Upcoming Programs & Events
NEW! BEGIN AGAIN Virtual Program Series
(May-December 2021)
Join us for an outstanding program series that examines the roots of social justice issues and Maine’s role in the national dialog on race and equity. Reflecting themes from our BEGIN AGAIN: reckoning with intolerance in Maine exhibition, this series provides a unique opportunity to engage with dynamic scholars, historians, community leaders, and citizens. Unless otherwise noted, BEGIN AGAIN highlighted programs are free and air via Zoom on 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.
December Programs
Tuesday, December 7, 7:00 pm
Book Talk with Phil Nadeau
The Unlikeliness of it All - An Insider's Perspective: A Small Maine Town's History of Resilience, Transformation, Collaboration, Immigration, and its Global Singularity
Join us for a discussion with Phil Nadeau about his new book, The Unlikeliness of it All. A Lewiston city official of almost two decades, Nadeau's book offers unique insight into 150 years of the complex political, cultural, and socio-economic landscape that influenced how the city was formed, how it was shaped by the French Canadian immigrant community, and how it responded to the arrival of Somali refugees in 2001 and 2002.
Nadeau uncovers little known and new information regarding notable historic moments and people through a thoughtful examination of details. He explains how the city’s “global singularity” began with a world championship fight and why the eyes of the world remained fixated on this small Maine town’s new Somali residents, a mayor’s letter, and a rally against hate that drew over 4,000 people.
About the author: Phil Nadeau is a native of Lewiston, Maine and has had several careers including the U.S. Air Force, a family business, and 23 years in public administration. During 2001, Nadeau took on the responsibility of acting as Lewiston’s primary information official in matters associated with new Somali and other immigrant arrivals. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2017. Much of Nadeau’s immigrant policy and research work has been cited by journalists and academics. He has worked on a myriad of local, state, and federal refugee policy, and community programming and action initiatives with many organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Maine Department of Labor, Bates College, Clark University, and the Maine Municipal Association. His research work and public visibility also resulted in Nadeau being interviewed by many national and international news media including the New York Times, National Public Radio, Al-Jazeera English news, and “HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” He has spoken nationally at the International City Managers Association Conference, the International Municipal Lawyers Association Seminar, and the University of Miami.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: online via Zoom. REGISTER.
Tuesday, December 14, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
A Talk with Dr. Anne Gordon Perry
Green Acre: An "Experiment" in Eliot, Maine in the 1890s and Beyond
Sarah Jane Farmer (1847-1916) Collections Eliot Bahá'í Archives, MMN#16590
Sarah Farmer, a visionary pioneer and transcendentalist, was the daughter of electrical genius Moses Farmer and humanitarian Hannah Shapleigh Farmer. At Green Acre – A Baháʼí Center of Learning, she had the first known Peace flag flown, and in 1905 she was the only woman to witness the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty. Today, Green Acre remains committed to world peace, race unity, gender equality, and social justice and hosts many programs, including art presentations and exhibits.
In this talk, author and artist Anne Gordon Perry will tell stories of the early days at Green Acre, where swamis, scientists, transcendentalists, reformers, society folks, philosophers, musicians, mystics, and others mingled—to the surprise and sometimes consternation of the small town of Eliot. Learn about Sarah Farmer and her "experiment" in Eliot, a meeting place for people from varied backgrounds, and her hopes for world peace.
About the speaker: Anne Gordon Perry has a PhD in aesthetic studies and is the primary author of Green Acre on the Piscataqua. She lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Tim Perry. Together, they made a short film that will be included in our program.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Location: online via Zoom. REGISTER.
February Programs
Wednesday, February 2, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
1822 Leadership Circle: MHS Insider's Briefing
Executive Director Steve Bromage will share a brief organizational update and preview exciting, upcoming initiatives with 1822 Leadership Circle members. Much of this informal session will be devoted to your questions, insights, and feedback.
• Learn more about active Collections projects underway.
• Get up to date on our spring exhibition and program series, "Northern Threads: Two Centuries of Dress at Maine Historical Society"
• MHS, and Maine, in their third centuries.
• Maine History Maker award.
To register: email Hilary Hendricks, Donor Relations Manager, at hhendricks@mainehistory.org
Open to all 1822 Leadership Circle members; Zoom link sent after registration.
Ongoing Programs
Wadsworth-Longfellow House Tours - May - October. See details.
Exhibition Galleries (self-guided) - See details.
Historical Walking Tours of Portland - See details.
Current Exhibitions
Passing the time: artwork by World War II
German Prisoners of War in Aroostook County
August 11–December 31, 2021
Sagadahoc County through the Eastern Eye:
Selections from the Penobscot Marine Museum
Octboer 6–December 31, 2021
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.
