Parson Jonathan Fisher was the Congregational minister from 1794 to 1837 in the small village of Blue Hill, Maine. Although his primary duties as a country parson engaged much of his time, Fisher was also a farmer, scientist, mathematician, surveyer, and writer of prose and poetry. He bound his own books, made buttons and hats, designed and built furniture, painted sleighs, was a reporter for the local newspaper, helped found Bangor Theological Seminary, dug wells, built his own home and raised a large family.
Truly a renaissance man in the breadth of his accomplishments Fisher invites comparison with a Franklin or Jefferson. In his manners, morals and writings Fisher represents the best of the vigorous New England churchmen who shaped the standards of their congregations during America's formative years.
Jonathan Fisher's home is open to the public at selected times throughout the year. It is maintained and operated by the Jonathan Fisher Memorial, Inc.
The Fisher House, which Reverend Fisher built in 1814 in Blue Hill Maine, is filled with the personal effects of Reverend Fisher, many of which were made by his own hands. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and with the surrounding fields and gardens, is the focal point for the activities of the Jonathan Fisher Memorial.
The Jonathan Fisher Memorial is a member of the National Trust and was founded in 1954 with the mission:
"To perpetuate the memory, spirit, works, and teachings of the Reverend Jonathan Fisher and to preserve at Blue Hill and elsewhere, his home, relics and other things of his life, and of his descendants and of the period in which he lived in order that his life may serve as an inspiration to others."
Read William Hinckley's 1971 History of the founding of the Fisher Memorial.
Current activities:
Educational programs for school-aged children throughout the year.
Summer Festivals with music, crafts and tours Strategic Planning for preservation, support and outreach.
Consultation for preservation of buildings, paintings, documents and other collections.
Structural repairs and buildings and grounds maintenance.