Just south of Camden, directly on U.S. Route 1, the Conway House stands as a rare glimpse into Maine’s colonial past. Built in the late 1700s, this white clapboard farmhouse is one of the oldest in the region and today serves as the centerpiece of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society’s museum campus.

The house tells the story of early settlers with rooms furnished as they would have looked in the 18th and 19th centuries. Outside, the surrounding grounds hold the Cramer Museum, a historic barn, a blacksmith shop, and exhibits showcasing local industry and daily life. Together, the site offers a quiet yet powerful reminder of how Maine communities developed along this busy coastal corridor.

Why It’s Worth the Stop

Unlike larger historic sites, the Conway House feels intimate and personal. Walking through its low-beamed rooms, you’ll see hand-hewn timbers, colonial cooking tools, and quilts that once warmed families through long Maine winters. The barn holds farming equipment and carriages, while the Cramer Museum adds layers of local artifacts, photographs, and maritime memorabilia.

For Route 1 travelers, it’s an easy detour that adds depth to your coastal trip, turning a scenic drive into a chance to stand inside the walls of Maine history.

Know Before You Go

Location: 782 U.S. Route 1, Rockport, ME, directly on the main road between Camden and Rockport

Hours: Open seasonally; check the Camden-Rockport Historical Society for schedules and events

Admission: Modest fee or donation suggested

Parking: Small on-site lot right off Route 1

Accessibility: Historic structures have narrow stairs and uneven floors; outdoor paths are easier to navigate

Pro Tip: Pair your stop with lunch in downtown Camden or a harbor stroll before heading back on Route 1

Nearby on Route 1

Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheatre: Landscaped waterfront just minutes away

Aldermere Farm: Famous Belted Galloway cattle grazing along Route 1 in Rockport

Andre the Seal Statue: Beloved local legend at Camden Harbor