Four signs were recently installed identifying two of Camden’s three National Historic Districts –  one sign at each end of the Chestnut Street Historic District and one at each end of the High Street Historic District.  These streets were selected for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and 1991 respectively.  The sign for the third recognized historic district, The Great Fire District, is now being designed. 

 These districts say a lot about Camden’s rich and long history and the diversity of its architecture over 230 years.  Within these districts are houses bearing markers indicating the date each home was built.  The oldest home on Chestnut Street was built in 1780.  High Street’s oldest home was built in 1800.

Over the last two years the town’s Historic Resources Committee has reactivated the “Historic Marker” program of the 1980s and 1990s and contacted owners of homes in these two districts who did not have markers and encouraged them to purchase these locally-cast plaques.  

Concurrently, the committee researched and designed the historic district street signs and ultimately facilitated the placement of the new signs. With the help of a local sign company and the town’s Public Works Department, the historic district signs are now in place.

Many historic homes in Camden do not lie within these historic districts but may be eligible for a date plaque.  If you would like information about a date plaque for your home, pick up a brochure at the Town Office or at the History Center in the Camden Public Library.

By identifying and honoring our historic homes, we not only recognize the value of preserving what is good from the past, but also recognize the contribution these historic structures make to the overall appeal of the town of Camden.