SUMMARY: The Deer Isle-Stonington (DIS) Historical Society Museum is a collection of multiple buildings displaying historical artifacts and knowledge about 19th-century Maine. Visitors can visit an archive for historical research. Or, for a more casual visit, check out the Seller’s House, Exhibit Barn, Marine Hall, and the outdoor gardens to learn about Maine life in the 1800s. The DIS preserves the history of the Deer Isle and Stonington areas.
MORE INFORMATION: History: Built in 1830, the Seller’s House was Joseph Seller and his wife Salome’s home. They lived in the home with their children for many years and, in 1960, the home was purchased by the Historical Society. The Exhibit Barn was built in 2009 and is a replica of an 1830s-style barn.
Collections and Highlights: The Seller’s House features furnishings from the 1800s and mannequins dressed in historical clothing. The Archives building has a collection of books, photographs, and other historical documents. The Exhibit Barn displays the history of the Sardine Factory, the printing press, and the granite industry. There is a collection of Native American artifacts, including many arrowheads. A highlight of the Exhibit Barn is a lobster boat and the Hall of Fame of Fishermen. Marine Hall holds a collection that includes paintings, ship models, the history of sailors, fishing gear, and many other pieces related to sea life. Outside, visitors can explore the Heritage Gardens and Orchard. The gardens offer 1820s food crops like grains, beans, and other native Maine plants. The orchard has apple trees and a bee garden. The heirloom garden includes beautiful flowers and plants that were often found in 19th-century gardens.
Exhibitions, Events & Programs:
- Exhibits: The DIS Historical Society has a special military exhibit that covers the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War. Pieces of the exhibit include a Civil War surgeon’s kit, WWI and WWII uniforms and artifacts, Korean and Vietnam War photographs and art, the bullet that killed Charles Gray, and a cannonball from the 1815 Battle of Small’s Cove.
- Events: DIS puts on many programs throughout the year. Past events have included children’s book reading events, Civil War reenactments, boat shows, and lighthouse tours.
Tours: Contact the Historical Society for tour information.
Season/Hours of Operation: Open seasonally. Check the website for official opening/closing dates. Archives are open year-round
Admission: Free
