School Groups
Greater Portland Landmarks offers Portland Observatory, Eastern Cemetery and Congress Street Tours designed specifically for school groups.
We offer school group discounts on tours and publications. Please allow at least two weeks notice to book a group tour. To schedule a group tour, or to take advantage of our other resources, please email us or call 207-774-5561.
Portland Observatory Museum Tours (usually combined with Eastern Cemetery Tour)
The Portland Observatory (1807) is owned by the city of Portland and operated as a museum by Greater Portland Landmarks. Guided group tours focus on maritime history, the purpose and importance of the structure, and changes in Portland over the last two centuries. Students always enjoy the spectacular view from the top of this National Historic Landmark. Tours are offered mid-April through mid-October. This program is typically coupled with the Eastern Cemetery tour.
Requirements
School groups must book at least two weeks in advance. Dates toward the end of the school year tend to fill up quickly. Early booking is strongly recommended. Minimum group size is 12 students.
Admission
$2.00 per student. One adult chaperone is admitted free for every ten paying students. Additional adults are $2.00 each.
Eastern Cemetery Tours (usually combined with Observatory Tour)
Cemeteries are a fascinating way to learn about history! This guided walking tour of Portland’s oldest burying ground teaches your class about Portland’s earliest settlers and points out the markers of some of Portland’s most famous citizens. Short tour is followed by a scavenger hunt, which focuses on headstone art symbolism throughout the centuries. Program is offered mid-April through mid-October and is usually combined with the Portland Observatory Museum tour.
Requirements
School groups must book at least two weeks in advance. Dates toward the end of the school year tend to fill up quickly. Early booking is strongly recommended. Minimum group size is 12 students.
Admission
$2.00 per student. One adult chaperone is admitted free for every ten paying students. Additional adults are $2.00 each.
Combination Tours (highly recommended)
A combination Observatory and Eastern Cemetery program is recommended for all school groups with 30 students or more. This allows the maximum number of students to experience both historic locations in the minimum amount of time.
Requirements
School groups must book at least two weeks in advance. Dates toward the end of the school year tend to fill up quickly. Early booking is strongly recommended. Minimum group size is 30 students.
Discount Admission
$3.00 per student includes both historic site tours. One adult chaperone is admitted free for every ten paying students. Additional adults are $3.00 each.
Congress Street & Old Port Tours
Students learn about Portland as a maritime seaport for trade from the age of sail through the coming of the railroad up to modern times. The many types of building styles and the names of the parts that make them up are discussed. Children view the structures as they learn with interactive question-and-answer sessions. The Congress Street Tour for kids is directly linked to our City is a Classroom curriculum and workbook. The Old Port Tour explores the authentic Victorian architecture that make this area a unique and vibrant economic hub.
Requirements
School groups must book at least two weeks in advance. Dates toward the end of the school year tend to fill up quickly. Early booking is strongly recommended. Minimum group size is 12 students.
Admission
$2.00 per student. One adult chaperone is admitted free for every ten paying students. Additional adults are $2.00 each.