The Moosehead Cultural Heritage Center, affectionally known as the Community House, is a historic building that stands in downtown Greenville, across the street from scenic Moosehead Lake. For more than a century, it has been a part of the region’s culture and history, hosting generations of families and community events. Today, it is owned by the Moosehead Historical Society and showcases a 100-person auditorium, an aviation museum, and other exhibits related to the Moosehead region.
The Community House was built in 1904 as a 60’ x 40’, two story structure and dedicated in September of that year as the Universalist Chapel. It served as a place of worship for the Universalist congregation until 1930, when it was sold to the Ready Workers Society of the Union Evangelical Church. The Ready Workers Society operated a kitchen and dining hall on the first floor and a large meeting hall with a stage on the second floor, transforming the building into a multi-purpose facility.
For the next 75 years, the Community House was the venue for a wide range of community programs and events, such as dances, dinners, concerts, plays, weddings, and more. It became a beloved landmark of Greenville, where many residents and visitors have fond memories of attending or participating in various activities. The Community House was a source of pride and joy for the people of the Moosehead region.
In the early 2000s, however, the Community House faced a crisis when the Ready Workers Society could no longer afford to maintain it and decided to sell it. There was a risk that the property would be bought by private investors or demolished, which would mean losing a precious piece of Greenville’s heritage. To prevent this, the Moosehead Historical Society stepped in and purchased the property in 2005.
During the next 20 years The Moosehead Historical Society took on an ambitious restoration plan to preserve and enhance the Community House. The old dining area was converted into museum space, the outdated furnace was replaced with propane heaters, a handicap bathroom was added on the first floor, and the meeting hall continued to be used for various events, including art exhibits, meetings and even the high school prom!
Today, the first floor of the facility houses a wide range of exhibits. Notable among these are the popular B-52 exhibit, which pays homage to a tragic crash that occurred in 1963, and a collection of rare Native American artifacts and Moosehead’s Native American history. The Center also showcases the deep medical history of the area. The Moosehead Aviation Museum, a must-visit, occupies its own room at the Community House. The second floor continues to serve as a space for meetings and presentations. Visitors are encouraged to check the event calendar to see what’s in store.
The Community House is more than just a museum; it’s a living testament to the region’s past, present, and future. As the keepers of the cultural heritage of Maine’s Moosehead Lake region, the Moosehead Historical Society invites you to explore and appreciate the rich history encapsulated within its walls.
