Maine Jewish Museum

09/06/2026

Happy Labor Day, Museum Friends!

The Maine Jewish Museum is CLOSED today, Sunday, September 6 and Monday September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Enjoy the holiday and get ready for a VERY big week at 267 Congress Street. (New art is coming! 👀🎨)

We'll see you soon!

09/03/2026

Okay, Museum Friends. Your turn.

Imagine we give you ONE display case in the Maine Jewish Museum.

You can put one object in it that tells a story about Jewish life in Maine.

Old or new. Sacred or completely ordinary. Profound or ridiculous.

A photograph?

A recipe card?

Your grandmother's candlesticks?

A camp sweatshirt?

A protest sign?

A lobster bib from a very confusing family dinner?

What are you putting in the case — and what story does it tell?

Drop your answer in the comments. 👇

We may be taking notes. 😉

09/01/2026

What exactly IS a Jewish museum?

Good question.

At the Maine Jewish Museum, it's art on the walls and history under your feet.

It's a 1921 synagogue brought back to breathtaking life.

It's the stories of the people who built Jewish communities across Maine — and the stories we're making right now.

It's photographs and paintings. Walking tours and school kids. Music and food. Scholars and storytellers. Big conversations and unexpected discoveries.

It's Jewish history.

It's contemporary Jewish life.

It's Maine.

And it's all happening at 267 Congress Street in Portland.

Come see what a Jewish museum can be.

Admission is always free. ✡️

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.

🍷 W**e, 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 w**e, b**r, 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...