Historic New England's Nickels-Sortwell House

05/28/2026

From the banks of the Sheepscot River to the heart of historic Wiscasset, Peggy Konitzky helps visitors connect with Midcoast Maine history in meaningful ways.

We’re excited to feature Peggy, Site Manager for Nickels-Sortwell House and other Historic New England properties, in our Meet Your Site Managers series leading up to Open House on June 6.

This season, look for programs exploring how local families experienced the American Revolution and its lasting impact across generations.

As we prepare to welcome visitors to for the open season, we invite you to get to know the people who make our tours and events so special.

04/22/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming you this season for tours and programs. Join us for Historic New England’s region-wide Open House on Saturday, June 6.

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, our historic sites across the region are open and FREE to the public. Join us for a fun day of fantastic storytelling! Love architecture, history, fantastic stories, great landscapes, fine art, folk art, or interior design? Then join Historic New England on June 6, 2026, f...

10/09/2025

It is our last weekend before we are closed for the season, so if you haven't been by to see the amazing Nickels-Sortwell House join us this weekend! We are open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm.🍁🍂🏃‍♀️

10/04/2025

“Quarry Wall” by Ann Heinzen

Today's highlight is “Quarry Wall” by Ann Heinzen. This watercolor piece was done at Clark Island Preserve in St. George, Maine. Heinzen explains that, beginning in the 1830s, there were many quarries in the St. George area which supported crews of quarrymen and stonecutters. While the quarries are no longer in operation, the sites remain as a reminder of the past. Heinzen paints this past in a distinct style that highlights the beauty and serenity of the area. If you are interested in taking a closer look at this painting, or at the many other paintings currently on display, please visit us at the Nickels-Sortwell carriage house during our regular hours. We look forward to seeing you there!

Comment below something you like about this painting, or another art piece you would like to see highlighted!

10/03/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY – The Sortwells had a yacht named Shada! Shada was 96 feet long and was largely regarded as one of the finest yachts around. During the summers, the Sortwells would bring Shada to Wiscasset, where they could sail on the Sheepscot River and enjoy the lovely Maine weather.

09/26/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY – While the Sortwells summered in Wiscasset, they spent the majority of their year in Cambridge. The photo below was their house in Cambridge, which they lived in for many decades, until around the 1920s.

09/25/2025

Object Spotlight of the Week!

This chest and bottles set was used to store liquor during travel. The set dating from around 1800-1850, includes a rectangular box with a copper frame, iron hinges, a lock, and side handles; six clear square bottles with gilt decorations; three sherry-style drinking glasses; two tumblers; and a detachable box for wine glasses. This would have been very handy for Alvin and Gertrude when travelling between their homes in Cambridge and Wiscasset!

What other objects in the Nickels-Sortwell House are you interested in learning more about?

09/25/2025

“Inside Fort Western” by Penny Markley

This week's highlight is “Inside Fort Western” by Penny Markley. Fort Western is a living history museum in Augusta, which hosts the oldest wooden garrison building in the United States! Markley chose to paint the inside of one of these buildings using oil. Her mix of smaller and larger brushstrokes brings the picture together, allowing for the smaller details to stand out. If you are interested in looking at this painting in person, or at the other beautiful paintings on display, come visit us at the Nickels-Sortwell carriage house during our regular hours. We look forward to seeing you!

Comment below if you've visited Fort Western before, or another painting you would like to see highlighted!

09/13/2025

Today's highlight is “Lilac in Blue” by Brian Dubina. This painting depicts Dubina's barn, which serves as his new studio in Alna, Maine. Dubina states that his painting fits this year's Plein Air theme of Old, New, or In Between, because of how the “old growth lilac casts its shadow on an even older barn.” Dubina's beautiful acrylic painting on a watercolor board mixes shadow with light and nature with a man-made structure, creating a wonderful contrast.

If you're interested in taking a look at this painting, some of Dubina's other work, or the many other beautiful art pieces currently on display, come visit us at the Nickels-Sortwell carriage house during our regular hours. We look forward to seeing you!

Comment below something you like about this painting, or another art piece that you would like to see highlighted!

08/29/2025

We have some wonderful new pieces available at the Nickels-Sortwell House! Come by to check out our Plein Air collection.