Maine Preservation Added Four Sites to Endangered List

The list includes a blueberry-shaped landmark and historic structures in need of new stewardship.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration showing a historic wood-shingled house near pine trees, evoking Maine's architectural heritage. — Maine Preservation has named four properties to its 2026 endangered list, aiming to secure long-term stewardship for sites like Handley Hall and the Wild Blueberry Land landmark. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local communities prioritize the preservation of historic landmarks over new development or repurposing?

Maine Preservation has identified four iconic sites for its 2026 list of most endangered and at-risk places. The group is working to secure futures for landmarks including a giant blueberry-shaped structure and historic houses.

Why it matters

The list highlights properties across the state facing significant uncertainty, from aging owners seeking new stewards to institutions planning to vacate historic halls. These designations aim to bring visibility to threatened assets that represent Maine's unique cultural and historical footprint.

Wild Blueberry Land currently hosts 15,000 to 20,000 visitors annually, while the Swanton-Deering House near Bath Iron Works is listed for a $1 purchase price contingent on a mandatory relocation.

The players

Maine Preservation

This is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and protecting the state's most threatened architectural and historic sites.

The details

The 2026 endangered list features Hillside Cemetery tombs in Eastport, Handley Hall in Augusta, and the Swanton-Deering House, which must be relocated by its buyer. Owners of the Route 1 Wild Blueberry Land landmark in Columbia Falls are also seeking a successor to manage the property, though the structure remains sound.

The four sites were officially added to the endangered list for 2026.
The buyer of the Swanton-Deering House must complete the structure relocation within the next year or so.

Culture Shift

Maine Preservation's list follows the national trend of localizing preservation efforts to protect sites that face obsolescence due to changing organizational needs or economic pressures. These designations reflect a broader societal focus on maintaining community identity by salvaging historic landmarks that might otherwise be lost to demolition.

These designations bring public attention to historic properties that may offer unique renovation or investment opportunities for interested buyers. Residents should be aware that sites like the Swanton-Deering House now require proactive relocation efforts to avoid total loss of the structure.

The takeaway

The addition of these sites to the endangered list marks a critical turning point for owners and institutions searching for new custodians to preserve the state's history. Stakeholders should monitor these locations for potential opportunities to participate in adaptive reuse or relocation projects.