Land Surveyors re-establish and identify historical land conveyances through in-depth records research which can reach back in time before statehood, through county creation, town incorporation, and right down to street names. Most names are keepsakes which have a unique historical origin from original settlers to Hollywood actors. Join Jim Nadeau as he takes us through some of the discoveries he's made about Portland's past during his time as a land surveyor. With the use of maps, deeds, photographs, other documents, and field evidence, the process to preserve, define, or re-establish ancient boundary lines or markers provides a unique view of Greater Portland history.
Photo caption: Nautical chart for Portland Harbor, including detailed rendering of topography, the locations of buildings, and roads, 1866. Osher Map Library and the Smith Center for Cartographic Education, University of Southern Maine, item 1122.0001.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:00 PM
Location: Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland, ME
Fee: FREE admission but registration is encouraged. Donations greatly appreciated and will help us offer more free and low-cost programming.
Details: This event is in person. Parking is available on the street or at several nearby garages. Please note that the Elm Street Garage closes at 6:00pm.
Please email Aimée Keithan or call 207.358.7064 with questions!
MEET OUR SPEAKER
Jim Nadeau has been a licensed Professional Land Surveyor and Realtor since the early 1990s, holds the three National Flood Insurance Program Certifications as a Manager, Surveyor, and Associate in Flood Insurance providing services under his entities of Nadeau Land Surveys, Maine Coast Surveying & Flood Consultants, and Jim Nadeau Realty. He has previously held positions as Chair of the Maine Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors, The Technical Mapping Advisory Council on behalf of FEMA, and the Maine Climate Council Community Resilience Working Group. Jim Nadeau is starting his 3rd year as a Portland Observatory docent.