Hunnewell House Gardens
WHERE: Historic Hunnewell House, Scarborough
Corner of Winnocks Neck Road & Black Point Road
Corner of Winnocks Neck Road & Black Point Road
WHEN: 8:30 am - 11:30 am Mondays, April - October
What do we do?
Club volunteers look after the gardens of Scarborough's historic Hunnewell House. Tasks include planting, weeding and dead-heading, dividing perennials, adding compost and mulch, and pruning.
Coming soon to the Hunnewell House: a period garden with plants and planting schemes that would be typical of a late 17th / early 18th century colonial home. Phase 1 of the restoration was completed in 2021. New planting beds and brick path were completed in 2022.
Who can help?
Everyone! Many hands make light work! Both experienced and novice gardeners are welcome. Please bring your gloves, hand tools, hat and water and sunscreen.
About the Hunnewell House
The Hunnewell House is owned by the Town of Scarborough and maintained by the Town, Scarborough Historical Society, and the Scarborough Garden Club. It is also home to the club's Annual Plant Sale in June.
This house is believed to be Maine's oldest surviving building, and is certainly Scarborough's oldest house. Captain Richard Hunnewell first settled in Scarborough in 1684, was one of the founders of the town, and built his house near its current location (ca. 1684-1702).
The Massachusetts Bay Colony Court passed a law in 1647 requiring settlements in the colony to support a school if their numbers of settlers was one hundred or more. By 1751, the town of Scarborough raised money to support a school. Shortly thereafter, in 1752, Mr. Roger Hunnewell was paid four shillings to use the house as a school.
The Scarborough Rotary Club established the house's historical significance in the early 1970's, and in 1976 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also moved from across the road to its present location on the Black Point Road.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony Court passed a law in 1647 requiring settlements in the colony to support a school if their numbers of settlers was one hundred or more. By 1751, the town of Scarborough raised money to support a school. Shortly thereafter, in 1752, Mr. Roger Hunnewell was paid four shillings to use the house as a school.
The Scarborough Rotary Club established the house's historical significance in the early 1970's, and in 1976 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also moved from across the road to its present location on the Black Point Road.