Harpswell Celebrates USA 250th
Join us in celebrating the United States of America's 250th birthday this year. Volunteers will be hosting events all summer long with a special focus on Harpswell's history and our Nation's history. We'll be updating this page as events are planned, so check back often!
Upcoming Events
Changing Tools and Techniques: History of Harpswell Fishing
Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Cundy's Harbor Community Hall
837 Cundy's Harbor Road
Harpswell fisherman and Select Board Member Matt Gilley will share examples of current gear and share the changes his family has seen over decades of lobstering. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Harpswell Historical Society. Click here for more information.
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m.
Harpswell Center
All are welcome to march or ride in the parade starting at 11 a.m.
Harpswell Colonial Days: July 16-19
Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Bandstand by the Sea, Mitchell Field
Check out our info booth at the Patriotic Concert by Harpswell Concert Band at Bandstand by the Sea, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain date July 19)
Harpswell Center
11:00-4:00: The Coastal Maine Living History Association will establish a Revolutionary War encampment with re-enactors demonstrating musket firing, cooking, and other camp activities on the grounds of the Meeting House and the adjacent field belonging to Deane Van Dusen.
2:00: Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Harpswell Meeting House, exactly 200 years from the original reading.
11:00-4:00: Tours of the red, white and blue Centennial Hall gardens.
11:30-2:00: Children's colonial activities with Girl Scout Troop 1263 and Harpswell Recreation in Centennial Hall.
12:00-3:00: Tours of the Harpswell Historical Society Museum.
All Day: Bake sale, Pammy's lobster rolls and hot dogs at the Elijah Kellogg Church.
Later This Season
Church Tours
Saturday, August 1
Tour some of Harpswell's local churches on Bailey Island, in Cundy's Harbor, and on Harpswell Neck. More info to come!
Community Concert
Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 p.m.
Elijah Kellogg Church
Tour of Harpswell Burial Grounds
Saturday, August 15
Tour some of Harpswell's burial grounds on the Neck, Islands, and in Cundy's Harbor. More info to come!
Historic Architecture Tour
Saturday, September 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain date Monday, September 7)
Tour the Harpswell properties on the National Register of Historic Places. From 9 a.m. to noon, tour Cundy's Harbor and the Islands. From 1 to 3 p.m. tour Harpswell Neck. Details to come!
250 Years of Harpswell Farming
September 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Join us at the Merriconeag Grange to learn more about the history of farming in Harpswell. There will also be cider pressing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.