Museum and Gift Shop News
The Museum and Gift Shop will host pop-up hours for holiday tours and shopping again this season. We’ll be open:
November 29, noon to 4:00
December 10, 4-7:00 p.m.
December 14, 1-4:00 p.m.
We have several new books of interest. Old Mainer of the Sea is a children’s book about Chebeague’s Eben York, who in the late 1800s rowed to Portland to sell his fish. On the Fish, written by Paul Cleary’s brother Russell Cleary, is about 100 years of swordfishing and features many photographs that tell the story. And Working Waterfront, A Fish Tale, is a vibrant and humorous account of Bill Gerencer’s career in fishing, seafood distribution, the short-lived Portland Fish Exchange and fishing regulations.
We thank the island for their enthusiastic response to our new cookbook, A Taste of Chebeague, still available in our shop and online. Other new items include ornaments for holiday decorating and a special Chebeague journal. We always have special discounts on merchandise, so come on down and check us out!
Toby Webb Visits Our Carriage at Skyline Farm
This past July, the Higgins Farm Carriage made its way from the Webb barn on Chebeague to the Skyline Farm Carriage Museum in North Yarmouth, for safe keeping and eventual display there. Toby and Stacie Webb paid a recent visit to Skyline Farm, and reported “It is a wonderful facility!” This photo of Toby in the impressive exhibit hall suggests that our carriage will make many new carriage friends!
Historical Society Launches Annual Appeal
The Chebeague Island Historical Society has had a successful year of a continuing transition and change. Our exhibit and the theme: “Creating a Sense of Place,” continued to be a big draw. We had 915 visitors in the month of July alone! Beyond year-round and summer residents, the museum also attracted many visitors, some who hadn’t been to Chebeague before, or even to an island.
Another highlight is our newly published cookbook, the product of a dedicated and creative team who were able to capture a moment in time on Chebeague. We’re now in the fourth printing!
Four programs in the Ellsworth Miller Lecture Series were very well attended throughout the summer season. The latest Sloops Log went to every member and to every resident of Chebeague. Meanwhile, research and protection of our historical collection continued. Please consider donating and becoming a sustaining member of CIHS. Here’s how you make a difference:
- Sustaining donors are the backbone of CIHS and of all our programs and goals
- Through your support, the Historical Society Museum, its exhibits, and online resources are free to all visitors.
Whether you are becoming a member for the first time or have supported CIHS for years, by your contribution you make our programs possible for 2026 and beyond.
Look for our Annual Appeal letter in your mailbox, or click here to become a member!
December Mystery Photo
This photo represents a Chebeague tradition that has been around for at least 175 years! We’d love to hear your memories of attending Chebeague Community Christmas Parties. Yes, for much of the island’s history, Christmas parties were for everyone, not just kids! Where were they held? Who organized them? What are your favorite memories? Oh, and don’t forget to ID the folks in the pic! Send your memories to [email protected].
November Mystery Photo Revealed
We could write a book about November’s mystery photo! Henry Bowen (1862-1957) was the island postmaster and a community leader. He and his father, Hugh, built the Nazarene Chapel on the small lot at the corner of North and Island View Roads, which is next to his childhood home, now known as Island View. It was diagonally across from his own home, which is now owned by his great-granddaughter, Polly Smith Hunneman. It was the second Pentecostal Church in Maine and was dedicated Mar. 12, 1905. Bowen served as the pastor for many years, and many island children attended his Sunday School. Henry Bowen practiced what he preached and was one of the most respected people to ever live on Chebeague. Dick Calder dismantled the building and reused some of the lumber. Henry has many descendants, including Lindy Smith. For more information about Henry Bowen, check out the post office exhibit at the Museum!
