Museums of Old York
NileGuide Expert Says:
This is a great activity for those rainy days at York Beach -- or simply a nice change of pace from enjoying the local sand and surf.
Address:
207 York Street
York, ME 03909
Phone:
207-363-4974
NileGuide Expert tip:
While the museum is officially open from June through Columbus Day Weekend, be sure to check its website for some interesting off-season events.
Description:
High on the "must see" list for the southern Maine coast and Portland visitors should be the Museums of Old York. The museums consist of a contemporary art gallery, nine historic buildings and beautiful gardens that reflect York's rich 300-year historical legacy. Of particular note is the Old Gaol, one of oldest structures in town. This building served as the provincial jail throughout colonial times and into the early 1800s. Visitors walk through the jailer's family quarters and cells (complete with bars and leg irons) and learn interesting historical tidbits about this facility. For instance, most of the building's earliest prisoners were debtors who were allowed to ply their trades while in prison to earn back their freedom. The Old Gaol also features an exhibition which sheds a fascinating light on America's early penal system. An actress-read audio recording of a slave's confession to murder is especially chilling. Another interesting highlight is the one room Old Schoolhouse which features etchings and photographs, as well as books, benches and other materials used to educate the community's earliest settlers. History lovers will also enjoy the Emerson-Wilcox House which, with its 250 years of history, offers a glimpse into early American family life. Over the years, this house was owned by three prominent families who, periodically, were involved in the overseas shipping trade. As a result, the house is well furnished with exotic examples of 18th and 19th century furniture, dinner ware, pottery and clothing from such far flung locales as China and India. Given the variety of its holdings, the Museums of Old York are well worth a visit. Although generally accessible to the public from June through Columbus Day Weekend, museum doors are open during other select times of the year. The Old Gaol, for instance, plays host to a very creative Halloween spectacular. Also, there is a traditional Christmas tea event held in the museum's historic Jeffers Tavern.
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