Before the wrecking ball, there was the moving crew. Join Greater Portland Landmarks for a fascinating exploration of a once-common practice: physically relocating entire buildings rather than demolishing them. This virtual lecture examines why Mainers and New Englanders moved structures, from practical concerns like land use and development to early preservation instincts.
In an era when labor was cheap and materials expensive, moving made economic sense. Discover the engineering ingenuity behind these relocations and learn how this resourceful tradition connects to modern historic preservation efforts. By choosing to move buildings instead of tearing them down, communities preserved their architectural heritage one structure at a time.
The Gothic House, originally at 88 Spring Street, being moved to 387 Spring Street in 1971.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Fee: FREE admission but registration is required. Donations greatly appreciated and will help us offer more free and low-cost programming.
Details: Zoom link provided in confirmation email. This program will be recorded and sent to registrants after the program.
Please email Aimée Keithan or call 207.358.7064 with questions!
MEET OUR SPEAKER
Aimée Keithan is Educational Programs Manager at Greater Portland Landmarks. A native Mainer, she holds a PhD in Historic Buildings Conservation from the University of York, UK. Her research focuses on uncovering unrecorded histories through examining American and British buildings. She has held fellowships at George Washington's Mount Vernon and the Preservation Society of Newport County, RI. She enjoys sharing her research academically and through public lectures.