Winter Lecture Series 2017
- Material Culture and Early “Makers” in 19th Century Portland
Jessica Skwire Routhier
Routhier, an art historian, writer, and editor, shared an intimate look at the makers who rest at Eastern Cemetery. Portland’s artists and craftsmen broke new ground, learning and perfecting their skills on the fly. This lecture highlighted the well-known members of the community such as landscape painter Charles Codman, furniture-maker Daniel Radford, and mirror manufacturer James Todd. Routhier also focused on lesser-known contributors—girls who made samplers and members of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association. - Hail the Conquering Heroes Come: Lafayette Visits Portland and Commodore Preble on the Shores of Tripoli
Herb Adams
Adams, well-known orator, author, or contributor to 6 books on Maine history, discussed 2 men—one interred at Eastern Cemetery—as he addressed the question, “What does it take to be a hero?” Lafayette was the hero of 2 nations and 2 revolutions. Toasts, tree climbing, and a thundering cannon were all part of his Maine saga. Commodore Edward Preble was a hero of the next generation. Portland-born, the Commander of “Old Ironsides” besieged Tripoli for President Jefferson. Swordplay, sea serpents, and the USS Constitution were all part of his grand career. - Early Portland’s Off-Peninsula Lifestyle and Architecture
Julie Ann Larry
Larry, Director of Advocacy for Greater Portland Landmarks, discussed how Portland’s early settlers transplanted the building traditions and culture of Northern Europe into the wilds of Maine. Though modern development now surrounds these early settlements, Portland’s colonial roots are still apparent off the peninsula in the area of Stroudwater and neighborhoods off of the Back Cove. She explained what the surviving colonial homes tell us about life in the 18th century.