Local-
Transportation Questionnaire: GPL’s Director of Advocacy attended an open house to kick off Portland’s new transportation planning effort called Portland in Motion. She shared general feedback with the project team and chatted with City staff. Following our exhibit and lecture series exploring the history of transportation in Portland, we’re excited to participate in visioning for the future and encourage everyone who travels in and around Portland to participate. Start by signing up for the City’s email updates, then take the short questionnaire to give your feedback. Then join us at future public meetings and open houses!
Trades Training: Victoria Mansion is accepting applications to participate in their upcoming Training Workshop: Conserving and Restoring Historic Flat Plaster Finishes. The training is a two-week course led by preservationist John Leeke and master plasterer (and GPL Preservation Award winner!) Peter Lord. Trainees will receive a stipend of $1,000 per week to make attendance feasible for working professionals. Trainees must be a tradesperson actively and currently working in the building trades in the greater Portland area or a student with a demonstrated interest in hands-on historic preservation. Learn more and apply here.
Also check out Victoria Mansion’s 2026 Brownstone Brews & Bites on July 10th! Brought to you by Allagash Brewing, the event offers food, beverage, live music, first-floor Mansion tours, and a festive evening with preservation enthusiasts!
State-
Statewide Plan: The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is requesting feedback on Heritage for the Future: Maine’s Statewide Historic Preservation Plan. The 2021-2026 plan is scheduled for an update to ensure that it can continue to “inspire Mainers to expand on their efforts to preserve the state’s diverse historic and archeological resources by providing a framework of action…” Read the plan and take the survey to help shape future preservation efforts across the state.
National-
Signs of History: Last year, President Trump signed an executive order called “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” that did just the opposite; the order led to the removal of signage across the country that provided information about history, ecology, and climate action. The National Parks Conservation Association joined other organizations to file a lawsuit and US District Judge Angel Kelley of Massachusetts has ordered the Trump administration to restore sites changed under the executive order. Judge Kelley wrote, “History cannot be faithfully told while excluding the experiences of communities whose contributions, struggles, and achievements form an important part of our Nation’s story.”
These images were taken by staff this April at Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, where the administration removed exhibits on the lives of nine people enslaved at the site in the 1790s under George Washington, the first U.S. president. Last week, a federal appeals court panel said The Trump administration can replace a slavery exhibit at George Washington’s home in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker vowed to pursue legal avenues to reverse the decision.
There is much work to be done to protect our historic resources, like the White House and Reflecting Pool, our national parks, and many cultural sites. For example, the National for Historic Preservation is urging the preservation community to submit comments opposing the proposed Monumental Arch at Memorial Circle in Washington DC. If you join us in writing to your elected officials, please use the slogan “This is Historic” to demonstrate unity with the national preservation movement. Find sample language, logos, and other resources that GPL helped develop at the National Preservation Partners Network website.
