The Maine Friendship House

The Maine Friendship House is one of the houses of the founders of the American Colony which was established in 1866 near Jaffa by Messianic settlers. Later on the building was purchased by the Templer Frank Family and after they left the building stood deserted for years. In 2002, when it was facing destruction, the building was purchased by American Reed Holmes, who wrote the book "The ForeRunners” which tells the story of the American Colony, and his wife. Today, on the first floor of the renovated and preserved building, half of which is built of wood and the other half of stone, the couple has opened the Maine Friendship House. This is a museum and heritage center which presents pictures and personal items that tell the story of the American settlement in the Colony. The basement houses the studio of the young artist Jonathan Kis-Lev, where one can view his vibrant colorful paintings which depict the views of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.