Unbeknownst to many of its current residents, Portland was one of the United State’s major transportation hubs following the American Revolution. Its significance in U.S. commerce began to wane around the turn of the 20th century as larger cities like New York began to dominate trade. In the 1800s, imports like sugar from the West Indies and Canadian wheat entered the city alongside waves of immigrants. These new arrivals contributed to the ethnic diversity and urban development of Portland in profound ways.
The South Portland Historical Society’s Seth Goldstein will share the history of the city’s waterfront and how the transformation to commercial center led Portland to become a 19th century cosmopolitan Atlantic World port.
Commercial Street, from foot of Cross Street, looking towards Grand Trunk Depot.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:00 PM
Location: Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland
Fee: FREE admission but registration is encouraged. Donations greatly appreciated and will help us offer more free and low-cost programming.
Details: This is an in-person event. Street and garage parking nearby.
Please email Aimée Keithan or call 207.358.7064 with questions!
MEET OUR SPEAKER
Seth Goldstein grew up on Cape Cod where he developed his passion for maritime history. He received his bachelor’s degree in European History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and his master’s degree in World History from Northeastern University. He has taught at the University of New England, Southern Maine Community College and the Maine College of Art and Design. His research and writing has been featured in exhibits at the Maine Historical Society, Portland Museum of Art and Maine Maritime Museum. He is currently the development and museum director for the South Portland Historical Society.
