Events
Tours of the historical district areas of Blue Hill are offered by our own Brittany Courtot. Join in and learn about some of the historic homes, businesses and notable figures of our town’s history. Be sure to wear good shoes and dress for the weather. There will be a small fee of $15, with all the proceeds going towards helping the Historical Society to maintain their collections and pursue their mission. A few different tours are offered for specific areas for the dates below and will begin at 12pm at the Holt House Museum at 3 Water Street.
Tours of area cemeteries are offered by our own Brittany Courtot. Learn about some of the prominent figures that helped make Blue Hill what is is today or get help trying to find a relative or descendant. Meet at the cemetery and be sure to wear good shoes and dress for the weather as well. There will be a small fee of $15, with all the proceeds going towards helping the Historical Society to maintain their collections and pursue their mission. The tours will be on the following dates, from 12-2pm.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 7:00pm
Blue Hill Public Library, Howard Room
The Blue Hill Public Library and Blue Hill Historical Society are cosponsoring a panel discussion on the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area. John Mayer, former Curator of the Maine Historical Society, Chris Closs, Preservation Planner, and Crystal Hitchings of the Sunrise County Economic Council, will examine the conditions of local history and the possibilities of the new designation for Blue Hill and other nearby towns.
In recent decades, local and regional history have suffered from declining public interest due to numerous causes. Last year the work of elected officials and the Sunrise County Economic Council has recognized Hancock and Washington Counties as the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area. The unique historical, cultural and environmental features of this area will be highlighted for federal, state and local grants aimed at creative new approaches.
This program is free and open to all. Click for more info.
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 7:00pm
Blue Hill Public Library, Howard Room
The Blue Hill Public Library and Blue Hill Historical Society are cosponsoring a discussion with Dr. Josh Smith, Director of the American Merchant Marine Museum. Dr. Smith will be discussing the early road to Maine’s statehood.
From roughly 1806 through 1820, Mainers bickered, debated, and occasionally rioted as they found their way toward statehood. Hancock County was not untouched by these partisan struggles, which were exacerbated by Jefferson’s Embargo of 1807-1809 and the War of 1812, which saw the Blue Hill Peninsula suffer from enemy occupation in late 1814. Based on his extensive research from his latest book, Making Maine: Statehood and the War of 1812, Smith weaves a story that portrays eastern Maine as a place riddled with spies, smugglers, and traitors as neighbor turned against neighbor and leading families chose collaboration over resistance after the British occupied the area.
This event is free and open to the public. Click for more info.
August 5, 2023
Blue Hill Town Pier on Water Street
The Festival will be held in Blue Hill’s historic village, centered on the scenic waterfront. Various activities will be occurring throughout the day, such as boat building demonstrations, oar carving, traditional boats on display, kiosks of organizations supporting or involved with the bay. On the water there will be more boats, demonstrations, many offering rides.. Musicians will be adding to the maritime atmosphere with sea shanties and fiddle tunes.
August 31 - September 4
Blue Hill Fairgrounds on Ellsworth Road
The Blue Hill Fair is a true “Down to Earth” Country Fair. Always scheduled around Labor Day weekend the fair boasts of some of the finest entertainment, attractions, and exhibits. Situated in the small coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine, at 233 Ellsworth Road, the Fair draws thousands from all over the state to enjoy a fun-filled weekend.