The Freeport Historical Society will unveil the Freeport Heritage Trail at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Old First Parish Meetinghouse and Burial Ground at Lower Main Street and Meetinghouse Road.

Consisting of 17 interpretive signs and related podcasts, the trail will direct people to significant spots in Freeport history.

The goal is to reinforce the town’s identity among residents and visitors alike, said Christina White, historical society director.

“We tell stories all the time here. This is a way to bring those stories to more people,” she said. “The trail is for people who would not set foot in the historical society, so they can get a feeling for Freeport beyond the quarter-mile commercial district.”

White said Freeport is known for its commercial success, with L.L. Bean giving it a “global brand.”

“But this town has successfully reinvented itself three or four times,” White said. “We would like to broaden the definition of what this town is and what it offers.”

The signs include historic photographs and text that tell stories of notable people, architecturally significant structures and landscapes, and key events that shaped Freeport history.

They are located throughout the community, including in Freeport Village, Wolf’s Neck and Flying Point.

The historical society also has created a podcast for each site.

Freeporters with connections to the interpretation narrate the history.

The podcasts will be accessible via smart phones or online at freeport historicalsociety.org.

State historian Earle Shettleworth will speak at the unveiling on Tuesday.

The Maine Humanities Council donated $4,234 for the project. The historical society matched that grant with donations from businesses, residents and others.

Staff Writer Bob Keyes can be contacted at 791-6457 or at:

bkeyes@pressherald.com

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