The Wadsworth—Longfellow House
In June 2002, the Maine Historical Society celebrated the centennial of the Wadsworth–

Longfellow House as Maine's first house museum open to the public.

Within its walls lived three generations of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of New England and the United States. Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow (1807-1882), grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time.

General Peleg Wadsworth, built the house in 1785—1786, and the last person to live there was Anne Longfellow-Pierce, Henry's younger sister. Mrs. Pierce, widowed at an early age, lived in the house until her death in 1901. At that time, in accordance with a deed she executed in 1895, the house passed to the Maine Historical Society to be preserved as a memorial to her famous brother and their family.

Virtually all of the household items and artifacts are original to the Wadsworth and Longfellow families. Furnishings from the three generations illustrate changes in style, technology, and attitude over the 19th century. Peleg and Elizabeth Wadsworth raised ten children in the house before retiring to the family farm in Hiram, Maine, in 1807.

The Parlor
The Wadsworth—Longfellow House is also an important architectural artifact of New England's past. Originally a two-story structure with a pitched roof, it was the first wholly brick dwelling in Portland. Zilpah and Stephen Longfellow (Henry's parents) added a third story in 1815. The only single—family residence to survive downtown Congress Street's change from a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood on the edge of town to an urban business district, it is the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula.

After two and half years of meticulous renovation to the era of the 1850's, the Wadsworth—Longfellow House reopened to the public in June of 2002.

Behind the House you will find a secluded Colonial Revival garden that is an oasis of green and quiet in the heart of downtown Portland. Beautifully landscaped, it has a small entertainment area and meandering paths throughout.

Volunteer Docents
Each year, Maine Historical Society partners with several other Portland area institutions (Greater Portland Landmarks, Portland Harbor Museum, Tate House, and Victoria Mansion) to offer an intensive 12 week training course for prospective docents.

Learn more about the program and how to sign up.

Admission and Tours
For information pertaining to admissions (if applicable) and scheduled tours, please contact us and we will respond to your questions and/or requests accordingly.

Open May — October; School tours available starting April 1st by reservation only.

For more information about Henry Wadsworth—Longfellow, his work, influence, family and childhood home, visit our Longfellow website.