A typical Maine Cape, the Captain Winn House was built about 1780. We have not found the original owner, but we do know that around 1825 Captain James Winn owned the house. Experts feel that in about 1825, the house was renovated and updated with new paint, plaster and other fashionable additions of that time period. The miracle of the house is that through the years of its many owners none changed the original integrity of its architectural beginnings. Features include wide board floors, feather board paneling, "Indian shutters," original glass, central chimney and a beautiful federal stair case and mantel.

The house sat vacant for almost 10 years. Forlorn, with a wet basement and a home for raccoons, things began to deteriorate. In 1998, a new committee lead by Gordon Lewis, started the process of rehabilitation and a vision for the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. Experts in the field of restoration were called to analyze, advise and guide us in the process. After three years of restoration and hard work by the committee with funding and support from the town, grants from the Davis Foundation, and Kennebunk Savings Bank, the museum became a reality.

In 2001 the house was moved to its present location. It had been originally located on the property of the Gorges Grant Hotel and was moved to make room for the hotel. It was first moved on December 16, 1986 with the help of the Rotary Club. It must have been a sight to see traveling down Route one. The original ell was separated and moved up to North Village Road and made into a small house. Experts analyzed the paint and gave us the color choices which we reproduced for each room.

Our plans included the rebuilding of the ell. Measurements were taken and a plan was drawn to reflect the exact measurements of the original building. With the help of local citizens and the town, our dream for the new ell was completed.

Captain Winn came from a seafaring family. He may have started as a cabin boy at a young age and worked his way to becoming Captain and part owner of the brig Altavilla with his uncle Daniel. What the ship carried and its ports of call remains a mystery. We welcome anyone interested in doing research about the Altavilla.

Captain Winn's short life contained much sadness. His first wife died in childbirth. His second wife bore his only son, James Franklin. She died when their son was 9. He was put under the guardianship of his grandparents. Captain Winn married a third time and died shortly after his marriage he died in 1848 at the Marine Hospital on Staten Island New York.

His probate records include an inventory and tell much about the house. It had a barn with a sleigh and room for a horse inside. The ell contained many items from the sea. He had the latest stove for warmth and many chairs. In the stair well a piece of French wallpaper brought from a far away port. The items reflect a high standard of living.

Captain Winn was one of the many sea Captains who lived in Ogunquit and engaged in the coastal trade. Ports included the West Indies, Boston, New York, the Carolinas and maybe even Europe.

After the restoration, a new space with its original architecture intact, blossomed into a wonderful museum to be filled with Ogunquit History. Come join us to view a typical Maine Cape.

OGUNQUIT HERITAGE MUSEUM
86 Obeds Lane
Ogunquit ME 03907
(207) 646-0296
Hours: 1 - 5 PM, Tues. - Sat., June - September