Bath Freight Shed
The Bath Freight Shed was built in 1892 by the Maine Central Railroad to warehouse goods arriving or departing by rail. The Freight Shed is located at 27 Commercial Street, on the waterfront of historic downtown Bath Maine on the banks of the Kennebec River. The space is best described as “rustic, charming, and full of character.”
Maine’s First Ship makes a portion of the historic Bath Freight Shed and boatyard available for community rentals.
Rental includes the southern half of the Freight Shed, the deck and yard between the shed and the river, and limited kitchen facilities. Amenities are in line with the building’s rustic charm, and there is limited weekday parking. The facility is generally available to rent between May and October. Depending on intended use, the building can handle groups of up to 250 people, though additional resources may be required.
To help you determine if the historic Bath Freight Shed is a good fit for your event or celebration or if you would like to check availability, please call us at 207-443-4242 or email us at mfs@mfship.org.
In 2010 the building was in very bad condition with a leaking roof and holes in the walls and floor. Two things then happened: the Bath Freight Shed Alliance was formed to preserve and use the building, and Maine’s First Ship Shallop Project was housed in the freight shed. In 2011 the keel of the Virginia was laid outside the freight shed and a boat shed built around it.
In the next few years a number of improvements were made to the freight shed including a new roof, electrical work, lighting, and a new floor. This made it a usable space for public dinners and weddings. Beginning in 2013 the Bath Farmers Market winter market is held in the freight shed from November to April.
In 2017 the Jane Stevens Visitor Center was added and the Bath Freight Shed Alliance and Maine’s First Ship merged.
We continue to make improvements to the freight shed including new windows and doors, and a deck on the river side. Much of the rigging for Virginia was built in the freight shed, and the spars and masts have been shaped in the adjacent boat yard. Since June 2022, the wharf outside the freight shed is the home of Virginia, Maine’s First Ship.
