Maine Historical Society

06/23/2026

We’re offering a big membership discount to celebrate a big anniversary: $25 for a year of MHS programming and benefits to mark America’s 250th. From free museum and library admission, to members-only events, exclusive digital content, and rare access to our copy of the Declaration of Independence, there are so many ways to get involved as an MHS member!

Find the full list of member benefits and sign up: https://www.mainehistory.org/revolutionary-maine/mhs-membership-25-for-250/

06/22/2026

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we're sharing the story of Prince Dunsick (circa 1752–1839), a Patriot soldier who won his freedom after over twenty years of enslavement. Kidnapped from Africa at eight years old, Prince was sold to the Bailey family in Hanover, Massachusetts. In 1777, he enlisted in the Massachusetts militia under the name of Prince Bailey.

At the start of the war, about 5,000 Black people lived in Massachusetts, of which roughly eighty percent were enslaved. In some militias, enslaved men enlisted with their enslaver’s permission, often under promises of freedom upon discharge. Prince served alongside at least two other Black men from Hanover. As part of the Continental Army, their integrated 2nd Massachusetts Regiment fought at Saratoga, wintered at Valley Forge, and served at Monmouth.

After his honorable discharge in 1780, Prince, now a free man, changed his surname back to Dunsick. He returned to Hanover, married Hannah Venison (1765–1855), and around 1790 moved to Leeds, Maine alongside other Black Patriots including Cuff Chambers and Simeon Pero. In Leeds, Prince joined the Society of Friends (Quakers), operated a farm, and bought and sold property.

Learn more about Prince and the lives of other Patriot soldiers in our exhibit 'Pathways to Freedom.'

06/18/2026

In honor of Juneteenth, we're offering free admission to 'Pathways to Freedom'! Join us on Friday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to learn about the different ways the six pathfinders experienced the Revolution, including the story of Prince Dunsick, an enslaved man who later gained his freedom after serving in the integrated 2nd Massachusetts Regiment during some of the most pivotal moments of the war.

06/17/2026

Happy pride! How are you celebrating this month? 🏳️‍🌈 ✨

A flyer promoting "A May Gay Dance" held at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Brunswick and organized by the Brunswick Gay Women's Group. May 10, 1974. Collections of Maine Historical Society, Coll. 2682.

06/15/2026

Start your Independence Day morning in the heart of Portland at City Hall Plaza and the Maine Historical Society campus! Celebrate 250 years of American independence with music, holiday-themed refreshments, and a unique opportunity to view MHS's rare copy of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence — exactly 250 years to the day after it was printed in Philadelphia.

Here's how we're celebrating the semiquincentennial:
🎤 A performance by the one and only Julia Haven
🎺 Norumbega Brass Band and snacks in the Longfellow Garden
📜 Free museum admission!

We're kicking things off at 10:15 at Portland City Hall, see you on the 4th! Find all the details at mainehistory.org.

06/11/2026

In June of 1775, merchant Ichabod Jones sailed into Machias harbor looking to trade his salt pork for lumber. Learn how this seemingly innocent trade ended in one of the first naval battles of the American Revolution.

Visit 'Pathways to Freedom: Maine Stories of the American Revolution' for more on Maine's role in the Revolution.

06/11/2026

MHS mourns the passing of David Dexter, a longtime supporter and friend. He became an MHS member in 1969 at 24 years old and his passion for Maine history continued throughout his life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

View David Huyler Dexter's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.