Redington Museum | Waterville

Information

Landmark: Redington Museum
City: Waterville
Country: USA Maine
Continent: North America

Redington Museum, Waterville, USA Maine, North America

The Redington Museum is a historical house museum located in Waterville, Maine, USA.

It preserves and interprets the history of Waterville and its surrounding communities.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a Federal-style brick building constructed in 1814. It features a symmetrical facade with a central entrance, a hipped roof, and multi-paned windows. The exterior brickwork is a deep red, and the trim is painted white. The building stands two stories high.

Location & Access Logistics

The Redington Museum is situated at 62 Silver Street in Waterville, Maine. It is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) southwest of the Waterville city center. On-street parking is available on Silver Street and adjacent roads. The museum is accessible via the Colby College Shuttle Bus, which stops within a 0.2-mile (0.3 km) walk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed as a private residence for Silas Redington, a prominent local merchant. It was designed by an unknown architect. The house remained in the Redington family until it was bequeathed to the Waterville Historical Society in 1947 for use as a museum.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of Waterville, including its industrial past, maritime heritage, and notable residents. The museum features period rooms furnished with artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours are available by appointment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within exhibit areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located on-site; however, several restaurants are within a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) radius in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For optimal lighting within the historic rooms, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. No specific tide or weather conditions affect access.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact within the museum is a spinning wheel purportedly used by Hannah Weston, a local woman who served as a spy for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. While its direct provenance is debated, it is a significant piece of local folklore.