North Haven

The history of North Haven is based on the natural resources that drove  - and continue to drive – the local and regional economy, especially the fishing resources.  Lobster fishing continues to play an important role in the economy of the island, and residents also engage in a variety of other service-oriented businesses.

Many current residents can trace their families back to the town’s earliest days.  North Haven still enjoys many of the benefits from its past as a small town with a strong sense of community where people look out for one another.

The year-round population of North Haven has fluctuated over the past 40 years within a range of 300 to 400 people, adding 800 more each summer. The number of students enrolled at the local school, North Haven Community School, has hovered at around 70 students for the past few years.  The school is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. 

The main school building was constructed in 1973, but does not meet the community’s needs.  After an extensive capital campaign, a new school building is set to open in September of 2008.

Major transportation linkages for North Haven include the Maine State Ferry with service to Rockland, and Witherspoon Airstrip, served by Penobscot Island Air out of Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head. Additionally, the Equinox, a water taxi, is also available for travel between the island and mainland.

North Haven has its own post office (04853).  The North Haven Grocery Store provides year-round grocery service.  The town also employs a year-round doctor at the North Haven Medical Clinic.  Accommodations on the island are available through the Nebo Lodge as well as Our Place Inn & Cottages.  The North Haven library is located in the downtown section of town and is open year-round.  The community building is owned by the town of North Haven and houses a basketball court and weight room.  North Haven Arts & Enrichment owns and operates Waterman’s Community Center, running preschool and after-school programs, hosting plays, music concerts, and guest artists within the community.  The Town of North Haven owns considerable tracts of land, including Burnt Island and Mullins Head Town Park where community members have access to open spaces, picnic areas, beaches, and walking trails.  The North Haven Historical Society is a very active community organization and will have a new building completed in 2008.