The Portage Lake Historical Society was established in 2010 during the celebration of the Portage Lake Centennial in 2009. Our founding members, passionate individuals who researched and contributed to the book Portage Lake: History & Hearsay, invite anyone interested in preserving the history of Portage Lake to join our community. In 2011, we proudly became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. August 2020 marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of Portage Lake’s first official museum, located in the town’s historic Old Town Hall on Cottage Road.
Our Mission
“To preserve the past, present and future of Portage Lake; to instill a desire in future generations to explore the rich heritage of our community; to be an education resource; to show the essence of who we are and what we will become.”
Become A Member
Join our community and help us preserve our history! For membership inquiries, email us at [email protected], call Corrine at 207-227-0819, or click below for a printable membership form.
Purchase Our Book
Copies of Portage Lake: History & Hearsay are available at the Portage Lake Town Office and Coffin’s General Store. You can also click below for a printable order form.
Meeting Schedule
The Historical Society meets on the 4th Monday of each month from April to August at 6:30 PM. Regular meetings are held at the Museum unless otherwise noted.
Next Meeting: April 22, 2024
Newsletter Archives
Since 2020, newsletters have been sent out twice a year to members only.
- 2019: July
- 2016: Volume 1, Issue 1 & Volume 1, Issue 2
Meet Our Leadership
Officers: (Terms run from June to June)
- President: Corrine Routhier
- Vice President: Patricia Lyons
- Treasurer: Michael Violette
- Secretary: Mary Ellen Violette
Board of Directors:
- Lori McMillon (Term expires 2024)
- Katherine St. Peter-Blair (Term expires 2026)
- Cheryl Raymond (Term expires 2025)
Upcoming Events
Summer Museum Hours
June 29 to the 2nd weekend in September:
- Saturdays: 10 AM to 1 PM
- Sundays: 1 PM to 3 PM
Our Museum, once the Old Town Hall of Portage Lake built around 1926, is staffed by dedicated volunteers. We invite you to visit during our open hours, or by appointment—just contact Corrine Routhier.
We encourage you to spend time at the Museum exploring our displays, reading old magazines, and browsing our numerous photo albums and books. This is a largely interactive museum, though we do ask that you avoid touching certain items. With so much to see and discover, we hope everyone will become a regular visitor!
Historical Documents
Congregational Church Ladies Aid Society Minutes:
For more town-related historical documents, please visit our Archives page.