GET INVOLVED
We are always looking for passionate volunteers who can help us with various activities such as organizing exhibits, conducting research, and publishing our work.
Our organization is dedicated to creating a sense of place and enriching the lives of those with Island connections.
Your donation can help us acquire, preserve, and promote the history of Harpswell Islands.
Is there a place for the Harpswell Islands Genealogy and History Center (HIGHC) in our town? The answer is, yes. Today, Harpswell is fortunate to have two established organizations, the Harpswell Historical Society (HHS) and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT), working to preserve historic articifacts, buildings and public lands in the town. However, there is more history to be preserved and the HIGHC can help fill that need. The Harpswell Islands Genealogy and History Center was organized to capture the history of the Islands and surrounding Casco Bay.
The present focus will be documenting photos, papers, and personal stories and to provide opportunities for people to gather, ask questions, share information and documents, and to do research. The town of Harpswell is one town, but it is geographically unique; there are the Islands and the Neck. Many people who do not live here do not realize that the islands are part of Harpswell. For some, the islands are still seen as independent villages. Like many towns, when Harpswell was first settled it was a collection of small villages operating independently. Each village had its own center, school, churches, trades, and community.
Documenting the history of these island villages is important in representing all of Harpswell. To that end, HIGH-C does not want to foster divisiveness within the town, as there is room for each organization, all working towards the same goal, protecting the town’s history. HIGHC would like to be an asset to the existing organizations, working together to strengthen the resources and public involvement in keeping the past alive.
Our plan is simple:
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Work with a small budget.
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Collect photos through donations and or scanning the original copies.
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Collect papers through donations and or scanning the original copies.
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Display collections at the Orr's Island Library or other public places.
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Schedule speakers and photo and film viewings.
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Create a gathering space where people can meet on a regular basis to discuss the islands' history.
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Create a gathering space where people can bring their photos and documents to be scanned.
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Meet all year long.
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Provide a space for research that includes tables, chairs, computers, internet access, and document access.
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Be autonomous in its structure to simplify decision making.
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Work collaboratively with other organizations.
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Record, preserve , and protect donations.