The Portage Lake Historical Society was formed in 2010 as a result of the celebration for the Portage Lake Centennial in 2009. The founding members of the Society were people who had researched the Town’s history and written or co-wrote articles in the "Portage Lake: History & Hearsay" book, but anyone with an interest in the history of Portage Lake and preserving it are welcome to join. The Society became a 501(c)3 corporation in 2011. In August of 2020, the Society held the grand opening of Portage Lake's first official museum located at the town's 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"


If you would like to become a member, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call Corrine @ 207-227-0819, or click on the link below for a printable form to send in with your payment.
Historical Society Membership Form


"Portage Lake: History & Hearsay" books are available for purchase at the Portage Lake Town Office and at Coffin’s General Store, or click the link here for an order form: "Portage Lake History & Hearsay" Order


The Historical Society meets the 4th Monday of each month from April to August at 6:30 pm.Regular meetings are at the Museum unless otherwise noted.
Meeting Schedule: 
April 22, 2024

Newsletter Archives: 
Beginning in 2020, newsletters are sent twice a year to members only. 

2016: Volume 1, issue 1 

           Volume 1, Issue 2

2019: July

 
Meet Our Leadership: 

Officers: All  Officers' terms are from June to June

  President-- Corrine Routhier

  Vice President--Patricia Lyons

  Treasurer--Michael Violette

   Secretary--Mary Ellen Violette

Board of Directors:

 Katherine St. Peter-Blair--term expires 2026

 Cheryl Raymond--term expires 2025

 Lori McMillon--term expires 2024

 

UPCOMING EVENTS (Also visit Summer Round-Up tab on this website):


Summer Museum Hours: 
June 29 to 2nd weekend in September: Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm, Sundays 1 to 3 pm


Our Museum was once the Old Town Hall of Portage Lake, built approximately in 1926. Staffed by volunteers, it is open every Saturday during the summer for 3 hours, and is also open by appointment--contact Corrine Routhier. Visitors are encouraged take some time with us at the Museum to read through the writings at each display, read old magazines or peruse the many photo albums and other books we have. This is a mostly interactive museum (there are some things that we request not be touched).  So many things to see and explore, we hope everyone becomes regular visitors! 

Historical Documents: (Look for Archives under Town Goverment on this website for more town-related historical documents)

Congregational Church Ladies Aid Society Minutes:    1934-1940
                                                                                      1940-1944
                                                                                      1947-1949
                                                                                      1950-1954

 Historical Society Museum exterior June 2021