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The Gates House is a remarkably high-quality Federal-style period house built in 1810 along the banks of the historic Machias River, in Machiasport, Maine. It is listed on the "National Register of Historic Places" and since 1966 has served as the home for the Machiasport Historical Society and a museum to foster, develop, and promote interest in historical matters, particularly those pertaining to the town of Machiasport and the surrounding Downeast region.

This summer we celebrate America's 250th birthday! What better way to celebrate than visiting the Gates House and learning about our local history and, in particular, “The Battle of the Margaretta," the first naval engagement of the American Revolutionary War. Come take a walk in the past as we visit the museum, explore the mementos and articles they have and hear about life in the time of the War.  You will find their tours are very interactive and you will gain an appreciation for the region's contributions to the War and its unique maritime history. Additionally, you will see how the community lived and worked in Machiasport over the years through local artifacts.

The Gates House also maintains a records and genealogy room, which is open to the public, for those individuals researching their family histories or seeking documentation for research projects. Engaging with the local community and visitors is a two-way conversation with and for the staff who also benefit from the knowledge and perspectives of their visitors.

Presenter:  Frank Rodriguez is President of the Machiasport Historical Society. He received an MA in National Security Affairs at Naval Postgraduate School in 1985 and an MBA in International Business from the University of Tampa in 2004. Frank was an Adjunct Professor for Military History & Leadership at the University of Tampa from 2000-2005. 

Other members of the society will assist with the presentation by serving as docents and knowledgeable guides throughout the tour.

Class Information:  This is an in-person only class – held at the Gates House Museum, 344 Port Road, Machiasport ME. The presenter will be in person.

Please note:  The Gates House was built in 181O and the tour includes ascending and descending stairs to and from the second floor. Wheel chair access is very limited. Because of the size of the house, this tour is limited to 10 people.

All facilities at the University of Maine at Machias (UM@M) are fully handicap compliant.  The facilities used by Sunrise Senior College (SSC) at the college have ramps, elevators and handicap accessible bathrooms.  Our offsite functions and activities have various limitations and restrictions and may not be fully handicap accessible.  SSC will endeavor to identify limitations at these to you in advance.

                                                IMPORTANT:  See Below

“Sunrise Senior College does not endorse any appeal or representation made by a presenter, non-profit organization or business during an SSC presentation.  SSC members attending the presentations may wish to pursue additional involvement with the organization or presenter based on the material that was presented and in doing so, they are acting on their own and not as part of SSC.”

This class is Free to SSC members who have paid the $25.00 membership for our 2026-2027 term (6/1/26 to 5/31/27). This is also available to all current Maine Senior College (MSCN) Members for $5.00. The general public not wishing to join Sunrise Senior College at this time may attend this class for a $10.00 fee.

Important:  If you are not a current member of Sunrise Senior College (SSC) but are planning on joining SSC as a member today, when questioned about your membership make sure you select the response that “Your SSC membership is current” when checking out so the we can properly bill you for this class.

Sunrise Senior College (SSC) is a membership-based organization. Our SSC members receive special benefits as current members when they register for this course. Any member of another MSCN college is also able to enjoy this course, but may occur some additional charges. If you are a member of the general public, you can take this course but will have to pay additional fees associated with being a non-member. For any attendee that is not a current member of Sunrise Senior College, any materials required for the course are your responsibility. When checking out, please carefully read and answer the questions asked associated with this specific course so that you are charged appropriately for this class. Failure to do this may result in your being cancelled from the course. We hope you enjoy this offering.