Pittston Literary & Historical Society

PITTSTON LITERARY & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Pittston Literary & Historical Society (PLHS) is a volunteer, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the pursuit of historical, educational, and literary interest in the Town of Pittston.

Meetings are held April through October on the second Tuesday of the month (location to be announced on our Facebook page Pittston Maine Historical Society | Facebook). Anyone with an interest in local history is encouraged to join us at our next meeting or contact us via Facebook or email (pittstonmehistoricalsociety@gmail.com).

In addition to collecting and preserving books, pamphlets, and documents connected to the town’s past, current projects and priorities include planning and organizing our annual exhibit at the Pittston Fair and continuing to explore opportunities and strategies to preserve the Colburn School.

Annual Pittston Fair Exhibit

Each year, PLHS volunteers plan and organize a display at the Pittston Fair Museum building (the former Exhibition Hall). The theme of the exhibit changes from year to year and uses both PLHS materials as well as items graciously loaned by community members for the exhibit. The exhibit is open throughout the duration of the fair.

Colburn School

Located on the Arnold Road off Route 27, the Colburn School is a one-story brick building with an attached wood-framed ell. Built in 1815 – 1816, the building served as one of Pittston’s many one-room schoolhouses until 1961, and later housed town offices. In 1985, it was sold by the town to the PLHS for one dollar and for many years was the home of the PLHS, which used the school for its monthly meetings as well as fund-raising events held in conjunction with the Arnold Expedition Historical Society. In 2001, the Colburn School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2024, ownership of the school was transferred back to the Town of Pittston to increase its eligibility for potential grant funding to make needed repairs.