We partied like it was 1899…

Last Friday we spent a lovely evening on the grounds of the Perkins House Museum for our annual benefit party. This year was extra special as we celebrated the museum’s 125th anniversary.

In 1899 a group of local preservation minded citizens and summer residents, spearheaded by Mary Perkins, initiated an effort to maintain the Old Gaol. Mary Perkins hosted a party at her home in August 1899 to raise funds for the museum. The following year, on July 4, 1900, the Old Gaol opened to the public as a museum showcasing objects associated with York’s history. What began as a modest endeavor 125 years ago is now Old York Historical Society.

A trolley to the Perkins House was generously provided by williamsrealtypartners and cocktails by wigglybridgedistillery. Guests enjoyed hors d’ouevres by Harvest and Plate Catering and live music by The Seasmoke Trio.

A special thank you to the generous supporters of Celebrate 125!:

Governor
stoneybrookfarmmaine

Chief Justice
Philip and Gale Morgan
Charles Steedman

Sheriff
coldwellbankeryorke
stageneckinn
stephencarrpropertysvs
Lou and Bill Baker
Anne and Peter Driscoll
Nancy Gustad
Suzanne Little
Bill Lord and Judy Perry
Elaine and Mike Morgillo
David Simpson

Gaoler
anchor.real.estate
Jetty Marketing
nola_and_associates
yorkharborinn
Sarah Newick

Turnkey
Art Young
Green Leaves

Head to the beach for Labor Day weekend! ☀️ We`re kicking off the long weekend at our Wells location with some amazing giveaways, tastings, and deals!
Here`s what`s happening all weekend:
* Weller 12 Raffle: Enter to win a bottle of this rare bourbon!
* Giveaways: Score a free cooler backpack or a Cornhole set.
* Free Tastings:
* Thursday: Henniker Brewing Co.
* Friday: Wiggly Bridge Distillery
* Saturday: Spotlight on our favorite summer wines!
* Wine Lovers Rejoice! All rosé wines are 10% off.
* Saturday Cookout: We`ll be grilling burgers and hot dogs starting at noon!
Come by, hang out, and take advantage of all the savings and samples. We can`t wait to see you! #LaborDayWeekend #WellsMaine #Raffle #weller #rosé #Giveaway #WineLover #CraftBeer #Distillery #SummerVibes #bowstreetbeverage
#thewaylifeshouldbe #grilling

Host: Old York Historical Society | oldyorkhistorical Perkins House Museum • Guest Chefs: Mary Dumont | chefmarydumont Ben Hasty | batsonrivermaine • Guest Oyster Partner: Virginia Shaffer | lady_oyster • Guest Winery: Brian Smith | oysterriverwinegrowers • Guest Distillery: Dave & David Woods | wigglybridgedistillery

Additional Maine Based Collaborators:
Riverside Farm Stand riversidefarmstand
Slack Tide Sea Salt slacktidemaine
The Mushroom Hut the.mushroom.hut
Three Charm Farm threecharmfarm
Chase Farm chasefarmwells
Maine Grains mainegrains
GreenHead Lobster greenheadlobster
Hancock Gourmet Lobster hancocklobster
Hollander & de Koning hollanderanddekoning
Breezy Hill Farm • August 2025, York Maine
#yorkhistory #longtable #outstandinginthefield

Stoked to be on the East Coast • Footage captured a few minutes before guests sat at the table • August 2025, York Maine • Perkins House Museum

This house is absolutely central to the preservation history of York as its early 20th century occupants, Mary Sowles Perkins (1845-1929) and her daughter Elizabeth B. Perkins (1869-1952) contributed it and several other structures (the Old Gaol, Jefferds Tavern, the old Schoolhouse, and the John Hancock warehouse) to what would eventually become the Old York Historical Society as well as encouraging other preservation efforts. So it seems right that Old York’s administrative offices have been relocated to this site as well. There was a whirlwind of restoration, expansion, embellishment and entertaining after the Perkins family purchased the house in 1898: they were from New York, and seem to have known everyone. Mark Twain came over from his summer rental across the river to use their telephone, the first one in York, and in 1905 they hosted the grandest party of the era: a Japenese-themed fête to celebrate the conclusion of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 with over 700 guests in attendence.

Host: Old York Historical Society | oldyorkhistorical Perkins House Museum • Guest Chefs: Mary Dumont | chefmarydumont Ben Hasty | batsonrivermaine • Guest Oyster Partner: Virginia Shaffer | lady_oyster • Guest Winery: Brian Smith | oysterriverwinegrowers • Guest Distillery: Dave & David Woods | wigglybridgedistillery

Additional Maine Based Collaborators:
Riverside Farm Stand riversidefarmstand
Slack Tide Sea Salt slacktidemaine
The Mushroom Hut the.mushroom.hut
Three Charm Farm threecharmfarm
Chase Farm chasefarmwells
Maine Grains mainegrains
GreenHead Lobster greenheadlobster
Hancock Gourmet Lobster hancocklobster
Hollander & de Koning hollanderanddekoning
Breezy Hill Farm
Video: brightondenevan
#yorkhistory #longtable #outstandinginthefield