A Monument To Commerce:
|The US Custom House and Portland's Waterfront Legacy
Few buildings are as recognizable in Portland as the US Custom House on Fore Street. This granite landmark was the third of Portland’s Custom Houses, built just after the Great Fire of 1866 to oversee what was one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. Occupying an entire city block between Fore and Commercial streets and boasting grand interiors, two-story vaults, dungeons, and connections to Joshua Chamberlain and the first Senate race in the country between two female candidates, it holds much more than federal offices.
Join us for an illustrated conversation with Jeff Porter, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Portland, as he shares an insider’s history of this stalwart monument. Through historic images and engaging stories, you will learn how the building’s architecture and use reflect the importance of Portland’s maritime economy, and the role of customs houses in American history.
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library - Downtown Branch, 5 Monument Square, Portland
Tickets: $5 Donation
Details: This is an in-person event only. Elm Street Parking Garage, 21 Elm Street, Portland is recommended by the library. Street parking and other parking garages available nearby.
Our SPeaker
Jeff Porter is Director of the U.S. Commercial Service, Export Assistance Center in Portland, Maine, a post he has held since January 1995. In this role, he has helped hundreds of Maine companies export their products and services to markets around the world. His office is located in the historic U.S. Custom House.
Before joining the Commercial Service, Jeff served as Field Representative for U.S. Senator George Mitchell from 1987 to 1995. He is now entering his 40th year of federal service.
Jeff is also active in his community. He served as a Cumberland Town Councilor from 1999 to 2011, including three years as Council Chair. He is the father of five grown children and has three grandchildren
In partnership with:
New Tour Time ADded! (updated 11.01.26)
Tour the US Custom House
Continue your exploration of Portland’s waterfront legacy with an optional tour of the US Custom House on Fore Street. Begun in 1867, just after the Great Fire of 1866, this granite landmark was built to oversee one of the busiest harbors on the East Coast, and the US government still keeps offices inside today.
Led by Jeff Porter, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Portland, this 45-minute tour offers a closer look at a building most of us only see from the street. Whether you attend the evening program "A Monument to Commerce" or simply want to see the Custom House for yourself, you’re welcome to join us.
Continue your exploration of Portland’s waterfront legacy with an optional tour of the US Custom House on Fore Street. Begun in 1867, just after the Great Fire of 1866, this granite landmark was built to oversee one of the busiest harbors on the East Coast, and the US government still keeps offices inside today.
Led by Jeff Porter, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Portland, this 45-minute tour offers a closer look at a building most of us only see from the street. Whether you attend the evening program "A Monument to Commerce" or simply want to see the Custom House for yourself, you’re welcome to join us.
Tour Added: Saturday, November 7 at 12:00 PM
$10 per person. Space is limited and ticket required.
SOLD OUT: Tour times: Friday, November 6 at 3:30pm and 5:30pm and Saturday, November 7 at 10:00am