Activity Overview
Don't miss the oldest standing structure in Portland, built in 1786 and home to famous poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Three generations of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families remained in this house for years to come and made important contributions to our society in the areas of politics, culture and literature.
In 1901, the Maine Historical Society assumed control of the house, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The house has been well preserved, and nearly all of its contents are original to the occupant families, including furnishings, artwork, books, and more.
Things to Do
- Appreciate the well-manicured, Colonial Revival-style garden surrounding the house, created by the Longfellow Garden Club in 1926.
- Guided, one-hour tours of the house are conducted daily from May to October.
- Holiday-themed, guided tours are available the Friday after Thanksgiving through the rest of that weekend and also Thursdays through Sundays in December up until Christmas Day.
- Stop by the home's Museum and Gift Shop which offer additional historical explanations as well as many items of interest.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House Insider Tips
- Discounts available for seniors, students and AAA members.
- The facility is wheelchair accessible except for the second floor, but a video tour of this second floor is available through the Museum shop.
