Most endangered historic places
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.
2024 Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places
The 2024 list of Most Endangered Historic Places calls attention to five places significant to Mainers that are facing challenging circumstances that stand in the way of their continued existence. Nominations came in from across the state, with those places requiring the greatest need making the final list. The endangered list is intended to highlight and amplify local efforts to protect our built heritage, from communities in central Maine whipping up votes to save town halls to a Downeast cultural institution seeking support to repair and repurpose an iconic church. These and so many more historic community buildings can benefit from Question #3 on November's ballot.
This year’s list also sounds the alarm on two matters of a different scale. The recent pair of winter storms that wreaked havoc along the coast calls into question the fate of Maine’s 66 beloved light stations. Meanwhile the reclassification of a historic building as a means for demolition will establish a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes the efficacy and value of Portland’s historic districts.
Maine’s Most Endangered Historic Places
You can use the map to view endangered places in your area or browse our annual lists below.
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
View the News Release issued October 7, 2021
View coverage on News Center Maine
View coverage in the Associated Press
View coverage in the Portland Press Herald
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.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a list of Most Endangered Places was not released in 2020.
2019 Maine’s Most endangered Historic Places
View the News Release issued September 11, 2019.
View video of the announcement of the list on 207.
View coverage in the Portland Press Herald.
View coverage in the Sun Journal.
2018 Most Endangered Historic Places
2017 Most Endangered Historic Places
2015 Most Endangered Historic Places
2014 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2013 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2012 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2011 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2008 Most Endangered Historic Properties
