“Moonspring Hermitage Added to National Register of Historic Places, Signaling Recognition of Modern Buildings in Maine”

– “Determining historic value of modern-era buildings in Maine”
– “Identifying significant modern-era buildings in Maine”.

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Moonspring Hermitage Added to National Register of Historic Places

When the Moonspring Hermitage was added to the National Register of Historic Places, it marked a significant milestone for a list that mostly includes much older homes. The Zen Buddhist retreat, which is associated with the back-to-the-land movement of the 1970s, is the most modern building in Maine to be recognized as worthy of preservation. Typically, properties are not considered for inclusion until 50 years after their construction.

Traditionally, the sites added to the register have been older buildings, such as a 120-year-old bed and breakfast in Guilford that is currently on the market. However, the inclusion of the Moonspring Hermitage indicates a shift in perspective, as experts start to recognize the historical significance of modern buildings.

Historians now consider more than just architectural style when assessing a property’s eligibility for the register. They also examine the role a building played in Maine’s social history, prominent movements, and alternative ways of living. This broader perspective means that mid-century homes, including ranches and log cabins, may soon be strong contenders for historic designation.

“It’s part of that shift toward trying to be more inclusive,” said Michael Goebel-Bain, a coordinator with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. “We’re looking in different areas, like LGBTQ, African American, Asian American. Those are certainly areas that have been identified as underrepresented.”

The Moonspring Hermitage, now known as Morgan Bay Zendo, was built in 1971 and features Japanese-influenced design elements in its buildings and gardens. Its inclusion in the register is based on the significant trend towards alternative lifestyles during the post-World War II years and particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.

“It’s not an overtly super modern, contemporary looking building,” Goebel-Bain explained. “But it certainly is not a historic building either.”

The properties added to the register depend on property owners nominating them for consideration, making the list somewhat unpredictable. Last year, the addition of Malaga Island, a 42-acre island that was home to a mixed-race fishing community forcibly removed by the state, showcased the state’s efforts to diversify the register.

As the 50-year window for the register moves into the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, the definition of “historic” will undoubtedly change. The materials and architectural styles of homes built during these decades represent a departure from more traditional designs. Architecture professor Rob Anderson of the University of Maine at Augusta predicts that log cabins, mid-century modern homes, and ranch-style houses are some of the properties that may be added in the coming years.

Currently, there are a few buildings from the late 1960s and early 1970s on the market in Maine that could fall into the contemporary construction category and be eligible for inclusion on the register. For example, a ranch-style home in West Gardiner built in 1968 with colorful cedar siding represents the popular contemporary style of that time. Additionally, a log cabin in Avon, Franklin County, could also be considered for inclusion, as log cabins experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s as people sought to reconnect with nature.

However, assessing these buildings from the 1970s for inclusion on the register poses a challenge for historians. Unlike older architectural styles that have specific proportions and features, many homes built in the 1970s do not fit neatly into established classifications.

“We’re in the ‘see-as-you-go’ period,” Anderson explained. “It’s not as standardized as before.”

As the Maine Historic Preservation Commission continues to evaluate and recommend properties for the National Register of Historic Places, the list will undoubtedly evolve to reflect a broader understanding of what constitutes historic significance. The inclusion of the Moonspring Hermitage sets a precedent for recognizing the historical value of modern buildings and paves the way for future additions from the mid-century era.

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1. “Maine’s historic modern-era buildings”
2. “Determining historical significance of modern buildings in Maine”.