The Searsport Historical Society first met in 1964, using the old Congregational Church as their meeting place. There
were only 7 people at the first meeting. Only two of them are still living today. The number grow rapidly to 121
charter members recorded on March 22, 1964. By September 23, 1967 the membership rose to 162. The Societies goal
was simple,to preserve the history of the town of Searsport through the collection of artifacts and by recording the
memories of many of the older citizens of the town. In the 1970's two members of the society, Carl Sawyer and his
sister, C Elizabeth Sawyer, donated a portion of the Merrithew Block to the society to use as it's headquarters and
museum. Gradually the society declined as members died, moved away, or simply lost interest. Finally because of
waning membership, the society could not afford the upkeep of the building and transferred the title to the abutting
owner who in turn, guaranteed in a written lease agreement that the society would have use of the first floor head
quarters for perpetuity. For various reasons in  early 2000, the remaining members of the society received the message
that the building was going to be foreclosed on and the society would have to vacate the premises.

As the society was left without a home the town manager offered the use of the town office to hold a meeting in order
to plan a strategy to try to save the museum. Even though there was an abundance of support and spirit   through out
the standing room only crowd, we were unable to save the museum and were forced to pack up our artifacts and
place them in storage where they have remained.

From that January meeting the Searsport Historical Society currently boasts 100+ members with the number continuing
to grow as more people become interested in our mission and project.

The Searsport Historical Society as part of it's mission statement devotes itself to retaining and maintaining the
memories and artifacts associated with the rich history and heritage of this small but very special community.
Preserving the Crary/ Carlin/ Coleman house will serve as another monument to the integrity and dignity as it stands
proudly to represent the past and the future of this town.

When Mr. Richard Morehouse, an historic architect toured the Coleman house, he described it  as "the common man's
attempt at elegance" . His simple but precise definition embodies the spirit and culture of this town.
HISTORY OF THE SEARSPORT
HISTORICAL SOCIETY