The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning

From one-room schoolhouses to grand civic libraries, the buildings where Portland learned tell a story as rich as the city itself. Presented by Greater Portland Landmarks and Mechanics' Hall, this opening program grounds the Temples of Knowledge series in local, lived history, opening with an illustrated talk tracing the history and architecture of schools, libraries, and other buildings that have shaped education in Portland over generations. A moderated panel conversation with Bob Greene and Rick Romano led by Julie Larry follows, bringing together historians and community members with direct ties to specific schools, spotlighting the buildings and the neighborhoods that grew up around them. Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. (doors 5:30 p.m.). $7 for MH Members, $10 for General Admission. No one turned away for lack of funds at the door. ABOUT THE FEATURED SPEAKER Julie Larry is the Senior Architectural Historian at Black Diamond Consultants. Formerly the Director of Advocacy at Greater Portland Landmarks, she has also served as President of the Board of Trustees and is currently an Advisory Trustee. As a partner for eighteen years at ttl-architects, an architecture and preservation firm in Portland, she was responsible for the restoration of the Castle in Deering Oaks and the Portland Observatory. She currently lives in Biddeford and serves on Biddeford's Historic Preservation Board. ABOUT THE PANELISTS A native of Portland, Bob Greene is at least the eighth generation of his family to be born in Cumberland County, Maine. He can document a wedding in New Gloucester in 1783. After majoring in journalism at the University of Kansas, Bob eventually joined The Associated Press, where he covered the funeral of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and racial disturbances in the Midwest. Later, as The AP’s tennis writer, Bob traveled the world following the sport. When he retired, he returned home to Maine, where his genealogical search for his family led him to study the state’s history. He currently teaches a “Black History of Maine” course at the University of Southern Maine’s senior college while continuing his dedicated search for the world’s finest wine. Rick Romano is the owner of Papi & Romano Builders, a Portland, Maine general contracting firm he has led since its founding in 1977. A Munjoy Hill native, he brings deep roots in the city's historic neighborhoods to his work, and under his leadership the firm has built a reputation for historic preservation and sensitive renovation alongside new home building. ABOUT THE SERIES Temples of Knowledge is a three-part in-person series tracing a consistent thread: how buildings providing education and fostering knowledge have been designed and reimagined, past and present. From school buildings converted to new uses, a department store turned art college, to institutions that have long supported informal and adult education, Portland has a wealth of educational buildings. These programs will highlight their architectural and social significance, the role they play in our communities, and their reinvention to meet today's needs. These programs are presented in partnership with Greater Portland Landmarks and Mechanics' Hall, with generous sponsorship by Developers Collaborative, a community-based development firm. The series will be complemented by virtual talks and site visits offered by Greater Portland Landmarks, providing additional ways to explore the architecture of learning. PARKING & TRANSPORTATION The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B. Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs. Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St. ACCESSIBILITY To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline. A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom. If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.