Wadsworth-Longfellow House

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a three-story brick building from the late 1700s in Portland that displays original furniture and personal objects from four generations of one family. The rooms contain everyday items and family artifacts that show how residents lived during that era.

General Peleg Wadsworth built this Federal-style house between 1785 and 1786, making it the first fully brick building in Portland at that time. This construction method marked a shift in how the community approached building and materials.

The house shaped the early life of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, making it central to Portland's literary story. Visitors walk through rooms where the family lived and the young Longfellow developed his creative interests.

The house operates as a museum managed by the Maine Historical Society and is open only during warmer months. Visitors should check ahead to learn when tours are available, as entry depends on joining a guided tour.

Nearly every object in the house originally belonged to or was used by the residents, giving the collection remarkable authenticity. This complete preservation lets visitors experience a genuine time capsule from the 1700s.

Location: Portland

Website: https://hwlongfellow.org/house_wlh_overview.shtml

GPS coordinates: 43.65690,-70.26020

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57