History and Heritage Preserved

The Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society was formed in 1959 with the goal of collecting and preserving "historical facts, records, and relics pertaining to Deer Isle, Stonington, and adjoining communities and islands of East Penobscot Bay in the State of Maine."

The regular programs at the Society offer islanders and visitors tours of museum buildings in the summer and early fall, as well as archives that are accessible year-round.  Our archival records are used by islanders researching their families and people seeking detailed histories about their homes.

The Historical Society offers several exhibit buildings for you to enjoy as you learn about the Island's rich and diverse history, and our knowledgable docents can answer questions you may have during your visit. 

The Sellers House, built in 1830 by Joseph and Salome Sellers, has been carefully maintained to show 19th century life on Deer Isle. Salome, who was a Real Daughter of the American Revolution, died in 1909 at the age of 108. 

The Marine Hall building on our campus features an exhibit on Deer Isle’s extraordinary involvement in the America’s Cup races. 

Highlights in our Exhibit Barn are a still-operational 1882 printing press; Native American artifacts curated by Expert and Honorary Chair of this appeal, Dr. William Haviland; and an extensive fisheries exhibit that focuses on the first commercial fishing fleets on the island in the 1880s, as well as the once-prosperous Stonington Sardine Cannery.  

The recently completed Boat Shed contains a full-sized 1946 Lobster boat that was one of the last wooden boats built at Billings Diesel and Marine. The Boat Shed also now hosts the Fishermen’s Hall of Fame, with photographs of the members on display.

The Society publishes a bi-annual newsletter and sponsors several summer events, which are announced in local newspapers, on our Facebook page, and here on our website.

Thank you for your interest in the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society!