Greater Portland Landmarks

07/23/2026

📢 Historic preservation is under threat right now — you need to know what's happening and GPL is here to help!

The federal government announced modifications to Section 106, the process that requires federal agencies to review potential consequences their undertakings have on historic places. This is a big deal for Portland, for Maine, and for the places you love (parks, buildings, views, and archeological sites to name a few).

That's exactly why we publish **The Observer** — GPL's biweekly newsletter, landing in inboxes every other Friday at 8 AM, including tomorrow!

Every issue includes **The Column** — your inside look at:
🏛️ Local preservation projects we're tracking and weighing in on
🗺️ State-level policy and legislation affecting historic places
🇺🇸 Federal action — including breaking developments like the Section 106 proposed changes

Preservation policy changes (foreshadowing community consequences) are difficult to spot when attempting to sift through daily life's information overload. We make it easy!

Find credible, succinct information quickly in **The Observer** newsletter, 👉 Sign up now — link in bio.

07/20/2026

One of Portland's historic treasures is beginning a new chapter.

We recently took a closer look at the history of the Samuel Spring House, an important contributing property in Portland's West End Historic District.

📖 Read the article: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/gplblog/didyouknow/july-20-2026

07/20/2026

We're please to announce that our FIRE! The Night Portland Burned illustrated talk by Herb Adams was recorded thanks to Portland Public Library! View it now on YouTube:

Greater Portland Landmarks in collaboration with Portland Public Li...

07/18/2026

Congratulations to Gabriel Despradel, our Greater Portland Landmarks Fall ’25 intern, and rising second year Architecture student at the University of Maine at Augusta, on being selected as UMA’s 2026–27 Maine Policy Scholar.

The Maine Policy Scholars Program, administered through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, supports undergraduates as they conduct rigorous, year long research on issues central to Maine’s future. Scholars work directly with policymakers, faculty mentors, and community partners to develop practical, evidence based recommendations.

Gabriel’s will be exploring the practice of Deconstruction and Salvage, and his thesis will focus on how Maine can implement deconstruction incentives that support the construction of more affordable homes statewide, expand the secondhand building materials market, and help create skilled job opportunities for young Mainers interested in the construction trade.

His work builds on prior research with Greater Portland Landmarks and reflects a deep commitment to Maine’s housing, climate, and workforce needs.

We’re thrilled to see Gabriel take on this important challenge.

07/14/2026

A profound thank you to Kennebec Savings Bank!

On June 23, Greater Portland Landmarks opened the doors on a spectacular evening at the Masonic Temple in Portland. This evening, which brought Maine history to life through 3D-viewing technology, could not have been possible without their pillar level support.

Their belief and investment in our organization helps further the historic preservation policies that positively impact all of us. On top of supporting Greater Portland Landmarks, through their Community Dividend program, which diverts monies that would typically go to stockholders back into the communities they serve, they have supported over 250 other organizations across Maine. Thank you Kennebec Savings Bank for serving Maine for over 155 years and helping us all “work to build a better future.”

07/12/2026

What a week it's been! On Wednesday, nearly 200 historic preservation lovers packed the Rines Auditorium at Portland Public Library for "Fire! The Night Portland Burned" — and it did not disappoint. Presenter Herb Adams brought the Great Fire of 1866 to life with vivid storytelling and striking historic images, giving the packed house a real sense of the devastation — and the incredible rebirth — that followed.

Then on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, our "Great Fire of 1866 Walking Tour" explored the actual places that the lecture so vividly brought to life. Attendees learned new things about familiar places and learned how the fire shaped the city we live in today. Connecting people with Portland's rich history is at the heart of what we do, and this crowd proved there's a real appetite for it.

Special thanks to Herb Adams for generously sharing his knowledge, to our partners at Portland Public Library for hosting and showing off their newly upgraded AV system, to our volunteer walking tour leaders Rick, Alessa, Martha, and Tim, and to all of you who donated. Your support allows us to continue offering such programming.

07/11/2026

On June 23, Greater Portland Landmarks threw open the doors at Portland Unlocked at the Masonic Temple. And in doing so, we not only enjoyed an evening of Maine history in 3D but also raised awareness for an important piece of Portland’s heritage. Portland Unlocked would not have been possible without The Boulos Company’s pillar level support.

The Boulos Company believes in “creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all” and their support of our work to advocate for historic preservation policies that positively impact all of us, helps make that happen. Not only do they support Greater Portland Landmarks, they create opportunities for their team members to celebrate impacts of countless non-profits throughout our area in their Non-Profit of the Month program.

Thank you Boulos Company for your unwavering support of Greater Portland Landmarks and our mission.

07/11/2026

LAST CHANCE: The Great Fire of Portland 1866 Walking Tour registration closes at MIDNIGHT tonight — don't miss outon our final walking tour through the ashes and resilience of Portland's history!

Beautiful weather is in the forecast for tomorrow's 10:00am tour, perfect for exploring the city on foot. During the tour you'll stand at the very spot where the fire began, walk through the neighborhoods hit hardest by the flames, see rare photographs taken in the fire's immediate aftermath, hear firsthand accounts from Portlanders who lived through it, discover the relief efforts that helped the city recover, learn how Portland rebuilt — and rose stronger than before, and uncover little-known stories behind landmarks you pass every day.

A few spots remain — once they're gone, they're gone. Tour starts at 10:00am, tickets are $10 per person, and registration is required (and closes at midnight tonight). See Portland through new eyes. Register now before time runs out!

Tickets: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/shop/2026-fire-walk

07/10/2026

Today is the last day to apply for Victoria Mansion's Preservation Trades Training Workshop on plaster. This session is run in partnership with 2023 Preservation Award winner, Peter Lord, a master in his craft, and longtime Portland preservationist John Leeke.

Don't miss this excellent opportunity for a currently practicing tradesperson to expand their knowledge and business opportunities by working sensitively on Portland's historic building stock.

Tradespeople- apply now for our 2026 Training Workshop: Conserving and Restoring Historic Flat Plaster Finishes! (August 3-7 and 10-14, 2026)

This year, we are partnering with preservationist John Leeke and plasterer Peter Lord to offer a two-week course in the repair and replication of historic flat plaster finishes. This course will be of interest to tradespeople who work directly with plaster as well as carpenters, painters, and other tradespeople whose work intersects with historic plaster finishes.

Participation in the class is limited and subject to a competitive application process. Notably, the trainees will receive a weekly stipend to help make attendance feasible for working professionals.

For more information and for the application form, please visit our website:
https://victoriamansion.org/preservation-trades-training-workshops/