The MHS Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. Drawing from the extensive collections of the Maine Historical Society, original exhibits feature art, artifacts, and documents that vividly bring Maine history to life.
Below you will find information about our current exhibits, but many of our past exhibits live on in our Past Exhibits section. We hope you can visit our museum first hand. Members receive free admission.
Current Exhibits
Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In:
Adornment & Identity in Maine, 1750-1950
(June 24, 2011 through May 27, 2012)
Dressing Up explores the choices we make to look our best. Every hat or shoe, buckle or brooch tells a tale of who we are, who we want to be, and how we want others to see us. And every social occasion makes its own demands, whether we're fitting in for ceremonies or standing out for a special portrait. Read More.
Sheriff's Association pickets, Portland, 1981
Take to the Streets!
(through March 31, 2012)
Taking to the streets to protest and make one's point known has a long tradition in Maine, America, and elsewhere. This captivating photography show explores the moments as well as the people in Maine who took to the street to speak out on issues as varied as civil rights and labor disputes, nuclear power and crank telephones.
Explore Past Exhibits.
Collections
The Museum's diverse collection of over 15,000 artifacts includes paintings, prints, and other original works of art, clothing and textiles, decorative arts, Native American artifacts and archaeological material, toys, tools, glass and ceramics, political memorabilia, militaria, and industrial and domestic artifacts that illustrate life in Maine.
Search the collections database to see our museum objects, photographs, autograph letters, some architectural drawings, and newspapers. This is a work in progress; please contact MHS collections staff atcollections@mainehistory.org for the most complete and accurate research.
Research
Research access to the museum collections is available by appointment.
Contact the Curator at (207) 774–1822 x224 for more information.
The dressing up exhibit is small but captivating, cutting a telling swath through a fashion period long gone. Although it does not attempt to go into any facet in detail, it allows a peek into dresses, hats, jewelry, coats and even a child's outfit. With the added benefit of thrift shops, used book stores, art museum and the best soup shop around close by, a trip to see this exhibit is well worth the toll fee.
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