Events
Upcoming events:
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Veteran Recalls His Posting at Fort Williams (1946-1948)
Meeting at 6:30 in Thomas Memorial Library’s Community Room.
96-year-old Cliff Eaton will share memories of his life as an 18-year-old Army enlistee, whose only station during his military service was at Fort Williams between 1946 and 1948. Cliff’s interesting story is told with clarity, humor, and perhaps best of all, with original pics that he took (and processed) while exercising his new-found hobby in photography. You will be among the very first members of the public to see these marvelous shots from when “The Fort” was still a fort!
This is also our annual meeting, which includes election of officers,
and light refreshments will be served.
No programs will be held June - August.
Enjoy the Maine summer and come visit us at Fort Williams!
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2024 - Past/Present of Water/Sewer in Cape Elizabeth
Meeting at 6:30 in Thomas Memorial Library’s Community Room.
Paul Hunt will present the story of how access to water shaped Cape Elizabeth and South Portland.
Past Events
2024 Events
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - From Trolley Park to Seaside Neighborhood: Harry E. Baker and the Development of Cape Cottage Park 1898-1942
Chuck Drake presebnted the fascinating and nostalgic story of the Cape Cottage Casino area, and its transition from a trolley park to a waterfront neighborhood. The tale starts in 1898, when the Casino was originally built, and continues to 1942 and the beginning of World War II. Chuck showed vintage photos of the Casino and the houses built on the property.He also presented a short biography of Harry E. Baker, Cape’s first townwide real estate developer.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - Sea Rescues - Present and Past
Cape Rescue Team members presented a program on sea rescues past and present that have taken place in our region of Maine. The WETeam will talked about their history and their most recent rescues. The audience offered several rounds of applause for these brave people!
Tuesday, February 13 - Cape’s Wandering Schoolhouses – And the one that stayed put
A presentation by Ellen Van Fleet and Bob Dodd, based on a Power Point presentation created by Zoe Bugard. Ever heard of the Ridgeway Schoolhouse? Do you know where it was located? At the time of separation from South Portland in 1898, Cape Elizabeth had four one-room schoolhouses: Bowery Beach, Pond Cove, Spurwink and Ridgeway. Three of the four shuffled around to various sites throughout town history. One stayed put (that is, it remains at its original location today). Together these one-room centers of learning educated generations of Cape Elizabeth children.
2023 Events
Tuesday, December 12 - What the Heck is a Cunner?
A presentation by Matt Taylor, the most senior member of the Venerable Cunner Association and Propeller Club, reportedly the oldest registered social club in America.
Saturday, July 15 - Yard sale to raise money for CEHPS
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - A Fallen Star
CEHPS and the Thomas Memorial Library joined forces to co-sponsor a book launch. "A Fallen Star" by writer/historian Lori-Suzanne Dell, which chronicles the muder of Cumberland County Deputy Sheriff, Ebenezer Parker, a Cape Elizabeth resident.
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - Annual Meeting
2023 Anual Meeting with election of officers, followed by program. Jim Rowe took us through a brief history of CEHPS, culminating with our arrival at our new home at Fort Williams.
2021-2022 Programs
COVID
2020 Programs
Monday, September 9
Architect Joe Chalet presented preliminary plans for the Spurwink School House.
Monday, October 7
Jim Rowe led a tour of Fort Williams to share the history of the fort and Portland Head Light.
Monday, November 4, 7:00 PM,
We were delighted to welcome musician, music historian, and "one-person folk festival" Katherine Rhoda to our regular monthly meeting at 7:00 P.M at the Cape Elizabeth Community Center. Ms. Rhoda taught us about (and played) the zither!
Monday, December 2
December program was our Christmas Pot Luck Dinner at 6:30 PM at Cape Elizabeth Community Center.
2019 Programs
Monday, January 7
Ice harvesting in New England. Dick Kempton presented local ice harvesting history along with a film on ice harvesting from Northeast Historic films. Meeting held at 6:30 PM at Cape Elizabeth Community Center
February - winter break, no meeting.
Monday, March 2
Lee Humiston, Director/Curator of Maine Military Museum spoke on military events and people from the local area. He served 26 years in the Air Force. Meeting held at Cape Community Center, 7:00 P.M.