graphic courtesy of Maine Historical Society

Should We Care About the Past?

This program is offered in partnership with the Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine and will take place at the USM Portland campus. How can we commemorate historical events and anniversaries in ways that are fair and accurate? Cities, states, and nations are grappling with how best to commemorate histor­ical events and anniversaries in ways that are fair and accurate and that open public dialogue about the contested past.

Save to Trip Plan Visit Website
Events > Should We Care About the Past?
University of Southern Maine, Bedford Street, Portland, Wishcamper Center, Room 102/Community Room
34 Bedford Street
Portland, Maine 04101 United States
About the Event
Presented by
Maine Historical Society
(207) 774-1822
August 21, 2025

5:30-7:15 p.m.

Several contributors to the new essay collection What We Know, What We Wish: Maine Statehood, Historical Commemoration, and the Urgency of Public History, will offer a brief illustrated panel presentation about Maine statehood and its commemoration as the starting point for a discussion with the audience about the value of history today.

Panelists:

~ Liam Riordan is Adelaide C. Bird and Alan L. Bird Professor and Chair of the History Department at the University of Maine.

~ Jessica Skwire Routhier is an independent art historian and editor based in South Portland.

~ Laura Sprague, a Portland resident, serves as consulting curator for the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and Tate House Museum.

EVENT DETAILS: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Reception: 5:30–6:00 p.m. Panel discussion and book signing: 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m.

University of Southern Maine, Bedford Street, Portland, Wishcamper Center, Room 102/Community Room Free and open to the public, registration is NOT required. Parking available in the Bedford Street Garage, $4/hour

...