2016 Visitor's Guide

with many special events, including gar- den and holiday tours. WADSWORTH- LONGFELLOW HOUSE Within the walls of theWadsworth- LongfellowHouse lived three genera- tions of one remarkable family that made significant contributions to the political, literary, and cultural life of the United States. America’s beloved 19th century poet, HenryWadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), grew up in the house and went on to become one of the most famous men of his time. Built in 1785-86 by Henry’s grandfather after Portland had been razed by fire, the LongfellowHouse was the first wholly brick building in the city and is the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula. The last person to live in the home was Henry’s younger sister, Anne Longfellow Pierce, who deeded the house to the Maine Historical Society. Virtually all of the household items and artifacts are original to theWadsworth and Long- fellow families and illustrate changes in style, and technology over the 18th and 19th centuries. The National Historic Landmark is openMay through October. NEAL DOW HOUSE Built in 1829 for noted politician and prohibitionist Neal Dow (1804-1897), the late Federal-style house was given upon his death to the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union which still uses it as their headquarters. Approximately 98% of the home is in its original state. When serving as mayor of Portland, Dow authored the first prohibition law, passed by the Maine legislature in 1851; such laws in other states became known at “Maine laws”. Dow was a tireless, internationally-known activist in the Temperance and Abolition reform movements of the 1800s, as well as a Civil War general. Although designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973, the house has been largely unknown to the public, a hidden gem presenting the life and social contributions of an impor- tant figure of 19th century Portland.

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CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 23