First Families Kennebunkport Museum White Columns
Step into a preserved 1853 Greek Revival mansion, showcasing original decor and family heirlooms, including Bush family memorabilia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
First Families Kennebunkport Museum White Columns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a preserved 1853 Greek Revival mansion, showcasing original decor and family heirlooms, including Bush family memorabilia.
"What an amazing hidden gem! I have never seen such a well preserved home and so many well preserved ORIGINAL family heirlooms."
🎯 Ask About Special Displays
Staff may offer special viewings of items like military uniforms. Don't hesitate to ask!
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Their insights bring the house and its history to life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Furnishings
Throughout the mansion
Step back in time with remarkably preserved original wallpaper, rugs, and furniture. It feels like the family just stepped out.
Bush Family Memorabilia
Specific display areas
Discover unique artifacts and memorabilia connected to the Bush family, adding a layer of national historical significance.
Military Uniforms Display
Special viewing area
A special treat for visitors, this collection showcases astonishing military uniforms, offering a glimpse into a different facet of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Activities in Kennebunkport
🎯 Ask About Special Displays
Staff may offer special viewings of items like military uniforms. Don't hesitate to ask!
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Their insights bring the house and its history to life.
Visiting for Kennebunkport Christmas prelude
A familiar sight at The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
The hour-long tour is packed with detail. Give yourself time to absorb the history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask About Special Displays
Staff may offer special viewings of items like military uniforms. Don't hesitate to ask!
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Their insights bring the house and its history to life.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
The hour-long tour is packed with detail. Give yourself time to absorb the history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about White Columns as a 'hidden gem' with a 'well-preserved home' and 'original family heirlooms.' The knowledgeable and engaging tour guides are frequently praised for bringing history to life. While some found the focus on specific family relationships a bit peculiar, the overall consensus is that the estate offers a beautiful piece of history and is well worth a visit.
"What an amazing hidden gem! I have never seen such a well preserved home and so many well preserved ORIGINAL family heirlooms. Our tour guide was fabulous, especially considering she is an intern!
And extra thank you to the staff for showing my husband and I the astonishing military uniforms as a special treat! I cannot recommend coming here enough!!"
Alexandra Drew
"A very cool place with lots of history. The focus of the tour however is on a specific married couple who owned the house. It was interesting to see how the wealthiest lived at the time and were able to afford amenities I didn’t know existed then!
I found the relationship between the marriage couple to be a bit bizarre- the guy came from immense wealth while the wife came from humble roots yet she was super demanding and he was always trying to please her so it was an uneven relationship for sure. Anyways, the tour was great but I would’ve like a little more history on the town itself only because the relationship between the spouses were a little irritating.
But the guide was great and engaging and puts life into this house! It really is a beautiful piece of history and worth a visit 💜
But that relationship… oh boy 😂"
AA
"Lovely home dating from the early years of Kennebunkport history. Amazing that the house and furnishings had been left to the Historical Society. So many items and rooms look like the family had stepped out for a moment."
Sharon Hill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Kennebunkport, Maine. Driving is the most common way to reach it. Parking is usually available nearby, but check the museum's website for specific directions and any parking restrictions. Public transport options are limited in this area.
Public transportation options directly to the museum are scarce in Kennebunkport. Visitors typically rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. Consider checking local shuttle services if available during your visit.
Kennebunkport is a walkable town, especially around Dock Square. If you're staying further out, a car or taxi/rideshare is recommended. The museum is centrally located within the town's historic district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically charged per person for guided tours. It's best to check the official First Families Kennebunkport Museum website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months. This ensures you secure a spot on your desired tour time and avoids disappointment.
The museum operates on seasonal hours, and tours are typically offered at specific times. Always consult the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules before your visit.
The museum occasionally hosts special events or themed tours. Keep an eye on their website or social media for announcements about these unique opportunities.
Access to the interior of White Columns is primarily through guided tours. This allows docents to share the rich history and context of the estate and its former residents.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The standard guided tour typically lasts about an hour. It's a comprehensive overview of the house, its furnishings, and the families who lived there.
The tour focuses on the history of the families who resided in the 1853 Greek Revival mansion, including details about their lives, the period decor, and significant historical connections, such as the Bush family.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check for posted signs regarding whether personal photography is permitted inside the museum.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet for the tour. Dress in layers as indoor temperatures can vary. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
While children can visit, the tour's focus on historical details and family life might be more engaging for older children and adults. It's a quiet, museum-like experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Greek Revival mansion offers beautiful architectural shots. Inside, if photography is allowed, focus on the intricate details of the original furnishings and decor.
Professional photography sessions usually require special permission and may incur additional fees. It's essential to contact the museum directly to inquire about their policies for professional shoots.
Visitors often capture the stunning original wallpaper, antique furniture, and the grand architecture of the mansion. Capturing the 'feeling' of stepping back in time is a common theme.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience with younger children, focus on the visual aspects: the grand architecture, the unique patterns of the wallpaper, and the different types of furniture. The staff are often accommodating and might be able to highlight elements that appeal to a younger audience. It's a good opportunity to spark curiosity about history in a tangible way, showing them that history isn't just in books but in places they can visit.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details shared by the guides; they are often brimming with fascinating anecdotes and historical context. The opportunity to see astonishing military uniforms is another highlight that broadens the historical scope. This is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the past and appreciate the efforts made to preserve such a significant piece of history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into 19th-Century Life
Beyond the general lifestyle, the tours often highlight specific family dynamics. One review noted the interesting, albeit sometimes 'bizarre,' relationship between a wealthy husband and his demanding wife, showcasing the personal narratives that shaped the household. The staff, including enthusiastic interns, are dedicated to bringing these stories to life, making the history feel tangible and engaging. It's more than just a museum; it's a preserved estate offering lessons in local and national history through the lens of its former residents.
For those interested in specific historical connections, the museum also houses memorabilia related to prominent families, including the Bush family. This adds a layer of national significance to the local history. The opportunity to see items like astonishing military uniforms, as mentioned by one visitor, provides a special treat and a broader historical context. The staff's willingness to share these extra details enhances the overall visitor experience, making White Columns a highly recommended destination for history buffs.
The Art of Preservation
This dedication to preservation is not just about aesthetics; it's about historical accuracy and providing an educational experience. The Historical Society plays a crucial role in safeguarding these treasures, ensuring that future generations can learn from them. Visitors consistently praise the condition of the home and its contents, often describing it as a 'well-preserved estate' rather than a typical museum.
The staff's passion for this preservation effort is evident. Their detailed knowledge and engaging storytelling bring the artifacts and the house itself to life. This commitment ensures that a visit to White Columns is not just a tour, but an educational journey into the lives and times of its former inhabitants, making it a truly worthwhile experience for anyone interested in history and heritage.
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