Greater Portland Landmarks

One of Portland's historic treasures is beginning a new chapter.

We recently took a closer look at the history of the Samuel Spring House, an important contributing property in Portland's West End Historic District.

📖 Read the article: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/gplblog/didyouknow/july-20-2026

Congratulations to Gabriel Despradel, our Greater Portland Landmarks Fall ’25 intern, and rising second year Architecture student at the University of Maine at Augusta, on being selected as UMA’s 2026–27 Maine Policy Scholar.

The Maine Policy Scholars Program, administered through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, supports undergraduates as they conduct rigorous, year long research on issues central to Maine’s future. Scholars work directly with policymakers, faculty mentors, and community partners to develop practical, evidence based recommendations.

Gabriel’s will be exploring the practice of Deconstruction and Salvage, and his thesis will focus on how Maine can implement deconstruction incentives that support the construction of more affordable homes statewide, expand the secondhand building materials market, and help create skilled job opportunities for young Mainers interested in the construction trade.

His work builds on prior research with Greater Portland Landmarks and reflects a deep commitment to Maine’s housing, climate, and workforce needs.

We’re thrilled to see Gabriel take on this important challenge.

What a week it's been! On Wednesday, nearly 200 historic preservation lovers packed the Rines Auditorium at Portland Public Library for "Fire! The Night Portland Burned" — and it did not disappoint. Presenter Herb Adams brought the Great Fire of 1866 to life with vivid storytelling and striking historic images, giving the packed house a real sense of the devastation — and the incredible rebirth — that followed.

Then on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, our "Great Fire of 1866 Walking Tour" explored the actual places that the lecture so vividly brought to life. Attendees learned new things about familiar places and learned how the fire shaped the city we live in today. Connecting people with Portland's rich history is at the heart of what we do, and this crowd proved there's a real appetite for it.

Special thanks to Herb Adams for generously sharing his knowledge, to our partners at Portland Public Library for hosting and showing off their newly upgraded AV system, to our volunteer walking tour leaders Rick, Alessa, Martha, and Tim, and to all of you who donated. Your support allows us to continue offering such programming.

On June 23, Greater Portland Landmarks threw open the doors at Portland Unlocked at the Masonic Temple. And in doing so, we not only enjoyed an evening of Maine history in 3D but also raised awareness for an important piece of Portland’s heritage. Portland Unlocked would not have been possible without The Boulos Company’s pillar level support.

The Boulos Company believes in “creating a brighter and more compassionate future for all” and their support of our work to advocate for historic preservation policies that positively impact all of us, helps make that happen. Not only do they support Greater Portland Landmarks, they create opportunities for their team members to celebrate impacts of countless non-profits throughout our area in their Non-Profit of the Month program.

Thank you Boulos Company for your unwavering support of Greater Portland Landmarks and our mission.