Criterion A: Social History
Criterion C: Architecture
Criterion Consideration A: Religious Property
Period of Significance: 1970 - 1972
Local Level of Significance
Moonspring Hermitage is a historic district located in Surry, Hancock County, Maine, that is eligible for listing in the National Register at the local level of significance. Many of the eight buildings are influenced by Japanese architectural design. The Zen Buddhist complex is significant for its Architecture and for Social History. The Japanese influenced design of the buildings, moss garden, and statues reflect a synthesis of Japanese and local Maine forms. The significance of social history is reflected in the mixed influences of Zen Buddhist, eastern philosophy, the back to the land movement, and a significant trend toward alternative lifestyles during the post WWII years and particularly in the 1960s and 70s. The district is owned by a non-profit religious organization and used by a variety of other religious organizations for retreats. The property meets Criteria Consideration A: Religious Properties due to its significance for Japanese styled Architecture and Social History trends which are not associated with the district's religious uses. The period of significance is from 1970 to 1972, the dates of design and construction for contributing buildings. The period of significance ends in 1972 which reflects the 50-year consideration of the National Register and is also the date by which major contributing resources in the district were either constructed, under construction, or being designed.