Victoria Mansion is pleased to have a pure-dye silk taffeta dress and jacket ensemble from our collection featured in the Maine Historical Society’s current exhibition, World War I and the Maine Experience. The exhibition, which opened February 3 and runs through early June, celebrates the centennial of America’s…
A lot happens behind closed doors in the off-season! Since last year, the Mansion has been lucky to retain the services of Harper Batsford, a trained Collections Maintenance Technician. Harper has been going from room to room, intensively cleaning the hard to reach nooks and crannies of the…
Conservators are now finishing the cleaning and stabilization of the Reception Suite ceiling. Next they will coat the surface with a removable barrier varnish to protect the original paint while also allowing for future conservation efforts to take place. Once the varnish is in place, in-painting of areas…
The Mansion recently completed a major project of creating a dedicated textiles storage and study room. A prestigious grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, awarded in 2014, helped fund the project to transform the former third-floor trunk room into a modern space where our unique…
On Tuesday, March 14, Victoria Mansion and the Maine Irish Heritage Center will present A Victorian Sampling, a special 19th century tasting event for members only. Small bites of breads, appetizers, soups, and desserts, along with beverages, will be accompanied by a brief history of each dish and insight into why…
Conservators continue to clean the painted walls and ceiling of the Reception Suite, with its elaborate combinations of flat and molded plaster, canvas paintings and woodwork. The paint is water-based, so no aqueous substances can be used in cleaning. As the conservators proceed with the careful dry cleaning…
If you’ve ever considered being a volunteer at Victoria Mansion, now is a great time t o s ign up for Portland History Docents. This ten week program gives participants insight into Portland’s fascinating history and the opportunity to tour some of the landmarks that make this cit…
Victoria Mansion is pleased to serve as a Girl Scouts of Maine Community Partner. Girl Scouts are able to visit the Mansion for specially tailored tours and activities that will help them on their way to completing their Journeys and receiving patches and badges. Programs are available for…
Work on the Reception Room is advancing swiftly! Conservators are now cleaning over a century and a half of grime off the surfaces of the room’s walls and ceilings. Using latex sponges similar to those used to treat fire damage, conservators are able to remove fine, often sticky…
As we close the doors on our 33rd Christmas season, we express our gratitute to all who supported, visited, and expressed interest in the work that we do here at the Mansion in 2016. We were pleased with the response from visitors, the ample media coverage, and of…