Old York Historical Society

Description:

• York's local historical society oversees the bulk of the town's collection of historic buildings, some of which date to the early 18th century, and most of which are astonishingly well preserved or restored. Tickets are available to eight Old York-operated properties in all; one good place to start is at the Jefferds Tavern, across from the handsome old burying ground. Changing exhibits document various facets of early life. Next door is the School House, furnished as it might have been in the last century. A 10-minute walk along lightly traveled Lindsay Road brings you to Hancock Wharf, next door to the George Marshall Store. Also nearby is the Elizabeth Perkins House, with its well-preserved Colonial Revival interiors. Finally, there are two "don't-miss" buildings in the society's collection: the Old Gaol, which still has its (now-musty) dungeons, was built in 1719 as a jail to hold criminals, debtors, and other miscreants. It's the oldest surviving public building in the United States. Then, just down the knoll from the jail, is the Emerson-Wilcox House, built in the mid-1700s and periodically added onto through the years. It's a virtual catalog of architectural styles and early decorative arts.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010