Upcoming Events 2026
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.
Restoring a Working Landmark:
Exploring historic preservation in the context of Westport Island’s ca 1794 Town Hall —
Followed by a brief Annual Meeting
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 3:00-5:00 pm Where: Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd
Wayfinding in the context of historic preservation isn’t as simple as demolition and renovation. It is a process for making an historic structure practical for today’s needs while retaining its historical integrity — part detective work and part skilled restoration to meld past and present. This discussion will combine perspectives of Elsie Parrot, Field Services Specialist and Architectural Historian from Maine Preservation, and Westport Island’s Chris Malliet, historic builder and home inspector.
Elsie Parrot has worked with Maine Historic Preservation since 2024. She holds degrees in Historic Preservation and Community Planning as well as Architectural Conservation. Elisie believes that preservation benefits us all and will illustrate how. Chris Malliet has over 40 years experience in the building industry with historic building and preservation a personal passion. He has spent countless hours assessing the Town Hall’s structure from the foundation to the attic and has been involved in all restoration work to date. As part of understanding Westport’s historic structure, he has also viewed its “sister” building, the Edgecomb Town Hall. Both speakers have studied and have a vision for Westport Island’s Town Hall.
The talk will be followed by a brief Annual Meeting of the Friends of Westport Island History (the “Friends) to propose and nominate a slate of Trustees and Officers.
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.