The History Walk along the York River with Deane Rykerson will discuss the close relationship between the history of human settlement in York and the York River. The river provided vital resources, food, and transportation for the Indigenous people who inhabited this land, and the first European settlers. This is reflected in the resulting built environment that the History Walk will examine.
The tour begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. at 28 Barrell Lane in York, Maine. Parking is available at this location. The walking tour is limited to 15 people, and registration is required. Please arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to the start time.
The walking tour lasts approximately an hour, and covers a distance of one mile. It is not recommended for those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. The tour will take place rain or shine.
The walk will end at Old York Historical Society's Perkins House at 394 Southside Rd. The Perkins House Museum Tour is an optional add-on for History Walk participants. The Perkins House Museum tour is limited to 10 people, and registration is required. (Registrants to the History Walk portion of this program only may leave the group at this point and are responsible for returning to their own cars.)
Enjoy a guided tour of the Perkins House Museum with Erin Tewskbury of Old York! Originally the home of ferrymen and sea captains, the Perkins House is a rambling, gabled structure situated on the York River by Sewall's Bridge. In 1898, it became the summer home of Mary Perkins and her daughter, Elizabeth, who transformed the house into an environment evocative of colonial New England. The museum preserves the Perkins Family's original interiors and possessions, and the historic section of the house is included on the tour.
The house tour lasts approximately an hour and includes a second floor that is accessed by a steep staircase. Restrooms are available.
This program is presented in collaboration with the York River Stewardship Committee for Celebrate York River Month from September 10 to October 10! Visit https://yorkrivermaine.org/celebrate-york-river-month/ to learn about their other events.
Old York cares for 16 buildings, 20 properties, more than 20,000 artifacts, 50,000 archival objects in the library, and serves thousands of people annually through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, and special events.
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