YORK, Maine — The Old York Historical Society now has a portion of its collection of historic postcards searchable online at oldyork.org.
A collection of 1,780 postcards, part of a larger donation of ephemera focused on York, was given to the society by Peter Moore, former author of the York Weekly column, “Unknown Histories of York.”
The postcards, which can now be viewed through the society’s website, provide an important visual history of York’s landmarks, from the Nubble to Mount Agamenticus. Scenes include restaurants, campgrounds, hotels, scenic views, historic homes, activities and special events, York’s iconic lighthouses and beaches, along with many sites that no longer exist.
Under the direction of Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, Old York Historical Society archivist, a small group of volunteers helped update existing electronic collection records in preparation for them to be made available online.
“This project would not have been possible without the work and dedication of our amazing volunteers,” said Fitzgerald, “We are grateful for their hard work in getting this unique collection to a point where we can present it online. This is just the first step in sharing York’s rich visual history with the public, as we plan to add additional postcards and collections in the future.”
“Making our archival collection available online has been Old York Historical Society’s priority since opening the new Research Center at Beech Ridge in 2023,” said Joel Lefever, Old York Historical Society executive director. “We are thrilled that through the hard work and expertise of our staff, and the commitment of our volunteers, we now can share this collection with the public.”
The collection is searchable online at https://oldyork.pastperfectonline.com/.
History of postcards in the United States
On May 19, 1898, an act of Congress allowed private printers to produce and sell “Private Mailing Cards.” The cards, referred to as “PMCs,” are what we now know as postcards. The postage required was one cent, making them an easy and economical way to communicate. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later, in November 1917, that the price was raised to two cents.
Now, more than a hundred years later, the price is 53 cents to mail a postcard. All things being relative, this is still an inexpensive way to send a physical message.
Old York’s archive collection
The Old York Historical Society library and archive collection focuses on the rich history of York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, and Cape Neddick, and includes more than 7,000 books, 5,000 manuscripts, and 10,000 photographs.
The society houses family-related collections, such as the Elizabeth Bishop Perkins Collection, the Bragdon-Brooks Family Papers, the Emerson Family Papers, the George Ernst Genealogy Collection, the Lester Bragdon Collection, the George Marshall Papers, the Charles Edward Banks Papers, and the Nowell-Trafton-Woodward Papers.
Highlights include diaries, correspondence, account books, scrapbooks, ships’ logs, deeds, town and church records, photographs, postcards, and more.
The Old York Research Center at Beech Ridge is open to researchers by appointment, Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Contact research@oldyork.org to make an appointment.
About Old York Historical Society
Located at the heart of York Village, Old York is a vital part of the community. The organization maintains 16 buildings and 20 properties; has four full-time and 25 part-time employees; more than 20,000 artifacts and 50,000 archival materials in the library; and serves thousands of people year-round through tours, educational programs, and special events. For more information, please visit oldyork.org.
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