Maine Historical Society and the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
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IndoorOutdoorGuided TourEducationalHistoric BuildingLiterature
Overview
The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a historic house and museum in Portland, Maine, United States. It is located at 489 Congress Street and is operated by the Maine Historical Society. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, and administratively added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe historic childhood home is open for interior tours from May through October, while the research museum is active year-round. An entry at 11:00 AM on a clear June morning is exquisite; tour the red-brick residential birthplace of legendary American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow before stepping out into the secluded 19th-century colonial revival garden tucked behind the brownstone walls.
Getting ThereExcellently positioned in the middle of downtown Portland's retail district at 489 Congress Street. Walk uphill for about 6 to 8 minutes straight from the Old Port cobblestones. If driving, utilize the massive paid multi-level Monument Square Garage situated just a block away. It represents a focal node for public transport; nearly all downtown Portland METRO bus lines stop steps from the front gate.
Travel Tips
- The fragile masonry historic home layout opens strictly from May through October via limited-capacity guided tours; the entire residential structure locks down completely for winter preservation from November to April, making digital advance booking vital.
- Fronting the high-volume downtown Congress Street corridor, the campus features zero private parking; adjacent bays enforce strict 1-hour enforcement limits, making routing to a multi-tier commercial parking garage mandatory to avoid swift citations.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- To safeguard low-tolerance colonial joinery, sensitive textiles, and literary manuscripts, the museum absolute bans outside fluids and camera support rigs; all travel packs exceeding 11x15 inches must be secured at ground-level storage lockers.
Reviews
Positive
- A cultural sanctuary in downtown Portland! This 1785 brick house was the home of poet Longfellow. Antique settings offer authentic historic depth.
- A hidden, beautiful historic colonial garden rests in the back. Shaded and green, it completely blocks urban street noise for maximum peace.
- Museum curation management is highly professional, text archives are clear, and staff are deeply knowledgeable about early New England literature.
- One single ticket covers the house tour, modern galleries, and the back garden, delivering fair pricing and clean public restroom facilities.
Heads up
- As a strictly preserved 3-story timber house, the interior lacks modern elevators or accessible lifts; frail elders cannot access upper floors.
- Situated in a busy downtown commercial block, it offers zero dedicated free parking; drivers must use paid garages, making access tricky.
- To safeguard sensitive historic textiles and furniture, strict management bans touching anything, and camera flash is forbidden inside.
- The core house guided tours operate on a strict seasonal schedule and close completely during winter and early spring months. Check online.