Extensive primary source materials ranging from diaries and family papers to commercial records, maps and architectural drawings attract researchers of all ages. Particularly significant are more than 3,000 historical photographs and vintage postcards, plus indexes for Kennebunk-built ships, local history subjects and genealogical collections. Area newspapers dating back to 1877 exist as bound originals and/or on microfilm.

A section of the archives is devoted to Maine authors, with sizable collections pertaining to Sarah Orne Jewett, Kenneth Roberts, and Booth Tarkington.

Institutional records chronicling the Museum's own history are rich in materials pertaining to the life of artist and museum founder Edith Cleaves Barry (1884-1969).

The archives center is open to researchers when an archivist is present. Public hours are typically Tuesdays through Thursdays, but appointments are strongly recommended. Please call 207.985.4802 to schedule an appointment with an archivist.