William B. Jordan, retired historian, preservationist and professor of history at the former Westbrook College, died Saturday night in Portland, according to his daughter Sarah Jordan Thompson. He was 88.

Born in Portland and raised in Cape Elizabeth, Jordan was the author of several books, including “A History of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.” He was a World War II Navy veteran and had been the oldest member of the Maine Historical Society, his daughter said. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.