Welcome to the Tate House Museum
The Tate House was built in 1755 for Captain George Tate (1700-1794) and his family, who had recently arrived in the Colonies from Britain.
Tate served as the Senior Mast Agent for the British Royal Navy, overseeing the cutting and shipping of white pines from Maine to England. This position assured Tate's success, and his status in the community is reflected by the style of architecture he selected for his home.
With its clapboards still unpainted, Tate House is one of two residences in Maine with an unusual clerestory in the gambrel roof. As the only pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland that is open to the public, the impressive period furnishings, beautiful grounds and herb gardens, and unique architecture of Tate House offer an insightful glimpse at the 18th century and life in Colonial Maine.
News and Updates
Ornamental Plaster
Soup and Connoisseurship
Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 with Lucia vonSander
A light supper will be served.
Join us by calling for a reservation.
Maine Country Auction:
May 1, Viewing 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., Auction 9:30 a.m. sharp
This is a non-reserved "gavel priced" auction, no buyer's premium. Victuals and libations on site. Now receiving tax deductible items at Tate House Museum or call 885 9177 for pick-ups or more information.
Sponsored by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Maine
Annual Herb Sale: May 29 8 a.m. until noon
Herbs for the sale are from Broadway Gardens with the proceeds benefiting museum programs.
Donations of individual's potted perennials to sell are welcomed.
2010 is the Year of the Kitchen at Tate House Museum
JUNE 5, 2010 Opening Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
House Tours: June 6 through October 10
Sundays 1 - 4, Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 - 4, last tour at 3 p.m.
Garden Tours begin June 16
Architecture Tours begin June 17
School Tours are available in April and May. Call the office Tuesday through Thursdays, 9 - 4, to make arrangements. Our gift shop is open these hours as well. We welcome our new office administrator, Heidi Gage.
Our latest newsletter AND current calendar is available here Gazette and News
Tate House Museum is proud to participate in Portland's History Docents 15th Annual Class meeting every Thursday from February 18 through May 6. The Portland History Collaborative sponsors this annual project which offers ten free classes on local history, art, and architecture, as well as on public speaking.
The Portland History Collaborative includes the Victoria Mansion, Tate House Museum, Maine Historical Society, Portland Harbor Museum, and Greater Portland Landmarks. This year the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum will also participate.
Portland is unique for making this innovative program available to people interested in history. The History Docents has been recognized throughout New England for the quality of its training, not to mention for its amazing durability and popularity.
The course starts on Thursday, February 18 at the Maine Historical Society on Congress Street. Classes run on consecutive Thursdays, from 9 AM to Noon, through April 22. Graduation will take place at the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum on Peaks Island in early May.
Many of our guides have come through this program – and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience! You can get involved, meet interesting people, and learn a lot about the region we live in, while you volunteer at interesting places. Graduates of the training are asked to donate 6-10 hours a month as docents at one of the sites organizing the program.
This year's schedule is here.
For more information, contact Bill at 253-6290 or leave a message for him at Greater Portland Landmarks, 774-5561, extension 120.