Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future: The Journey of the Moosehead Historical Society

Founded in 1962, the Moosehead Historical Society is a non-profit entity committed to safeguarding and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the Moosehead Lake region in Maine. Over time, we have grown into a year-round institution with two campuses, multiple museums, and a reputation as one of the premier small-town museums in Maine, and arguably, New England.

Our initial endeavors focused on expanding our membership, curating artifacts and memorabilia, and designing displays and exhibits. These were initially showcased at various Greenville businesses and the Town Hall.

A significant milestone in our journey was the acquisition of the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan House in 1976, a gift from the late Julia Crafts Sheridan. This Victorian-era masterpiece, once the home of Arthur Crafts, a former Maine Senator and distinguished businessman, stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving history.

Constructed in the early 1890s by John Eveleth, a thriving Greenville entrepreneur, this elegant Victorian home on Pritham Avenue was a wedding gift for his daughter, Rebecca. She married Arthur Crafts, a prosperous Chicago businessman, in a grand ceremony at Mount Kineo. The couple filled their new home with a collection of refined and tasteful furnishings, many of which are still on display today.

The last family member to live in the house was Julia, the Crafts’ daughter. A community stalwart and successful businesswoman, Julia left behind a legacy of elegance and community service. After her death in 1970, her husband, Phillip Sheridan, honored her will by donating the house to the society in 1976. This generous act serves as an enduring tribute to Julia’s life and contributions.

After comprehensive renovations and safety enhancements, the house was opened for public tours in 1981. We invite you to journey back in time and immerse yourself in the elegance and history preserved within the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan House.

In addition to the house, we maintain the property’s lawns and gardens. The Carriage House has been transformed into an office and a museum that highlights the region’s lumbering history.

In 2005, we acquired the historic “Community House” in downtown Greenville, now known as The Moosehead Cultural Heritage Center. Located a stone’s throw from picturesque Moosehead Lake, this landmark has been a part of the region’s cultural fabric for over a century, hosting generations of families and community events. It houses the Moosehead Lake Aviation Museum, a vintage auditorium, and various exhibits that tell the story of the Moosehead region.

We have undertaken significant restoration projects for all our properties and developed annual thematic programs that spotlight the region’s history and heritage. Despite the facilities’ age necessitating yearly repairs, the society has flourished under the guidance of five executive directors and the contributions of numerous officers, trustees, staff members, and volunteers.

The Moosehead Historical Society welcomes everyone to explore the history and heritage of the Moosehead Lake region. We hope our founders would be proud of our accomplishments.