Founded:
In 1936 Louise Helen Coburn purchased the building that would become the History House. She ran it as a private museum until her death in 1949. In her will she provided for a society, the History House Association, which was officially recognized as the History House Association, Incorporated, in 1951. That organization has since been responsible for the operation of the facility.
Mission:
The History House Association, Inc. shall for educational, literacy, and historical
purposes maintain, operate, conduct and manage a museum in the Town of Skowhegan, Maine. Such museum shall collect, display, preserve and maintain records, books, manuscripts, charts, maps and other materials, articles and items of historical or antiquarian interest pertaining to Skowhegan.
Collections:
The History House consists of the original building, which houses the main collection. In 1936 an addition was added. This houses artifacts and records that are not part of the original collection, such as town records dating back to 1783, newspapers from 1828 to 1900, and the Alexander Crawford Jr. Civil War Collection.
Facilities:
Th original building of the History House dates back to 1839, when the Greek Revival structure was built by Aaron Spear. It was originally occupied by a Blacksmith named Lord, until it was sold to the Tilton family. The last Tilton died in 1908, and the home became abandoned. It was used intermittently as a warehouse by CMP Co.
Louise Helen Coburn bought the house in 1936. She built an addition so that her collection of historic records and artifacts would fit in one comprehensive structure.
This is the building that stands as the Skowhegan History House today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The House also owns a garden, known as the Heirloom Gardens. Established in 2005, they were created to present a garden as would have been common in the mid 19th century. Peonies, iris, daylilies, phlox, and hostas, all plants which would have been easily available to a New England gardener at the time, dominate the garden.
Hours:
Seasonal -- end May-October
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: closed