Maine MILL

Maine MILL Connecting history and generations - past, present and future

Mission: Museum L-A strengthens community and connections between generations by documenting and celebrating the economic, social, and technological legacy of L-A and its people. Vision: Museum L-A will chronicle the history of work, industry and community in Lewiston and Auburn; serve as a community gathering place; create engaging learning experiences; and contribute to the civic, cultural, and economic revitalization of L-A.

On Friday, we had the honor of welcoming Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, to Maine MIL...
08/31/2026

On Friday, we had the honor of welcoming Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, to Maine MILL as part of her visit to arts and cultural organizations across Maine.

After touring the museum, Carter called her visit “extraordinary” and reflected on the role places like Maine MILL can play in shaping the future of a community:

“It’s projects like this that can change a town, change a community.”

We’re grateful to Chairman Carter and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Maine Arts Commission Maine Arts Commission, for spending time with us and for recognizing the power of arts, culture, history, and storytelling to strengthen communities. We’re proud to be doing that work here in Lewiston and excited for what lies ahead.

Read more about the visit in the Sun Journal

Photo: Russ Dillingham / Sun Journal

08/28/2026

The best way to build something new is to understand what was already here.

Throughout the creation of Maine MILL’s new home, the goal was to let the building’s past inform what came next. Tom Platz of Platz Associates reflects on that relationship between old and new, and how thoughtful design can preserve the character of a historic mill while creating space for new stories, experiences, and community.

We feel incredibly fortunate to call this place home. And even more fortunate for the community that helped us get here.

To every partner, member, volunteer, and supporter who believed in what Maine MILL could become: thank you. This new chapter belongs to all of us.

08/26/2026

Movement at the Museum is back this Friday.

Join us at Maine MILL as we welcome Heidi of Chill Yoga for a free hour of yoga and mindful movement within the museum.

No matter your experience level, you’re invited to take time to slow down, move with intention, and experience the museum from a new perspective. This class is completely free and open to all levels—whether yoga is part of your regular routine or you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time.

Friday, August 28
5:00–6:00 PM
1 Beech Street Lewiston.

Made possible by Norway Savings Bank

What a weekend in Lewiston! 🎈This past weekend, the skies above Simard-Payne Memorial Park came alive for the Lewiston-A...
08/24/2026

What a weekend in Lewiston! 🎈

This past weekend, the skies above Simard-Payne Memorial Park came alive for the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival—and we had a front-row seat right outside the doors of Maine MILL.

Seeing thousands of people gather along the Androscoggin River, surrounded by the historic mills that tell so much of our story, was a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. We loved welcoming festival-goers into the museum throughout the weekend to explore our galleries and discover more of the people, industries, and stories that shaped this place. We’re proud to call this corner of Lewiston home.

📸 Photo courtesy of the Sun Journal

08/21/2026

Think you know Lewiston-Auburn history? Let’s put it to the test.

In our new Myth or Fact series, we’re digging into the stories, industries, people, and moments that shaped our community and separating what really happened from what’s become local legend.

Visit Maine MILL to uncover even more stories and objects from Lewiston-Auburn’s past.

08/19/2026

Maine MILL is a museum of work and community, sharing the stories of the people, industries, and cultures that shape Central Maine. Located at the edge of Simard-Payne Memorial Park and next to the Androscoggin River, Maine MILL is in the heart of the community whose stories we’re here to preserve and celebrate.

Heading to the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival this weekend? Stop in to Maine MILL and experience the history of Lewiston-Auburn while you’re here.

08/17/2026

Take a closer look inside Maine MILL’s permanent collection with Executive Director Rachel Ferrante.

From the industries that shaped Lewiston-Auburn to the people, communities, and stories that continue to define it today, Rachel shares a glimpse into what you’ll discover throughout the museum.

Plan your visit to Maine MILL and experience the stories of Maine for yourself.

08/14/2026

Balloon Festival weekend is the perfect time to explore Lewiston-Auburn and Maine MILL is right at the edge of the action!

Next weekend, August 21–23, museum admission is just $10 per person. Parking at Maine MILL is also available for $10 and includes free museum admission for one person.

While you’re here for the balloons, add Maine MILL to your weekend plans. Step inside and discover the people, industries, cultures, and creativity that have shaped our community.

Come for the balloons, stay for the stories. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Cover photo by Great Falls Balloon Festival

Lewiston-Auburn put shoes on feet across the country and around the world.By the 1920s, Auburn became the fifth-largest ...
08/12/2026

Lewiston-Auburn put shoes on feet across the country and around the world.

By the 1920s, Auburn became the fifth-largest shoe-producing city in the United States, with 12 major factories employing roughly 8,000 workers and producing an astonishing 70,000 pairs of shoes each day (totalling 25 million per year).

The wooden shoe lasts you see here are historical objects of an industry that shaped not only footwear, but the identity and economy of an entire community. Generations of cutters, stitchers, handsewers, factory workers, craftspeople, and their families made Lewiston-Auburn one of the great centers of American shoemaking.

At Maine MILL, these objects help us preserve the stories of the people whose skill and labor built an industry and left a legacy that can still be felt in Maine today.

08/10/2026

Your event deserves a setting with a story.

From corporate meetings and nonprofit receptions to weddings and special occasions, Maine MILL offers a unique setting surrounded by the art, history, and stories of Maine. With several flexible spaces available, you can host an intimate gathering or welcome up to 300 guests with exclusive access to the entire museum.

Make your next event part of the story.

Learn more about facility rentals and find the space that fits your gathering through the link in our bio

Address

1 Beech Street
Lewiston, ME
04240

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12073333881

Website

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