NEXT UP IN PORTLAND
SAVE THE WEEKEND
August 18 – 20
John and Francis Ford Film Festival
What a weekend we have planned! Film screenings, expert discussions, and premieres of recently discovered and restored silent films from the early 1900s. The entire program will be available shortly. For now, RSVP to register for ticket presales. We are expecting many of the events to sell out! Also, check out what’s available in the John and Francis Ford Collection at MIHC.
Rent Our Space
The perfect venue for any occasion!
Host your event in the heart of Portland at the Maine Irish Heritage Center, one of the most magnificent buildings in Maine. It’s the ideal venue for weddings, music, theater productions, film screenings, workshops, business meetings, club gatherings, lectures, luncheons, parties, reunions, funerals, and life celebrations.
NEW EXHIBITION
Bealtaine 2023
Welcome to Spring and the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s Carrickahowley Gallery Bealtaine 2023 Exhibition, a transatlantic collaboration with Nua Collective that features the work of Lauren Donovan, Daniel Faiella, John Murray, Paul McMahon, Saoirse O’Sullivan, Roser Perez, Eamonn B. Shanahan, and Anne Martin Walsh. Enjoy the Show!
25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement
Celebrating Sen. George Mitchell’s SUCCESS NEGOTIATING historic BELFAST agreement
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, our attention is on the historic role of Maine’s Senator in bringing all sides of the conflict together to broker a lasting peace. Ending “The Troubles” was a feat many once thought impossible. Still, the peace Mitchell negotiated has lasted, despite recent challenges posed by the politics and tensions surrounding Brexit.
To a long-standing and faithful friend of the Maine Irish Heritage Center and a Claddagh Award recipient, we proudly add our thanks, great admiration, and sincere congratulations to Senator Mitchell.
Watch Maine Senator George Mitchell’s full address at Agreement Twenty Five at Queen’s University in Belfast on 17 April 2023.
Photo credit: Northern Point Photography
$3M Secured for Historic Renovations
Maine’s Congressional delegation has secured $3 million for the Maine Irish Heritage Center to seal our building from the weather, prevent deterioration, and protect the historic interior of the former St. Dominic’s Church. The funds were awarded to help carry out a plan to fully restore the building envelope. Read more.
New! Volunteer Portal
Use our online volunteer portal to discover all the ways you can connect with and make a difference in our community. From concerts to genealogy reseach and office work to greeting visitors and giving tours of our maginificent home in old St. Dom’s, there’s truly something for everyone. Check it our and register at volunteer.maineirish.com.
On-Demand Book Talks at MIHC
"Murky Overhead"
Enjoy the official launch of Murky Overhead, the latest book and debut novel from Michael Connolly. Music, special guests, and an engaging lecture about life in Portland Maine in the early 1900s.
"Forgetting Ireland"
Join author Bridget Connelly as she recounts her journey to discover her Connemara family’s roots and uncovers unexpected surprises.
"Old Ireland in Colour"
The Irish lived life in color. Now, you can view the history of Ireland from the mid-1850s through the end of “The Troubles” in stunning detail.
Searching for John Ford
Join author Joseph McBride, and film historian Gerald Peary, for a look at how Ford’s Maine roots shaped his prolific career as arguably the world’s finest film director.
"Women of the Irish Rising: A People's History
Author Michael Hogan writes of the courageous women who were gun runners, cared for the wounded, and even fought in battle themselves during the Easter Rising.
Fáilte – Welcome!
Discover everything we have to offer as The Hub of All Things Irish in Maine. Enjoy these videos showcasing our organization or head over to our YouTube channel and watch them all.
Genealogy
Home of the Maine Gaeltacht Irish DNA Project. Download the genealogy form to get started. Learn more…
Celebrations
Our stately, majestic building is the perfect venue for your unforgettable celebration. Learn More
Everything Irish
Irish American Club of Maine, the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, the Ancient Order of Hibernians… Learn More
Welcome to the
Maine Irish Heritage Center
Browse around our website or come visit us in person.
Library
Thursdays 10:00 – 2:00
Genealogy Services
Fridays 10:00 – 2:00
Our sincere thanks to our members, donors, business sponsors, grant and foundation supporters.
Special thanks to the Irish government for their investment in the Maine Irish Heritage Center.