Upcoming Events 2026

The Gardens of Lincoln County: A Westport Island Adventure

A Lincoln County Historical Association Fundraiser sponsored by the Friends

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 am-3:00 pm Where: Staging at the History Center, 38 Ferry Rd.

The Gardens of Lincoln County Tour invites you to explore our beautiful region, viewing unique gardens and learning tidbits of local history along the way! This year, we’re showcasing a variety of interesting and beautiful gardens on Westport Island. In addition to the spotlighted gardens, we are arranging for special stops along the way where you’ll take in beautiful views, learn local history, and discover some great treasures! This is a day for anyone who loves exploring beautiful places. You won’t want to miss it!
Information about the specific gardens, including their addresses, will be be made available to ticketholders on Friday, June 26.

This is a ticketed event

Advance purchase strongly encouraged. This event is expected to sell out!

June 1–20: $35 Members / $40 Non-members
Day of event: $45 per person (no discounts)

Early bird pricing through June 1:

$25 (LCHA Members) – use code EARLYMEMBER
$30 (Non-members) – use code EARLYBIRD

Proceeds support the Lincoln County Historical Association and its mission to preserve and share our local history.

Westport Island and the American Revolution

Celebrating America’s 250th

When: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 3:00-4:30 pm Where: Westport Island Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd.

Westport’s Ken Swanton will give an illustrated presentation on Westport Island’s role in the Revolution. Discover the daring and far flung exploits of some island soldiers. Learn how the Westport Island militia played a winning role in a local 1777 skirmish with a huge British war ship. Then find out how the island soldiers participated in 1779 in what became the biggest American naval disaster before Pearl Harbor.

The Friends of Westport Island History will begin our celebration of the 250th celebration of American Independence with a new exhibit at the History Center that will open by July 4th. It will feature new research on island soldiers and it will display a unique artwork poster of the Declaration of Independence.

Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Annual “History Alive” Summer Fundraising Gala:

Celebrating the History Center and the history of Westport’s Ferry Landing

When: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 4:00-6:30 pm Where: History Center & Ferry Landing, 38 Ferry Rd.

Join with neighbors and history buffs for the Friends annual lawn party, tour the renovated History Center, and take in a presentation about the historic Westport Ferry. Learn about the ferry from those who lived it and rode on it. The ferry operated from 1899 until the causeway opened in 1950. Its colorful history will be at the center of our history celebration. Bring your curiosity or your family’s memories.

This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at $35. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be served.

Advance ticket sales start in May. Contact info@fowih.org for more information.

An accompanying exhibit detailing the history showcased at this event will be on view at the Westport Island History Center until Sumer 2027 on Sundays from noon to 2 pm, during additional summer hours that will be announced in the spring, and by appointment at info@fowih.org.

Col. Benedict Arnold’s 1775 March to Quebec:

A grueling trek through the Maine wilderness

When: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 4:00-6:30 pm Where: Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd

Local historian and member of the Arnold Expedition Historical Association Rob Stevens will join us for a talk on Benedict Arnold’s secret expedition to attack the British Province of Quebec. It was a daring mission through almost 200 miles of uncharted territory. Eleven hundred Continental Army patriots volunteered for the mission. They endured starvation, with many dying and some deserting, in a journey marked by brutal weather and brutal terrain. The surviving patriots attacked Quebec in the midst of a raging blizzard and almost succeeded in their quest.

Rob Stevens is known for his expertise in colonial shipbuilding. He is the lead shipwright of Maine’s First Ship. He also works with the Arnold Expedition Society building batteaux with schools, museums, and historical societies. This work started to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Arnold Expedition which was in 2025. The bateaux are flat-bottom river boats, replicas of the 220 built by Pittston shipbuilder Reuben Colburn for Arnold’s expedition.

Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.