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Our Story

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The Machias Historical Society was organized in 2006 as a non-profit corporation and is a tax exempt historical society, a public charity.  The Society works to fulfill its purpose in a variety of ways.  Membership is diverse and interests vary, but the common thread is an interest in learning about our history and sharing it with the public.  Many of our members have traced their genealogy back to the colonial era and beyond.  

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Each year we commemorate the battle for independence from Britain by remembering the Battle of the Margaretta in 1775 (the first Naval battle of the American Revolution), the Battle of Machias (the Rim) as well as other battles that occured in 1776 and 1777 to defend against British agression.

 

We sponsor the Margaretta Days Festival and Craft Fair in June each year, in which we use reenactment and demonstration to transport attendees back to the 1700s in Downeast Maine.  One of the goals of this Festival is to involve area youth as participants to enhance the educational opportunities provided by this Festival.   Guest reenactors join our Revolutionary War Reenactors of Downeast Maine to provide a robust picture of the past at this Festival.

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We collaborate with the Hannah Weston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and with local Passamaquoddy Native Americans to commemorate the Battle of Machias (the Rim) each August when the British returned determined to destroy Machias in retaliation for capturing the Margaretta.  The defense of Machias was successful with the help of the local Passamaquoddy Native Americans who came to the aid of the patriots.

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In the past, the Machias Historical Society has presented historical symposiums as participatory and educational experiences.  More are planned for the future.​

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The Machias Historical Society Board of Directors

 

The Machias Historical Society Board of Directors are elected for a two-year period.  Elections are scheduled for the summer of 2024.  The Board has overall responsibility for administering the Society and its activities.

 

Members of the Board may be contacted at machiashistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

 

James Jackson, President

 

Brandon York, Vice President

 

Sarah Crosby, Secretary

 

Stephanie Larrabee, Treasurer

 

Nathan Beal

 

Betsy Fitzgerald

 

Carlene Holmes

 

Lyman Holmes

 

Joseph McBrine

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 Jo-Ellen Scribner

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Christopher Sprague

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Machias Historical Society is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

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The Machias Historical Society

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Bringing History Alive

 

Enjoy these examples of how the Machias Historical Society brings our history alive!  We often portray our ancestors from the Revolutionary or Colonial era, but we recognize the rest of our lively history in the Machias area as well.  

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If you would like to become a member of the Machias Historical Society to learn and explore more about our history, contact us here!

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dancers at the ball
Burnham Tavern
woman with Pocket
girl with horse
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Resources
The Machias Historical Society regards its continuing development and success to the wealth of resources available to us and our collaboration with these organizations.
 
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The Hannah Weston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Link.  The Chapter owns and manages the famous Burnham Tavern Museum.

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The Washington County Courthouse Heritage Center.  Extensive collection of genealogical records available.   Contact Information:

85 Court St., PO Box 297, Machias, ME 04654

Tel:  207-255-3127

Hours:  T, W, Th.  9:30 to 3:00

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Washington County Historical & Genealogical Society.  A group dedicated to historical preservation and genealogical research in Washington County, Maine.  Many Washington County historical societies belong to this organization.  

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The Machiasport Historical Society Museums give seasonal tours:

The Nathan Gates House and the Cooper House.

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Ruggles House Society
 

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Porter Memorial Library in Machias
 

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Florence Sturdivant Public Library in East Machias 

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Merrill Library at the University of Maine at Machias

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Be sure to visit these sites of Historical importance and valued resources.

Face book link  Ruggles House
Facebook link Porter Memorial Library
Facebook link Florence Sturdivant Public Library
Facebook link Merrill Library
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