Current Exhibitions at MHS in Portland - Maine Historical Society

Current Exhibitions

Admission to gallery: Free for MHS members. Non-members: Adults - $10; Children (age 6-17) $5; age 5 and under, Free.

All exhibitions are located at 489 Congress Street in Portland unless otherwise noted.
Hours and Directions

See current visitation information.

State of Mind: Becoming Maine

March 13, 2020 through January 30, 2021
Maine Historical Society

The history of the region now known as Maine did not begin at statehood in 1820. What was Maine before it was a state? How did Maine separate from Massachusetts? How has the Maine we experience today been shaped by thousands of years of history?

State of Mind: Becoming Maine will analyze Maine as the homeland of the Wabanaki people, as a European province, as part of the District of Massachusetts, and the State of Maine. We will consider Maine's Bicentennial milestone in relation to: Maine's formation as a state 200 years ago; the significance of the Missouri Compromise; how the idea of "Maine" is perceived by people today; and how the changing landscape could alter Maine's future. The exhibition will feature manuscripts and items relating to statehood, historic maps, contemporary artwork, and opportunities to learn about the experiences of Wabanaki people alongside the early settlers, including: European American, African American, and Acadian communities.

Visit the online exhibit of State of Mind

REDACT: Obscuring the Maine Constitution

Opening September 23, 2020, Limited Engagement
Maine Historical Society Shettleworth Gallery

REDACT: Obscuring the Maine Constitution examines the redaction of Maine’s 1820 Constitution in 1875. Working with James Francis (Penobscot), Darren Ranco (Penobscot), Donald Soctomah (Passamaquoddy) and Catherine Burns, we explore the ramifications that ceasing to print sections 1, 2, and 5 of Article 10 had upon Wabanaki communities and public lands.

A Convenient Soldier: The Black Guards of Maine

Opens September 23, 2020, Limited Engagement
Showcase Gallery at Maine Historical Society

A Convenient Soldier: The Black Guards of Maine is a collaboration with artist and scholar Asata Radcliffe. The Black Guards were African American army soldiers sent to guard the railways of Maine from terrorist attacks during WWII, from 1941-1945. This installation looks at the day-to-day lives of these loyal citizen-soldiers who stood watch during a time of a racially segregated country and military.