summer when you can also tour the Longfellow...More

    Ask Ajaxme about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Ajaxme
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    The History Museum Doesn't Actually Include Much History At All!

    I had hoped to visit both the museum and the Longfellow House however unfortunately the house was closed. It didn't bother me too much though as really I wanted to learn about Maine's history as a state. The museum only cost $8 and it’s quite...More

    Ask VikkiBee about Maine Historical Society
    Thank VikkiBee
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 6 March 2018
    Great Exhibit about Food

    We stopped in for a visit last Saturday. The exhibit on food and people from Maine was interesting and educational. It was informative to learn about the connection of food and canning industry. A great place to visit for a few hours.

    Ask Bob C about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Bob C
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    MaineHistoricalSoc, Public Relations Manager at Maine Historical Society, responded to this reviewResponded 12 March 2018

    Bob - thanks for your visit! We're delighted that you enjoyed the Maine Eats exhibition!

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    See more reviews
    Reviewed 3 November 2017
    Haunted Houses Tour was Great!

    Had a great time doing the Longfellow Haunted House tour. James was an amazing tour guide and you can tell he really loves the subject matter. Highly recommend as a Halloween excursion.

    Ask Sean M about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Sean M
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    MaineHistoricalSoc, Public Relations Manager at Maine Historical Society, responded to this reviewResponded 6 November 2017

    Thank you for your review, Sean! Glad you enjoyed the Longfellow's Haunted House tour!

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 30 October 2017
    Must pop in to the store and collections

    Very clever folks are working here. The exhibits are brilliant and well presented and enjoyed. The book shop is fascinating and worthy your browsing. The historic Longfellow House just next door. Job well done everyone involved

    Ask CS1Portland about Maine Historical Society
    Thank CS1Portland
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    MaineHistoricalSoc, Public Relations Manager at Maine Historical Society, responded to this reviewResponded 1 November 2017

    Thank you so much for your review! Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and we are thrilled that you browsed our museum store and saw some great items. We appreciate your feedback!

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 9 October 2017 via mobile
    History Lover

    Great Place To Visit, The Longfellow House Next Door Is Awesome. The Presentations They Put On Are Great and Very Informative, They Also Do Historical Walks Around Portland.

    Ask Justlikehavingfun about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Justlikehavingfun
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 15 August 2017
    Beautiful Building

    Unfortunately, this has people working within the building, so you don't really feel comfortable to spend a lot of time here. However, it is located next to the wadsworth-longfellow house so it is worth a peak inside. It is a beautiful building and wonderfully preserved.More

    Ask Cyndi G about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Cyndi G
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    MaineHistoricalSoc, Public Relations Manager at Maine Historical Society, responded to this reviewResponded 24 October 2017

    Hi Cyndi -Thanks so much for your review, we appreciate it! I'm curious - which building are you referring to not feeling comfortable spending time in? The museum building or the Longfellow House? We want to ensure our guests have an excellent experience in all...More

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 8 August 2017
    Walking Tour

    We took a 90 minute walking tour on Friday afternoon. The guide - a professor at a local university - was both a friendly guide and a well-informed and experienced presenter. We enjoyed Professor Voyer's well-organized and informative talk. He answered all our questions and...More

    Ask RCP012 about Maine Historical Society
    Thank RCP012
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 16 July 2017
    Nice combo of exhibits, house tour and museum shop!

    We enjoyed the window teaser of an exhibit on trade posters and spent some time in their shop as well as in the Longfellow house. Trade posters are clever and fun and the shop is small, but with a very well chosen selection of stock....More

    Ask Bi-coaster about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Bi-coaster
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 9 July 2017
    great spot for a dose of Maine history

    Stop in to the gift shop, enjoy one of the rotating exhibits, take a lovely house tour, or settle in for some serious research all in the heart of Portland!

    Ask Dianei about Maine Historical Society
    Thank Dianei
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    123456…8
    Nearby
    Nearby HotelsSee all 21 hotels in Portland
    Holiday Inn Portland By The Bay
    1,163 reviews
    .35 km away
    The Westin Portland Harborview
    1,169 reviews
    .37 km away
    The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
    797 reviews
    .40 km away
    Portland Harbor Hotel
    1,556 reviews
    .44 km away
    Nearby Restaurants
    David's Restaurant
    434 reviews
    .12 km away
    David's Opus Ten
    84 reviews
    .11 km away
    Slab
    156 reviews
    .11 km away
    Shays Grill Pub
    68 reviews
    .14 km away
    Nearby Attractions
    Wadsworth-Longfellow House
    218 reviews
    .00 km away
    Portland Symphony
    43 reviews
    .08 km away
    Portland Public Library
    17 reviews
    .17 km away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    jwu5
    30 October 2015|
    Answer
    Response from TundraJayco | Reviewed this property |
    The sounds like today and tomorrow. I would check their web site or even give them a call.
    1
    Vote
    Lovesportland
    28 June 2015|
    Answer
    Response from John T | Reviewed this property |
    Maine Historical Society Hours: June - Oct: M-Tu-W-F-Sa, 10-5 Th 10-7 Su 12-5 Frequent special programs and lectures extend the hours .
    1
    Vote