CLOSES MAY 28

Wired! explores the electrification of Maine during the 20th century, and how a rural state became modern. Told primarily through material from the Central Maine Power collection, it explores the landscape, mechanics, economics, politics, and culture of electricity. Don't miss this exhibit at Maine Historical Society, Portland, ME (Continued below) 

This lamp display and tester is decorated with a design by the artist Maxfield Parish, who was hired by General Electric for their advertising campaign. The display allowed customers to evaluate and compare various light bulb styles. This is one of many fascinating items on display in the Maine Historical Society exhibit: Wired! How Electricity Came to Maine. 

The Portland, ME exhibit highlights treasures from the Central Maine Power Collection. The physical exhibit closes on May 26, but the online exhibit is always accessible on Maine Memory, featuring most of the content displayed in the museum.

The story begins with efforts to harness the energy of Maine's rivers to power small mills. It spreads as entrepreneurs, tinkerers, and investors sought to transmit that energy further and further, and to sell it to businesses and homeowners. Finally, the story is about the grid, and what it took to get it built.

The exhibit explores how Mainers were shaped by power: engineers and linemen who figured out how to deliver electricity to the masses, and people everywhere who overcame initial fears to embrace and rely on it for almost every aspect of their daily lives. As we continue to look for affordable, clean energy, this is a story that joins Maine's past, present, and future. 

Adults: $8.00; Students with ID, Seniors & AAA members: $7.00; Children 5–17: $2.00. Free for MHS members. 

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