It’s been almost 20 years since they were originally installed, but the green historic markers that comprise Presque Isle Historical Society’s self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown are back and even better than before.
In 2008, in preparation for Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), Presque Isle Historical Society partnered with the City of Presque Isle to place 28 green information board markers at historic buildings around the original downtown boundaries of the community.
The signs can be found on Blake, Third, Second, Main, State, Church, and Academy Street as well as Riverside Drive. Over time, these signs have aged, weathered, faded and, unfortunately in some cases, been vandalized.
As part of Presque Isle’s celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), the historical society and the city have once again partnered to replace the signs for a new, fresh look — and revised the self-guided walking tour brochure.
Join the society and the city for a re-launch kickoff celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at Turner Memorial Library, 39 Second St. There will be a ribbon cutting at 6:10 p.m. by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce right outside the library at the new sign by the entrance, followed by a short presentation on the markers and tour.
At 6:30 p.m., representatives from Presque Isle Historical Society will offer a free, guided tour of Second Street. Participants of the evening’s walking tour will receive a green historical marker button (first come, first served, while supplies last).
A scavenger hunt sheet will be available that evening at the kickoff. Answers for the “fill-in-the-blank” hunt can be found on each of the 28 signs. Completed forms can then be dropped off at City Hall by Sept. 30.
Completed forms with correct answers will be placed in a drawing for prizes, with winners chosen on Oct. 1. Winners, who must be 18 years of age, do not need to be present for the drawing and will be notified by telephone.
Brochures for the self-guided walking tour will be available after the kickoff at City Hall, the library, and on the city’s website.
