Upcoming Programs & Events
NEW! MHS CELEBRATING 200 YEARS Virtual Program Series
(February–December 2022)
Join us for an outstanding program series that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Maine Historical Society. Unless otherwise noted, MHS CELEBRATING 200 YEARS highlighted programs are free and air via Zoom at specified times. Visit this page often for new additions. Register early to avoid disappointment.
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On-Demand Programs - Videos and Podcasts
VIDEOS: Watch topical dialogues, lessons & demonstrations related to Maine history.
PODCASTS: Hear audio recordings of MHS public lectures, stories, and events.
August Programs
Thursday, August 11, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
MHS Member Exclusive
NORTHERN THREADS Part II Exhibition Opening
Experience 20th century Maine life through fashion in Part II of MHS’ landmark exhibition NORTHERN THREADS: Two Centuries of Dress at Maine Historical Society. With all-new themed vignettes from 1890-1980, Part II shares fascinating stories about Maine people, and explores clothing’s role in social, economic, and environmental histories. Look for Main Gallery groupings like Turn of the Century; Bridalwear; Maine Outdoors; Women at Work; Designed with Style; and Silhouettes in Sequence.
Join MHS members for our special opening event featuring food, drink, and curator remarks about the MHS clothing collection and exhibit preparations, along with plenty of time to take in the exhibit. We look forward to seeing you!
Location: MHS 489 Congress Street, Portland
Cost: Free for MHS members
By invitation for MHS members.
RSVP before August 8 to events@mainehistory.org or
Thursday, August 18, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Book Talk with Andrew Witmer
Here and Everywhere Else: Small-Town Maine and the World
In 1822, settlers pushed north from Massachusetts and other parts of New England into Monson, Maine. On land taken from the Penobscot people, they established prosperous farms and businesses. Focusing on the microhistory of this village, Andrew Witmer reveals the sometimes surprising ways that this small New England town engaged with the wider world across the 19th and 20th centuries. Townspeople fought and died in distant wars, transformed the economy and landscape with quarries and mills, and used railroads, highways, print, and new technologies to forge connections with the rest of the nation.
About the author: Andrew Witmer is an associate professor of history at James Madison University.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: online via Zoom. REGISTER
September Programs
Wednesday, September 7, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Special Curator Tour: NORTHERN THREADS Part II with Jamie Rice
MHS MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE
Join Jamie Rice, MHS Deputy Director and exhibit co-curator, for a special guided tour of Part II of NORTHERN THREADS: Two Centuries of Dress at Maine Historical Society.
With all-new themed vignettes from 1890-1980, Part II shares fascinating stories about Maine people, and explores clothing’s role in social, economic, and environmental histories. Central to our 200th anniversary, Northern Threads highlights MHS’ collecting expertise with newly-conserved, never-before-seen pieces from our permanent collection. Look for Main Gallery groupings like Turn of the Century; Bridalwear; Maine Outdoors; Women at Work; Designed with Style; and Silhouettes in Sequence
Space is limited and open to MHS members only.
Location: MHS 489 Congress Street, Portland
Cost: Free for MHS members, space limited to 10 members
Thursday, September 8, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Book Talk with Thomas B. Johnson and Timothy Brosnihan
Victoria Mansion
In partnership with Victoria Mansion
IN-PERSON PROGRAM
Built and furnished between 1858-1860, Victoria Mansion was remarkable from the day it was created. It stands today as the final unaltered and fully intact example of the work of three of 19th-century America’s towering creative talents: architect Henry Austin, interior designer Gustave Herter, and decorative painter Giuseppe Guidicini.
Join authors Thomas B. Johnson and Timothy Brosnihan for a look at this collection of photographs that documents the building’s beginnings as a lavish private residence for the Morse and Libby families, its decline and near loss during the early 20th century, and its resurgence and restoration since becoming a museum in 1941.
About the authors: Thomas B. Johnson served as Victoria Mansion’s executive director between 2010 and 2020, the capstone of a long career as a preservationist and curator. Timothy Brosnihan succeeded Johnson as Victoria Mansion’s executive director in 2021, having spent nearly 20 years studying and caring for the building.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: MHS 489 Congress Street, Portland. Please note this is an in-person program and will not be available via Zoom. Please visit our Coronavirus Update page for current masking policies or other related details.
October Programs
Wednesday, October 5, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Special Curator Tour: NORTHERN THREADS Part II with Jamie Rice
MHS MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE
Join Jamie Rice, MHS Deputy Director and exhibit co-curator, for a special guided tour of Part II of NORTHERN THREADS: Two Centuries of Dress at Maine Historical Society.
With all-new themed vignettes from 1890-1980, Part II shares fascinating stories about Maine people, and explores clothing’s role in social, economic, and environmental histories. Central to our 200th anniversary, Northern Threads highlights MHS’ collecting expertise with newly-conserved, never-before-seen pieces from our permanent collection. Look for Main Gallery groupings like Turn of the Century; Bridalwear; Maine Outdoors; Women at Work; Designed with Style; and Silhouettes in Sequence
Space is limited and open to MHS members only.
Location: MHS 489 Congress Street, Portland
Cost: Free for MHS members, space limited to 10 members
November Programs
Wednesday, November 2, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Special Curator Tour: NORTHERN THREADS Part II with Jamie Rice
Bergdorf Goodman flapper-style dress
MHS MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE
Join Jamie Rice, MHS Deputy Director and exhibit co-curator, for a special guided tour of Part II of NORTHERN THREADS: Two Centuries of Dress at Maine Historical Society.
With all-new themed vignettes from 1890-1980, Part II shares fascinating stories about Maine people, and explores clothing’s role in social, economic, and environmental histories. Central to our 200th anniversary, Northern Threads highlights MHS’ collecting expertise with newly-conserved, never-before-seen pieces from our permanent collection. Look for Main Gallery groupings like Turn of the Century; Bridalwear; Maine Outdoors; Women at Work; Designed with Style; and Silhouettes in Sequence
Space is limited and open to MHS members only.
Location: MHS 489 Congress Street, Portland
Cost: Free for MHS members, space limited to 10 members
Ongoing Programs
Wadsworth-Longfellow House Tours - June–October. See details.
Exhibition Galleries (self-guided) - See details.
History Walking Tours of Portland - See details.
Current Exhibitions
Northern Threads:
Two Centuries of Dress
at Maine Historical Society
Part I: Clothing circa 1780–1889:
March 16–July 30, 2022
Part II: Clothing circa 1890–1980:
August 12–December 31, 2022
Representing every particular: John Martin's 19th century fashion illustrations
March 16–August 6, 2022
Group Trips
Stay tuned for information on upcoming trips!
Regional Genealogy Programs, Events, and Conferences
Find out about regional conferences and other family history instruction and workshops.
