PMA shares ‘Stories of Maine’ in new online exhibition

This article originally appeared in 207 News Center Maine

By Amanda Hill 

PORTLAND, Maine — March was meant to be a month of celebration; Maine’s 200th year in statehood. The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to any gatherings; and closed the doors of a lot of businesses, including the Portland Museum of Art, which was about to open it’s newest exhibition: “Stories of Maine: An Incomplete History.”

Since its closure, museum workers have gotten creative; finding ways to share what the PMA would typically offer in person — instead now, online. A month late, “Stories of Maine” is active on the PMA’s website.

The exhibition includes stories from a diverse group of Mainers; like James Francis, Penobscot Tribal Historian; Seth Wescott, Olympic snowboarder; and Jessica Leahy, Professor of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. It acknowledges the varying backgrounds of Maine people. Eventually, when the museum reopens, the exhibition will invite more Maine people to share their own stories.