Since 1996, Maine Preservation has released the list of Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places to boost local efforts and focus positive media attention with an aim to preserve threatened places throughout the state. Nomination of an endangered place is a chance for Mainers to make their voices heard and to shine a light on the places that matter to their communities.

2026 Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places 

We want to hear from you! Nominations are now open through June 5, 2026 for all members of the public to call attention to the buildings, sites, and communities in need of immediate preservation action.  

To be eligible, a nominated property must be: 

• Located in Maine. 

• Historically and/or architecturally significant and at least 50 years old. 

• Substantially threatened; without intervention the continued existence of the place is at risk. 

• Savable; there is potential to eliminate the threat and to rehabilitate/re-use the property. 

• Supported by a local group advocating for the future of the place that can partner with Maine Preservation. 

Are you considering submitting a nomination but unsure if it’s the right tool for your historic preservation dilemma? We offer consultation and resources to help stewards of historic properties. Learn more about our Field Services program and then give us a call. 

Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places

Use the map to view endangered places in your area or browse our annual lists below.

2025 Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places

2024 Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places

2023 Maine’s Most endangered Historic Places

From Rescued to Restored: Stories and Strategies to Saving Endangered Places

Samuel Reid from Wood Island Life Saving Station Association, Glyneta Thomson from Old Surry Village School Preservation Group, and John Perry from Readfield Union Meeting House Company share stories and strategies on saving Maine's most endangered places.

View the program below.

2022 Maine’s Most endangered Historic Places

2021 Maine’s Most endangered Historic Places

The first Most Endangered Historic Places list, released in 1996, sought to recognize historic places and structures across Maine that face the threat of deterioration and destruction. Through the years, the list shared the narratives of these places in peril, each of which has an important role in contributing to Maine’s collective history. By raising public awareness and advocating for each listing’s significance to its community, Maine Preservation hopes to prevent its loss. For its 25th edition, the Most Endangered Historic Places list calls attention to newly threatened properties while also refocusing on past listings that remain endangered. This year’s list also reflects on places that have been saved and revitalized.

complete list of most endangered historic places

See the complete list (by location) of Most Endangered Historic Place since the inception of the program in 1996. Please note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a list was not released in 2020.