Nestled in the heart of Maine’s coastal town, the Skolfield Whittier House stands as a testament to the state’s rich history. This Italianate Victorian masterpiece opens its doors to visitors, inviting them on a captivating journey through the lives of its notable residents. From the sea-faring adventures of Captain Alfred Skolfield to the pioneering spirit of Dr. Alice A.S. Whittier, the first female pediatrician in Maine, each room whispers tales that transport guests to a bygone era. With the promise of engaging one-hour guided tours and a flexible reservation system, the Skolfield Whittier House beckons the curious to uncover the secrets that lie within its elegantly restored walls.
Good To Know
- The Skolfield Whittier House offers guided tours Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm, departing from the Pejepscot History Center’s reception area.
- Knowledgeable guides share stories of the residents and artifacts while showcasing the house’s 19th-century upper middle-class life and Italianate Victorian architecture.
- Reservations can be made through the Pejepscot History Center’s website, with a "reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and does not include entry to the Joshua Chamberlain Museum, as the house remains unheated, reflecting 1925 conditions.
- The tour provides a journey through Brunswick’s historical narrative, highlighting the legacy of the Skolfield and Whittier families and their dedication to preserving their ancestral home.
Overview of the Skolfield Whittier House
Built in 1860, the Skolfield Whittier House stands as a captivating Italianate Victorian time capsule, showcasing three generations of a New England family.
Bequeathed to Maine’s oldest historical society in 1982, the home’s contents remain intact, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century upper middle-class life.
Managed by the Pejepscot History Center, established in 1888, the house was home to notable residents, including sea captain Alfred Skolfield and pioneering pediatrician Dr. Alice A. S. Whittier.
Closed and unheated for six decades, the Skolfield Whittier House has remained frozen in time, preserving a tangible connection to the past.
Guided Tour Experience
Visitors to the Skolfield Whittier House embark on a captivating one-hour guided tour, exploring the museum’s rich history and well-preserved interiors. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the Italianate Victorian home, sharing stories of its notable residents and the artifacts that remain untouched since 1925. Tours depart Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm from the Pejepscot History Center’s reception area.
| Tour Time | Duration | Starting Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 1 hour | 159 Park Row, Brunswick, Maine |
| 11:30 AM | 1 hour | 159 Park Row, Brunswick, Maine |
| 1:00 PM | 1 hour | 159 Park Row, Brunswick, Maine |
Guests can also visit the history center’s two exhibit spaces during their visit, providing a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable time capsule.
Historical Significance and Restoration
The Skolfield Whittier House contains a wealth of historical significance, evident in its original construction receipts dating back to the 1850s and the spices still lingering in the kitchen pantry from 1925.
Restoration work has been ongoing since 2015, with the first floor largely completed in 2019.
Visitors can expect to explore:
- Seventeen rooms offering a glimpse into 19th-century upper middle-class life in Maine.
- Receipts from the 1850s and 1920s, revealing the home’s history.
- Preserved spices in the kitchen pantry, frozen in time since 1925.
- Ongoing efforts to restore the house to its former glory, preserving its unique character.
Reservation Details
To reserve a guided tour of the Skolfield Whittier House, visitors can check the availability of tour times on the Pejepscot History Center’s website.
The center offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without an upfront payment. Plus, the center provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility for visitors’ schedules.
The guided tours, lasting approximately one hour, are available Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm, providing ample options for interested parties to explore this remarkable historical time capsule.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Meet at the Pejepscot History Center’s reception area to connect with the guide leading the Skolfield Whittier House tour.
Food and drinks are strictly prohibited during the tour to preserve the historic home’s delicate interior. The tour doesn’t include entry to the Joshua Chamberlain Museum, another property managed by the Pejepscot History Center.
Here’s what else to expect:
- The tour lasts approximately one hour.
- Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm.
- The house remains unheated, just as it was in 1925.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Architectural Features
Upon entering the Skolfield Whittier House, visitors are greeted by the home’s striking Italianate architecture, a style popular in the mid-19th century. The asymmetrical façade, low-pitched roof, and decorative brackets showcase the distinctive Italianate features. Step inside, and you’ll find spacious rooms with high ceilings, tall windows, and ornate woodwork. The home’s architectural details transport you back in time, evoking the elegance and sophistication of the Victorian era.
| Noteworthy Architectural Elements | |
|---|---|
| Low-pitched Roof | Decorative Brackets |
| Asymmetrical Façade | Ornate Woodwork |
| Tall Windows | High Ceilings |
Family History and Legacy
The Skolfield family’s enduring legacy echoes through the halls of the Italianate Victorian home they once occupied. This historic abode has borne witness to the lives of three generations, each leaving an indelible mark.
Visitors can glimpse into the past through:
The storied career of Captain Alfred Skolfield, a renowned sea captain who commanded the high seas.
The pioneering work of Dr. Alice A. S. Whittier, Maine’s first female pediatrician, whose medical expertise transformed the lives of countless children.
The distinguished forensic pathology of Dr. Frank Whittier, whose groundbreaking investigations shaped the field of forensic science.
The family’s unwavering commitment to preserving their ancestral home, a testament to their enduring legacy.
Visiting the Pejepscot History Center
Visitors to the Pejepscot History Center embark on a captivating journey through Brunswick’s storied past. The centerpiece of this experience is the Skolfield Whittier House, a meticulously preserved Italianate Victorian gem. Guided tours take visitors through the home’s seventeen rooms, offering a glimpse into 19th-century upper middle-class life in Maine. As they explore, guests discover the rich history of the Skolfield and Whittier families, whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the community.
| Tour Schedule | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tuesday-Saturday | 1 hour |
| 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm | – |
| Live Guide Provided | – |
| Entry to Skolfield Whittier House | Included |
| Visit Pejepscot History Center Exhibits | Optional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the House During the Tour?
Visitors are typically allowed to take photos during the guided tour, though flash photography is prohibited to protect the historic artifacts. Guests are encouraged to capture the timeless elegance of this 19th-century time capsule discreetly and respectfully.
Are Children’s Activities or Programs Available at the Site?
The Skolfield Whittier House doesn’t offer dedicated children’s activities or programs. However, families are welcome, and the guided tour provides an engaging, immersive experience that can spark young imaginations about life in 19th-century Maine.
Is the House Wheelchair Accessible Throughout the Tour?
The house is not fully wheelchair accessible, with stairs leading to the second floor. However, the guides provide a thorough overview of the first-floor rooms for visitors unable to climb the stairs.
Are Guided Tours Offered in Languages Other Than English?
The Skolfield Whittier House offers guided tours in English only. There’s no mention of tours in other languages, though the historical society may accommodate requests with advance notice. Visitors should inquire about language options when booking their tour.
Are Pets Allowed on the Property or During the Tour?
Pets are not permitted on the Skolfield Whittier House property or during the tour. The historical site prioritizes preserving the tranquil atmosphere and protecting the delicate artifacts within the house for visitors to fully enjoy the past.
The Sum Up
The Skolfield Whittier House is a captivating window into Maine’s past, where visitors can enjoy the lives of its notable residents. Guided tours unveil the home’s elegant Victorian charm and the compelling stories of sea captain Alfred Skolfield and Dr. Alice A. S. Whittier, Maine’s trailblazing first female pediatrician. A visit to this historic treasure is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the rich tapestry of the region’s history.
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