Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops
 The flagship location, Bar Harbor, Maine (2017) | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail Bookstore |
| Founded | Bar Harbor, Maine, U.S. 1886 |
| Founder | William Henry Sherman |
Number of locations | 9 stores (December 2022) |
Key people | Jeff Curtis (CEO, co-owner) Maria Boord Curtis (operations director, co-owner) |
| Products | Books, stationery |
| Website | www |
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops (previously known as Sherman's Book Store) is a retailer specializing in books and stationery based in Maine, United States. Established in 1886, it holds the distinction of being the state's longest-standing bookstore and ranks among the ten oldest bookstores nationwide.[1][2]
The main store, originally founded by William Henry Sherman, is located on Main Street in Bar Harbor. This flagship location continues to operate alongside eight additional branches as of 2022. These are situated in Damariscotta, Boothbay Harbor, Freeport, Rockland, Topsham, Windham, Falmouth, and Portland.[3] A branch in Camden opened its doors in 2004 but was closed in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[4][2]
History
William Henry Sherman, originally from Sullivan, Maine, launched a printing business named W. H. Sherman, Printer & Stationer in Bar Harbor in 1866. His press produced the local newspaper Bar Harbor Times as well as publications authored by himself and some of the town’s permanent and seasonal residents.[4]
By the early 1900s, with a growing emphasis on books and stationery sales, Sherman's four daughters took over management of the enterprise.[4]
William Sherman passed away in 1928 at the age of 62.
In 1962, ownership transferred from Sherman's daughters to the Curtis family. The third generation of the Curtis family became active in the company starting in 2013.[4]
Following the acquisition of Maine Coast Books located in Damariscotta, the business rebranded itself as Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops in 2016.[4]
An announcement made in April 2025 revealed plans to open a tenth store in Saco, Maine by Memorial Day.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ Forecaster, Kristen McNerneyThe (2021-08-27). "Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop docks in Topsham and Windham". Press Herald. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Maine's oldest bookstore gets reestablished in Midcoast with new Rockland store". Boothbay Register. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
- ↑ Kevin, Brian (2015-12-21). "Cover Story - Indie Bookstores - Sherman's Bookstore". Down East Magazine. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "About Us | Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop". www.shermans.com. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
- ↑ "New bookstores coming to Biddeford and Saco". Press Herald. 2025-04-01. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
External links
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