HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PARSONSFIELD-PORTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY!

 2021 has been a pretty good year and we have been able to resume most of our usual activities after a very quiet year in 2020.  Although the threat of COVID 19 still exists, most of us are vaccinated and wearing masks has become routine for most people in crowded situations.  But 2021 is also our 75th anniversary.

Seventy-five years ago on August 27, 1946, a group of interested local residents met at Norton Hall in Kezar Falls and, under the direction of Mrs. Ina Stanley Emery, on left, the organization of PPHS was founded.  She was elected as the first President and remained in office until 1979.  With Mrs. Emery as a driving force at the head of an enthusiastic group of members, the organization flourished.  The Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society was incorporated in 1953.  

The Society worked for several years to raise money to buy a house for a museum and meeting place and several buildings were considered.  In 1955 Mrs. Emery succeeded in convincing the Society to purchase the house built in 1888 by her father, Preston J. Stanley – now known as “History House” at 92 Main Street, Porter.  The Society finally had their own meeting place and a home for their growing collection of records and relics of the early days of the towns of Parsonsfield, Porter and South Hiram.  They quickly set about renovating and setting it up in time for the 1957 Sesquicentennial of Porter.  History House in 1957 below.

In 2000 a group of dedicated members formed the “Millennium Committee” and set about the task of bringing the society up to date.  The task of cataloging all the collection items was undertaken, plans for refurbishing the building, doing much needed maintenance and building a new addition was undertaken and most was completed over the next few years.  It was important that we renew interest in the history of our towns through attracting new members, educating our youth through outreach to the local schools, holding meetings and programs that anyone could attend and being more accessible.  Much of this work is ongoing today.  

The Historical Society continues to preserve the history of the area for future generations.  This is accomplished through acquisition of and careful preservation of documents, records, photographs, and artifacts related to the history of our towns.  These are then made available to the public through the mounting of both temporary and permanent exhibits throughout History House, assisting individuals and groups seeking specific information about genealogy and other aspects of local history.  A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes at History House and members are encouraged to participate in supporting our goals. Current photo of History House below.

The activities of the Society include regular meetings from April through October, usually with interesting programs, open house dates at History House, The Old Porter Meeting House, The Old Parsonsfield Town House and various fundraising events throughout the year. We also encourage recognizing and supporting other historic sites in our towns.

Over the last 20 years many of our working members have passed away and we look to new residents and young people who have an interest in our history to join and help us continue this important work of...

Preserving the Past, Embracing the

Present & Anticipating the Future

Our website is parsonsfieldporterhistorical.org

e-mail is pphs@parsonsfieldporterhistorical.org