Maine Jewish Museum

08/31/2026

Pop quiz!

Besides art exhibitions, what else does the Maine Jewish Museum do?

A) Teaches 700+ Maine students every year
B) Leads walking tours of Portland
C) Preserves Maine Jewish history
D) Brings people together through talks, concerts, food, and community events
E) All of the above

(Answer: 😊 Yep. E.)

08/28/2026

It’s official! A bronze plaque has been installed beneath our William Zorach, “Head of Moses” sculpture in the beautiful MJM garden, honoring MJM founding curator emeritus Nancy Davidson. The Museum heartily thanks every donor who helped make the acquisition of this important artwork possible. We hope contributors will stop by soon to see your names listed as part of this great MJM accomplishment.. and to see the spectacular MJM garden in late summer bloom!🌺 nancy Davidson

08/28/2026

Buildings change. Congregations move. Windows endure.

Some of Maine's most beautiful stained glass has outlived the spaces it was created for.

This Sunday, August 30, hear internationally renowned stained glass artist Nancy O'Neil share the stories behind these extraordinary works and why they continue to preserve memory long after the buildings around them have changed.

Join us for Happy Hour with a Historian: Stained Glass Reflections.

🍷 Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and handmade light refreshments included.

Sunday, August 30 • 4:00 PM • $18

Sunday, August 30 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Raise a glass and discover the stories told not only through words, but through light. From the soaring Creation windows at Portland's Temple Beth El to beloved stained glass panels in synagogues across Maine, artist Nancy O'Neil has helped shape the visual l...

08/27/2026

Last Call!

Our Happy Hour is this Sunday!

There's something magical about spending a summer evening surrounded by art, conversation, and curious people.

Whether you're coming with friends or flying solo, you'll find great conversations, welcoming faces, and plenty to explore.

We'll save you a spot.

See you Sunday? 🍷🎨

Sunday, August 30 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Raise a glass and discover the stories told not only through words, but through light. From the soaring Creation windows at Portland's Temple Beth El to beloved stained glass panels in synagogues across Maine, artist Nancy O'Neil has helped shape the visual l...

08/25/2026

How long has it been since you wandered through the Museum?

If your answer is "it's been a while," you might be surprised by what awaits.

Our current exhibitions invite you to slow down, look closely, and discover something new with every visit.

Art has a wonderful way of sparking conversations—and sometimes changing perspectives.

Come see what's on the walls.

You might leave thinking about something entirely different than when you walked in.

08/24/2026

Some stories are written in books.

Others are written in light.

Join us this Sunday, August 30, for Happy Hour with a Historian: Stained Glass Reflections, featuring internationally renowned stained glass artist Nancy O'Neil. O'Neil's luminous works have become part of the fabric of Jewish life across Maine, from Temple Beth El's magnificent Creation windows to beloved installations in synagogues throughout the state.

You'll never look at stained glass quite the same way again.

And because no good Happy Hour should involve a sad supermarket veggie platter, MJM Excutive Director and recovering restauratuer Dawn LaRochelle will be in the kitchen preparing a delicious spread of homemade light refreshments to accompany the wine, beer, and conversation.

📅 Sunday, August 30
🕠 4:00 PM
🎟️ $18

Come for the stained glass. Stay for the food...and the stories.

Sunday, August 30 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Raise a glass and discover the stories told not only through words, but through light. From the soaring Creation windows at Portland's Temple Beth El to beloved stained glass panels in synagogues across Maine, artist Nancy O'Neil has helped shape the visual l...

08/20/2026

Take a joy ride with MJM Executive Director Dawn LaRochelle in this month's Third Thursday Thoughts.

Four rabbis walk into the Maine Jewish Museum... This is not the beginning of a groan-worthy joke. MJM does live inside a century-old synagogue, after all. The top hats, however, require some explanation. Meet the opening act for Comedy, Community & Catskills Classics, our sold-out summer fundraiser...

08/19/2026

Jeffrey Ackerman, “Hermit Fishing,” 2022. Oil on panel, 14x14 in.*

FINAL WEEK to check out our summer exhibitions featuring Kathy Weinberg, Jeffrey Ackerman, and Rose Marasco, closing August 27. Come visit us! Jeffrey Ackerman Kathy Weinberg Rose Marasco

*Artwork is available for purchase. Proceeds benefit artists and the Maine Jewish Museum.

08/18/2026

What was the first event that brought you to the Maine Jewish Museum?

🎨 An exhibition?
🎶 A concert?
🍷 A Happy Hour?
📚 A Book Talk?
👣 A Hidden in Plain Sight walking tour?
🍽️ An At the Table pop-up dinner?
😂 Comedy, Community & Catskills Classics?
..or something else?

Tell us in the comments! We'd love to hear your MJM origin story

08/17/2026

Raise your hand if you've walked right past history.

🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♂️

It happens all the time.

People finish our Hidden in Plain Sight tour saying things like:

"I've lived here for 30 years, and I never knew that!"

That's the fun of history—it isn't locked away in textbooks.

Sometimes it's right there...
above a storefront...
around a street corner...
or hiding in a building you've passed a hundred times.

Portland has stories.

We know where they're hiding..

Wednesday June 17 Wednesday July 15 Wednesday August 12 Wednesday October 14 Sunday November 1 - SOLD OUT 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Discover Portland’s Jewish past — hidden in plain sight! Join the Maine Jewish Museum for a special guided walking tour of our new Portland Jewish History Trail. From immig...