Tour of Historic Wells Quarry

Description

Please join us for a fascinating walking tour of the Millennium Granite Quarry in Wells, Maine. Granite is one of New England’s iconic building and memorial stones, and this Wells quarry has supplied many important projects around the Nation. Come along and learn about its history, operations, and impact on architecture, both near and far. Wells has been known as a regional source of granite since the 19th century. Builders and craftspeople first identified areas of exposed granite ledge, called “motions”, which could be accessed in local hillsides. Slabs of granite were removed from these ledges using hand tools, leaving distinctive marks which can still be seen in local foundations and stone walls today. Formerly known as the Quarry at Bald Hill, and first owned by both the Swenson and Miniutti families, The Millennium Granite quarry opened in the early 20th century. Newly developed power tools and machinery vastly improved quarrying operations, and the business employed local residents for decades. Known for its colorful pink hue, this local granite was selected for highly visible and landmark projects around the Nation such as The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC, Seagram Plaza in Manhattan, and the Hirschhorn Gallery in Washington, DC. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a part of Wells history that reaches far and wide! All proceeds to benefit the Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit. Tour is limited to 20 participants.