In the September 17, 1869, issue of the Courier Gazette, an announcement appeared stating that The North Knox Agricultural and Horticultural Society will hold its first annual fair at Union, October 5, 6, & 7. That publication was the announcement of the birth of the Union Fair. With the exception of 1943 and 1944, the fair has been held annually since with many changes along the way, and has become one of the best agricultural fairs in the State of Maine.

   The Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage is the first building you will encounter when you visit the Union Fairgrounds. It is an integral park of the Union Fair, and remains open and free of charge to fair-goers every year.