Built in 1785–1786 for General Peleg Wadsworth, a Revolutionary War General and grandfather of the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this house was the first wholly brick dwelling in Portland, Maine. Longfellow grew up in this house and went on to become one of the greatest minds of his time. The last resident of the house and Longfellow's sister, Anne Longfellow Pierce, left the home and its garden to the Maine Historical Society in memory of her brother and family. Three generations worth of furnishings illustrate the changes in style and technology during the course of the 19th century. In the back of the home are the Longfellow gardens, open to the public and free of charge during the season with areas to sit and enjoy the beautiful flowers, trees, and plants.

Closed November–April. Please call for tour times.