Bucksport Historical Society celebrates its 60th anniversary

August 3, 2024

In 2024, the Bucksport Historical Society is celebrating its 60th anniversary. In honor of the anniversary, Vice President Gary Bagley shared this history of the society.

On the evening of June 18, 1964, fifteen people gathered at the Main Street home of Mrs. Arthur Joost to organize the Bucksport Area Historical Society encompassing not only Bucksport but Verona and Orland as well. Some years later, Orland formed its own historical society. The Rev. Charles Brown was elected Chairman, Mrs. Arthur Joost, Vice Chairman and Mrs. Philip Young, Secretary-Treasurer.

The first artifacts were acquired at the estate auction of Ernest Sugden of Orland. With a bid of $100, Mr. Frederick Forsythe of Bucksport acquired a large map of Bucksport's first water system and Col. Jonathan Buck's transom and field notes. A few years later, Admiral Peary's daughter donated items related to his 1909 voyage of discovery to the North Pole including his personal flag from his ship "Roosevelt".

Individual donations allowed the society to start with $120 in the bank.

By 1966, the society had 65 members!

Dr. Hervey Emery allowed the society to use his Main Street brick building for displays. They first opened their displays in conjunction with the town's 4th of July celebration in 1965. That same year, the society negotiated the purchase of the almost derelict 1874 railroad depot from the Maine Central Railroad for $500. After repairs and renovations, the society opened the depot museum to the public on July 6, 1967. The museum was open during the summer on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. with no charge