Portland's Longfellow House — Photo courtesy of Maine Historical SocietyTravel back in time by visiting the boyhood home of famous American writer and philosopher Henry Wadsworth Longfellow this Christmas. Throughout the month of December, the Maine Historical Society presents a “Longfellow Family Christmas” with tours of the famous Longfellow home, which is located at 489 Congress Street in Portland.

This year, the home is decorated in the holiday fashion of 1861. During the tour, visitors will discover how the Civil War affected one of America’s most illustrious families. You’ll learn how Longfellow family members knitted bandages and clothes for Union soldiers at the front, as well as their determination to uphold civic and political values in their hometown.

Decorations and furnishing common to the time will also be on display in grand holiday themes. Tours take place Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. The last tour leaves at 5:00 p.m. Visitors can also browse the Museum Gift Shop to do holiday shopping. For more information, please visit the Maine Historical Society at www.mainehistory.org.