Portland Observatory
Frequently Asked Questions

General
Information

Docent Guided Tours

Season Dates: May 24 - October 13, 2025

Spring Hours:

Monday – Friday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, last entry at 3:30 pm

Saturday - Sunday
Start times: 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 11:30 am

Summer (June - August) Hours:

Monday - Wednesday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, last entry at 3:30 pm

All tours are 45 minute tours Capacity: 10 people per tour

Self Guided Tours

Tickets

Adults: $10.00
Seniors/Military/Students: $8.00
Kids (6-16): $5.00
Kids (5 and under): free

Portland Residents, Adults: $5.00
Portland Residents, Kids (6 - 16): $3.00

History of the Tower

In 1807 Captain Lemuel Moody (1768-1846), ordered construction of this octagonal, 86-foot high tower on Munjoy Hill to serve as a communication station for Portland’s bustling harbor. It was a commercial venture designed to give a competitive edge to ship owners who paid Moody a subscription fee of $5.00 a year to alert them when their ships were arriving. 

At the time, ships entering the harbor could not be seen from the docks of Portland until they rounded the point of land at Spring Point Ledge and were almost in the harbor.  

With his powerful telescope at the top of the tower, sea captain-turned-entrepreneur Moody could identify incoming vessels as far away as 30 miles.  Moody informed subscribing merchants by hoisting signal flags identifying their vessels. 

This signal tower communication greatly increased the efficiency of Portland Harbor and the Observatory remained a working marine signal tower run by the Moody family until 1923 when the invention of the two-way radio made it obsolete. 

The Observatory fell into disrepair and was donated to the City of Portland. Restorations were done and the tower opened to tourists in 1939.

In 1984 Greater Portland Landmarks assumed management of the tower, opening it for regular tours. Then, ten years later, inspections revealed serious moisture damage and an infestation of powder-post beetles. The City of Portland and concerned citizens collaborated with Greater Portland Landmarks to once again restore the Observatory. The tower was saved and reopened in 2000. 

The Portland Observatory is the only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. As an intact survivor from the Golden Age of Sail, the Observatory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, became a National Historic Landmark in 2006, and named a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 2006. It celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2007.

(2024: The Portland Observatory is currently owned by the City of Portland and operated as an educational site by Greater Portland Landmarks.)

Interested In Learning More?

During the CoVid-19 Pandemic, the Portland Observatory was closed to visitors, however our dedicated docents wanted the learning to continue. Check out these videos to learn a bit more!

Greater Portland Landmarks and the Portland Observatory
Greater Portland Landmarks is a historic preservation advocacy organization with a 60-year legacy dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic and architectural heritage of Portland. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we work to protect significant places and ensure their stories continue to inspire future generations. We are stewards of the Portland Observatory, built in 1807. It is the nation’s last remaining maritime signal tower, and we operate it from May through mid-October as a historic site, offering tours and occasional special events.

Position Description
Portland Observatory site managers oversee the daily operations of the historic site during the open season. Site Managers work a flexible schedule in coordination with other site managers, typically working in pairs, greeting visitors and coordinating tour groups, operating the gift shop, and supervising and supporting volunteer docents. Site managers help Greater Portland Landmarks connect people with the unique history and architecture of the Observatory and Portland’s maritime history. The position requires a team player who can multi-task while enjoying working with staff, volunteers, and members of the public, and is enthusiastic about Portland’s history.

Work Schedule
Part-time, seasonal, 18-28 hours per week (3-4 days a week, including one weekend day and some evenings). Mid-May to mid-October. Pre-season training and orientation in May.

Compensation
This is a part-time, seasonal position, offering an hourly rate of $18 an hour

Application Process
Please email resume and cover letter to Aimee Keithan at akeithan@portlandlandmarks.org.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews held on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled.
We hope to have new managers take part in yearly training that begins on May 11.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Greater Portland Landmarks is a committed Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes that it is both unlawful and ethically wrong to discriminate in employment, or to harass an employee, because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, age, national origin, or physical or mental disability.