Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit

06/05/2026

The Littlefield Windsor Chair
Artifacts bring us closer to the people and events that shaped our community and our nation. This 18th century American bow back Windsor chair once belonged to Daniel and Anna (Brooks) Littlefield in Wells. Daniel Littlefield served in the American Revolution and, upon returning home, likely sat in this very chair. Though worn and fragile from centuries of use, the chair exhibits fine details like the thin bead on the back and arms, and the hint of a bamboo motif on the legs and spindles.

According to his pension application:

“I enlisted at Wells in October 1775in Captain Samuel Sayers Company for twelve months. I proceeded immediately to Cambridge and trained there until March 1776 & then proceeded to Albany in the State of New York & thence to Ticonderoga & served my full term of twelve months against the common enemy and received an honorable discharge…”

Daniel Littlefield died in September of 1849 and is buried in a family cemetery in Wells.

The Littlefield Windsor chair is on loan from a private collection and will be on view this year in our exhibit on the American Revolution. Stop by to view this piece, alongside more artifacts and stories from this pivotal period in our Nation’s history.

We are open Tuesday and Friday from 10-5, and now have expanded hours on Thursdays from 10-1 and 4-8 pm.

06/05/2026

A big thank you to Jack & Mary Designs for becoming a Silver Sponsor of our Woodies in the Cove Car Show & fundraiser!

https://jackandmarydesigns.com/

Based in York, Maine, Jack & Mary Designs creates beautiful handcrafted accessories from upcycled wool sweaters, giving new life to recycled materials while supporting local craftsmanship. Their unique, Maine-made products are both stylish and sustainable.

We are grateful for their support in helping us preserve and share our local history!

We artfully craft our up-cycled wool accessories from repurposed sweaters in Maine. Our sweater refashion includes: recycled wool mittens, hats, headbands, scarves, and bun warmer skirts!

06/04/2026

Tonight at the Waterborough Historical Society Waterboro, ME

!!TONIGHT AT 7!!

Step back in time with the Waterborough Historical Society for an unforgettable evening exploring the fascinating world of medicine and midwifery in Colonial New England!

Join Patricia Violette-Adams, Executive Director of the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society, as she brings 18th-century history to life through stories, research, and hands-on demonstrations.

Discover how rural midwives served as healers, pharmacists, counselors, and trusted community leaders long before modern hospitals and medical schools existed.

Learn about the remarkable lives of historical figures Martha Ballard and Nicholas Culpepper while exploring early healthcare practices that shaped everyday life in New England.

📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 7pm
📍 Grange Hall, 31 West Road, Waterboro, Maine

This unique program is perfect for history lovers, genealogy enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the realities of early American life.

Bring a friend and enjoy an evening filled with history, storytelling, and hands-on learning!

We hope to see you there!

06/02/2026

Numerous soldiers from Wells and Ogunquit served at both battles of Ticonderoga. They likely carried similar equipment to Benjamin Warner. Stop by the Meetinghouse Museum this year to learn more about local families in the American Revolution.

For a limited time, July-August 2, Fort Ticonderoga will display one of its most significant objects: Benjamin Warner’s Knapsack. Carried by Revolutionary War soldier Benjamin Warner and handed down to his descendants, the knapsack has survived with a call to future generations to defend America’s hard-won liberty against all threats.

The 250-year-old knapsack, made of painted linen, was carried by Benjamin Warner of New Haven, Connecticut, during service in the Revolutionary War that took him to Boston, Quebec, New York and elsewhere over his years in the ranks. Later in life, Warner left it to his son as a memento of his service and a reminder of what he fought for, writing:

“This Napsack I caryd (sic) Through the War of the Revolution to achieve the American Independence. I Transmit it to my olest sone (sic) Benjamin Warner Jr. with directions to keep it…and whilst one shred of it shall remain never surrender you libertys to a foren envador or an aspiring demegog (sic).”

The letter is signed, “Benjamin Warner Ticonderoga March 27, 1837.” Both the knapsack and its note are carefully preserved in the collection at Fort Ticonderoga where they have resided for almost a century but have not been on display for over a decade.

READ MORE: https://fortticonderoga.org/news/fort-ticonderoga-honors-250th-anniversary-of-american-independence-with-special-exhibit-highlighting-soldiers-knapsack-and-its-powerful-message/

06/01/2026

Thank you to the Ogunquit Trading Post for becoming a Silver Sponsor of our Woodies in the CoveCar Show-fundraiser!

For generations, the Ogunquit Trading Post has been a favorite local destination, offering a wonderful selection of souvenirs, clothing, Maine made gifts, nautical items, Minnetonka moccasins, balsam fir pillows, and more.

Thank you for your support to local history. Be sure to stop by and support this great local business!

Ogunquit Trading Post, Maine Gifts is located in Wells Maine on Route One. Featuring Minnetonka Mocassins for Women, Men and children, Dog gifts, Nautical items, Webkinz Toys at lw prices.

05/31/2026

Our Wells & Ogunquit Historical Society pug, Zander showing the way to the 250th Revolutionary War Exhibit!
FREE Wells dog history book marks with Zander or LeeLoo on them available! 🐾

05/30/2026

Thank you Waggerstown for signing on as a Silver sponsor of our Woodies in the Cove Car Show and fundraiser this year!

Be sure to stop by Waggerstown for all your pet supply and grooming needs and show them some love for supporting local history.
🐾🚗🎉

05/29/2026

What a fun visit from Kayla, Admissions Coordinator for York County Community College - Wells, Maine! Thanks for the swag bag! Go Hawks! :)

05/28/2026

This grooved stone axe head in our collection was discovered by Philip and Edgar Brooks at Moody Point in the 1960s. Recently, we had it examined by archaeologist Nathan Hamilton, who estimates it dates to the Late Archaic period, approximately 3,500–4,000 years ago.

You can come see this fascinating artifact on display at our museum upstairs in the library!

05/26/2026

Thank you, to our local hardware and lumber store Morse Hardware & Lumber for sponsoring Woodies in the Cove car show and fundraiser this year! We appreciate your support! 🪵 🛠️