Current Exhibitions

Admission to gallery: Free for MHS members. Non-Members: Adults - $8.00; Students with ID, Seniors & AAA members - $7.00; Children 6-17: $3; 5 and under, free.
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Maine Historical Society is one of more than 2,000 museums across America offering free admission to military personnel and their families in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense. We are proud to be a Blue Star Museum.

Maine Eats: The Food Revolution Starts Here

Exhibition on view March 2, 2018 through February 9, 2019
MHS Gallery

From iconic lobsters, blueberries, potatoes, apples, and maple syrup, to local favorites like poutine, baked beans, red hot dogs, Italian sandwiches, and Whoopie Pies, Maine's identity and economy are inextricably linked to food. Now, a food revolution is taking us back to our roots toward the traditional sources, preparation, and pleasures of eating food that have sustained Mainers for millennia.

Using historical and contemporary stories of individual people and communities, Maine Eats: The Food Revolution Starts Here, tells the Maine food story. Throughout the interactive exhibition, visitors are invited to engage their senses and to think deeply about the past, present and future of Maine's relationship with food.

Maine Eats is supported by Hannaford Supermarkets, Amato's, BHA Foundation Fund, Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, and Maine magazine.

Maine Brews

Exhibition on view October 5, 2018 through January 26, 2019
Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr. Lecture Hall

Maine is experiencing a beer renaissance. Formed in 1986, the Maine Brewers Guild today counts over 120 independent craft breweries who produce a wide range of beers in different styles marketed locally, regionally and internationally. But Maine's beer scene did not always thrive. Prohibition in Maine lasted much longer than in the rest of the nation. Beer was still made in Maine in limited quantities, but not easily accessed. Today, Maine is making up for the long dry spell with a thriving beer industry. This exhibit explores the history of Maine's beer and the booming industry in our state today.

Maine Historical Society would like to thank John Johnson, Gary Libby, The Great Lost Bear, and the Maine Brewers Guild for their help with this exhibit.