The Story
McCurdy’s Smokehouse appeared on our first Most Endangered Historic Places list in 1996. As with any historic site, it does not only take one singular effort to ensure long-term preservation and the McCurdy Smokehouse is no exception. Lubec Landmarks, Inc has done an amazing job in keeping what was the last operating herring smokehouse in the United States alive. In the 2000s, the two buildings closest to shore were restored: The Mulholland Market Building and the Skinning/Packing Shed. The Mulholland Market Building is used as an art gallery for local artists, and the Skinning/Packing Shed houses the Historic McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. These buildings are open to the public during the summer months and run by volunteers.

However, the Brining Shed, the furthest building out in the Narrows, was lost in a 2018 Nor’easter. More recently, the complex was further imperiled by the highest tide to hit Downeast Maine in 100 years on April 10, 2020 when Lubec experienced a tide that was roughly five feet higher than the normal yearly King’s tides.

The Threat
The threats that McCurdy’s faces today are similar to those it confronted in 1996, and likely only going to worsen with the impacts of climate change. The Sawdust Shed and the South Smokehouse are sinking into the gravel beach, and the tides periodically rise above floor level. Action is needed to raise these buildings on a new taller wooden piling foundation, with a new wharf to connect the remaining four buildings.

How to Get Involved
The McCurdy Smokehouse has received an outpouring of support from the local community. However, Lubec Landmarks, Inc needs to raise roughly $500,000 to place these two buildings on taller pilings.

You can support McCurdy’s Smokehouse by visiting the museum, purchasing McCurdy’s Smokehouse merchandise in their online store, and by donating directly to their preservation efforts.