Q: Where can I research information about my old house in greater Portland?
A: Greater Portland Landmarks’ Peabody Research Library houses more than 1,000 books on preservation techniques, architectural styles, and local history; more than 6,000 architectural surveys including parts of Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth; and files organized by street address on many properties in Portland and, to a lesser extent, in surrounding towns. In addition, there are local histories, maps, vertical files, and city directories that can provide useful information for the researcher.
Additional information can be found at the Maine Historical Society Library at 489 Congress Street, the Portland Room of the Portland Public Library on Monument Square, the City of Portland Assessor’s Office at 389 Congress Street, and in the records at the Cumberland County Register of Deeds, 142 Federal Street, Portland.