BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Maine Irish Heritage Center - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Maine Irish Heritage Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://maineirish.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Maine Irish Heritage Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250508T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20240806T041052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T233710Z UID:10000405-1746732600-1746738000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "Trespasses" by Louise Kennedy DESCRIPTION:Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is a haunting\, intimate portrait of ordinary lives upended by political violence. Set in 1975 near Belfast\, the novel follows Cushla Lavery\, a young Catholic woman living a quiet life split between her family’s pub and her job as a schoolteacher. But in a town riven by sectarian hatred\, nothing stays quiet for long. \nWhen Cushla falls into a reckless affair with Michael Agnew — an older\, married Protestant barrister — she crosses invisible lines that mark every street\, every conversation\, every choice. As their relationship deepens\, so does the threat of exposure — not only to gossip and scandal but to real and devastating violence. \nWith sharp wit\, aching tenderness\, and a fierce moral clarity\, Trespasses captures the claustrophobia of life during The Troubles — where love itself becomes an act of defiance. Louise Kennedy’s extraordinary debut is a powerful reminder that even in a divided world\, moments of connection can be both beautiful and profoundly dangerous. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-25/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/trespasses.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T213000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250401T161026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T164324Z UID:10000713-1746905400-1746912600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Jennifer Elwell Comeau's ' A Moon in All Things': A Maine Irish Author Event DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 10th\n7:30pm\nAn Evening of Storytelling\, Reading\, and Music from the Debut Novel with Songs A Moon in All Things\n\n\n\n\nJennifer Elwell Comeau’s debut novel\, set in 1820s County Galway Ireland has been called\, “atmospheric and beguiling” by Kirkus Reviews. Join author and singer-songwriter Jennifer for an engaging evening of  reading\, storytelling\, travelogue and music. Hear the origin story of A Moon in All Things and be inspired by Jennifer’s own story of journeying from “Engineer to Enchantment.” \nBook Trailer: https://youtu.be/t-VJBWPOwoA?si=X2vQBuC7dI6MlY0R \nABOUT ‘A MOON IN ALL THINGS’\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the wild coast of 1820s Ireland\, sixteen-year-old Morrigan Lane hears the sea’s call—and her ancestors’ voices. Born a seeker in the mystical lands of her Celtic heritage\, Morrigan dreams of adventure\, breaking free from the restrictions of village life and sailing beyond the horizon. \n\n\n\n\n\nBut Morrigan finds herself pulled into a mysterious journey when a haunting vision of the Irish sea god beckons her into his shadowy world. Against the backdrop of Ireland’s rugged cliffs and ancient stone circles\, she must navigate myth and reality\, confronting age-old traditions\, family secrets\, and the fierce expectations placed upon her. A Moon in All Things is a spellbinding tale of Celtic magic\, forbidden dreams\, and the resilience of the human spirit. Fans of The Frozen River’s Martha Ballard will enjoy Comeau’s Morrigan Lane\, who is fiercely devoted to discovering her healing gifts while those in power call them “dangerous.” \nPRAISE FOR ‘A MOON IN ALL THINGS’ \n“Atmospheric and beguiling … In this fantasy novel\, Comeau uses the Irish setting … and tales of the Otherworld and Tuatha dé Danann to craft an ethereal\, fablelike narrative. Morrigan\, … friends\, family\, and fellow villagers\, come alive … fitting perfectly into the picturesque village … Morrigan’s frustration with the imposed limits on her gender adds a fascinating dimension to the spooky tale..”—Kirkus Indie Reviews  \n“Tears\, sighs\, fabulous!”—Geralyn White Dreyfous\, Academy Award-winning film producer   \n“Atmospheric\, subtle\, and captivating”—Foreward Reviews\, Clarion  \n“A writer should be able to ‘dance with a pen’ according to Nietzsche. If we accept this as a test for a writer\, then Jennifer Comeau passes with flying colors her first time out of the gate with A Moon in All Things. This work is not formulaic magic realism\, but rather reality as magic. This is a generous\, warm-hearted\, and very well researched novel and the reader will want more.”  – Tom Bancroft\, former book critic.  \n“An excellent and thoroughly enjoyable read. I felt fully immersed in Comeau’s story world and loved the details of sea life and old Irish culture that are inherent to the piece…the map of the village was wonderful. …This is fantastic work.” —Ink & Insights Competition (Score: 246/250) \n“Jennifer E Comeau has crafted a brilliantly written book of magic and healing that I could barely put down. In a time when we sorely need to wake up to the healing properties of plants and spirits of the land\, this book will inspire many to open up to the invisible realms around us who are calling us back Home to the wise ways. I am certain that this novel will become a classic along the lines of The Mists of Avalon.”– Mare Cromwell\, author of The Great Mother Bible\, and Gaia Mystic \n“Comeau delivers a beautifully crafted historical fantasy infused with lyricism and Celtic magic. [The] heroine’s viewpoint is consistently engrossing\, allowing readers full access to her internal life\, as well as a vicarious connection to the natural world that so informs her character.” – Booklife Prize\n \n“Captivated by lucid prose and an irresistible tale of high stakes and true love\, I started reading A Moon in All Things in the morning\, continued into the afternoon and evening\, and finished it in a weekend with a grateful sigh. This book will enthrall any reader who has wrestled with following her own path. As a coming-of-age tale that dives deeply into questions of home\, tradition\, and calling\, it will stay with me for a long\, long time.” —Jena Schwartz\, writing coach and author\, Why I was Late for Our Meeting. Don’t Miss This  \n“You nailed it.” – Annaliese Jakimides\, poet\, essayist\, copy editor  \n“This book brims with life\, magic\, and a flow back to the forces of nature we have forsaken. Oh my.” – Ellen Kleiner\, former publishing editor  \n“A luscious novel that invokes the beauty of Ireland. Comeau’s vivid characters are steeped in the mystical qualities of Celtic traditions…an invitation to a deeper connection with nature within and without.”—Ellen Dee Davidson\, author\, The Miracle Forest and Sacred Forest Bathing.  \nABOUT JENNIFER ELWELL COMEAU \nJennifer Comeau is a creative force who seeks to inspire people to live in service to a more beautiful world. Her debut historical novel with original songs (2025)\, A Moon in All Things\, has been called “atmospheric and beguiling” by Kirkus Reviews. This coming-of-age tale is filled with Celtic mysticism yet grounded in the everyday lives of an 1820s fishing village in Ireland. Her 5 star-awarded children’s book\, The Inside of ME (2024)\, is a profound reminder of the magic that happens on the inside when we go outside.   \nHer poems and essays are published in four anthologies\, including A Dangerous New World: Maine Voices on the Climate Crisis (2019)\, and No Ordinary Words: The Real Life Wisdom of Women (2022). With two albums of original music\, Jenn carries a song in her heart for the natural world. She partners with OzGREEN to facilitate the award-winning YOUth LEADing The World program in the southern hemisphere and works with restoration organizations like TreeSisters and Climate Change & Consciousness. Locally in Maine\, she runs a Wild Wonder Forest Bathing business.  \nLearn More: www.jennifercomeau.com URL:https://maineirish.com/event/jennifer-elwell-comeaus-a-moon-in-all-things-a-maine-irish-author-event/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/A-MOON-IN-ALL-THINGS-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250511T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250511T170000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250424T163028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T175341Z UID:10000715-1746970200-1746982800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Vivid Motion's Grania: Tea and History DESCRIPTION:Join us un Sunday\, May 11th for Vivid Motion Dance’s production of Grania: Pirate Queen. The Maine Irish Heritage Center will be present during house open and intermission with tea\, soda bread\, and some historical conversations! \nMaine Irish members get $5 off advanced tickets – email events@maineirish for the code! \nAbout the Event:\nGrania: Pirate Queen\nCo-directed by Scott Potter and Ali Odlin\, Vivid Motion Dance is bringing back the tale of Grania “Grace” O’ Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille)\, a woman born from a seafaring western Irish clan who becomes the most feared pirate captain of the Irish seas. Grania and her people fight the lengthening shadow of the English Empire\, eventually coming face to face with the formidable Queen Elizabeth. Is she Grania’s greatest rival or greatest friend? Find out this spring! \nShows May 9 -11\, 2025 at The Hill Arts\nFri 7:30pm; Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm\nTickets: Advance $25 Adult\, $10 Under 12 | Door $30 Adult\, $15 Under 12 \nGet tickets here: https://thehillarts.ticketspice.com/grania-pirate-queen-presented-by-vivid-motion-dance URL:https://maineirish.com/event/vivid-motions-grania-tea-and-history/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/04.1_vm_SP25-1920x1080px-169.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T160000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250424T161527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250424T161527Z UID:10000714-1748786400-1748793600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Jack Cashman's "An Irishman's Story Of Survival": A Maine Irish Author Event DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, June 1st\n2:00pm\nJoin us for an engaging afternoon with Maine author Jack Cashman\, including readings from his novel “An Irishman’s Story of Survival”\, Audience Q&A\, and book signings! \nAbout the Author:\n \nJack Cashman’s career has put him in a number of roles\, although the title of “Amazon Best Selling Author” is a relatively new one. Coming from a background of small business ownership\, real estate\, and insurance\, Cashman was first elected to serve in the Maine House of Representatives in 1982. After five terms in office and some time away from state government\, he returned to public service in 2003 in a variety of roles with the administration of Maine Governor John Baldacci. Cashman’s first book\, An Irish Immigrant Story\, was published in 2018 as a historical novel based on the story of his own family’s journey from Ireland to the United States during the time of the Potato Famine. Cashman’s unique background of business owner\, elected office-holder\, and government official combine with his creative mind to bring together a collection of stories unlike any author working today. Jack has spent nearly all of his life in Maine\, and currently lives in Hampden with his wife of nearly 50 years\, Betty. They are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents of five granddaughters. \nLearn more at https://jackcashman.com/ \nAbout the Book:\n \nEvery life is a tapestry of challenges. Amidst the torrent of trials that threaten to engulf one’s spirit\, there stands the unyielding souls who\, with a spark of defiance in their eyes\, dare to face the tempest and emerge on the other side. They are the survivors\, the dauntless hearts who tread the rocky path with an unwavering resolve. \nKevin O’Donnell is a beacon of such indomitable spirit\, grappling with life’s relentless waves that seek to subdue him. In the turbulent era of mid-20th century\, the world could be a harsh\, unforgiving place for a young Irish lad. Yet\, within Kevin lies a burning desire to carve out his niche\, to transcend the barriers that life hurls his way and grasp the reins of a fulfilling existence. \nCan his resolute will and earnest endeavor outshine the adversities that loom? Can he navigate the maelstrom and anchor himself to the shores of a prosperous life? Traverse the chapters of his journey within these pages\, and unveil the saga of a young man’s undying spirit amidst the trials of time. Through Kevin’s eyes\, explore a testament to the enduring human spirit that resonates with every beating heart that refuses to yield to life’s storms. \nThe winner of a Bookfest award in historical fiction and an International Impact Book award\, this novel is not one to skip! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/jack-cashmans-an-irishmans-story-of-survival-a-maine-irish-author-event/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Jack-Cashman.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20240806T041527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T034800Z UID:10000406-1749756600-1749762000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "Surrender: 40 Songs\, One Story" by Bono DESCRIPTION:“Surrender: 40 Songs\, One Story” is a compelling memoir by Bono\, the frontman of the legendary rock band U2. Released in November 2022\, the book intertwines personal anecdotes and reflections with insights drawn from the band’s music\, featuring forty pivotal songs that have shaped his life and career. Through heartfelt storytelling\, Bono explores themes of love\, loss\, faith\, and activism\, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his journey as an artist\, a humanitarian\, and a husband and father. The narrative is both a celebration of his musical legacy and a poignant examination of the experiences that have informed his identity over the decades. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-26/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/surrender.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T203000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250522T155149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250606T194343Z UID:10000719-1749925800-1749933000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Bloomsday at the Maine Irish Heritage Center DESCRIPTION:📅 Saturday\, June 14th | 🕡 6:30 PM\nJoin us for a lively and literary evening as we celebrate Bloomsday—the annual tribute to James Joyce’s Ulysses—with a unique Building Crawl through the historic Maine Irish Heritage Center.\nWander through the former St. Dominic’s Church and encounter live performances by local artists\, each offering a creative interpretation inspired by Joyce’s iconic novel. At each stop along the way\, enjoy bespoke beverages crafted to pair perfectly with the performances. \nCelebrate one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures in a setting steeped in Irish heritage and history. \nThis is an immersive cultural evening you won’t want to miss—whether you’re a lifelong Joyce fan or simply curious about this storied tradition. \n🍸 Our Bespoke Beverage Menu! 🍻\nEpisode 14: The Oxen of the Sun\nRubycoloured Egos from the Second Constellation: A delightful\, citrusy concoction of Ruby Red Grapefruit vodka\, lemon\, grapefruit juice\, and a touch of sweetness \nEpisode 15: Circe\nCirce’s Revival: An enticing pairing of Gin\, Cointreau\, Absinthe and lemon – topped with sparkling soda water for a refreshing sipper! \nEpisode 12: Cyclops\nGuinness: An Irish classic for a reason! When someone looks at you and says “Pint?”\, this is the pint they’re talking about. It’s rich\, it’s creamy\, it’s black\, and it’s a staple for any Irish gathering! \nEpisode 8: Lestrygonians\nIrish Coffee: Enjoy delicious coffee paired with Jameson Whiskey\, optional Baileys Irish Cream\, and whipped cream! \n🍷🍸🍻☕\nAll bespoke beverages will be available as full pours or as flight tasters! Pre-purchase a 4-drink flight tasting card in advance at a special price (the cost of 3) with your ticket. These beverages\, and a limited selection of our standard offer beverages will also be available for individual purchase at the bar. \n  \n🎭 Our performers (in no particular order):\nKatharine Doughty\, Episode 14: The Oxen of the Sun\nKatharine Doughty is a multi modal artist and performer. In 2017 she completed “In My Own Language” an 18 year series of self portraits and while receiving expressive arts certification at Tamalpa Institute\, Kentfield\, California and continuing to navigate metastatic breast cancer. Returning east 2021\, she continues developing “Finding The Ocean” a 365 found object jewelry project and offers expressive arts and somatic therapies to individuals and groups. Katharine is a recipient of the 2024 Tanne Foundation award. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nJared Mongeau\, Episode 15: Circe\nJared Mongeau (he/him) is an actor\, physical comedian\, and musician. His career began in the circus\, touring with the historic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as a clown. He is an MFA graduate of Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California\, which took him to Bali\, Indonesia\, to study traditional mask carving and performance. As a musician\, he has toured through 16 European countries\, playing accordion from shipping containers in Berlin and dive bars in Amsterdam to headlining on London’s West End. Locally\, he has appeared in productions with Portland Stage\, Good Theater\, Portland Theater Festival\, Mad Horse Theater Co.\, Camden Shakespeare Festival\, The Theater Project\, Zuggurat Theatre Ensemble\, Portland Shakespeare Co.\, and the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. His award-winning original work has been presented by PortFringe\, Mad Horse Theatre Co.\, and the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine\, as well as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival\, the largest theater festival in North America\, and for the United States Association of Fringe Festivals.  \n  \n\n\nDaniel Gunn and Dr. Eric Brown\, Episode 12: Cyclops\n Daniel Gunn (right) is Professor Emeritus at the University of Maine at Farmington\, where he taught a seminar on Joyce in the Honors program for many years. He lives in New Sharon. \nEric Brown (Left) is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Maine Farmington and current Executive Director of the Maine Irish Heritage Center.  His publications include essays on Irish poetry\, the books Milton on Film\, Insect Poetics\, and Shakespeare in Performance\, and recent poems appearing or forthcoming in Scientific American\, Enchanted Living\, Rust & Moth\, The Galway Review\, and elsewhere.  He lives in South Portland. \n“Escape from the Cyclops’s Cave”\n\nDaniel Gunn and Eric Brown will read a brief excerpt from the “Cyclops” episode of Ulysses\, featuring Leopold Bloom\, the Citizen\, the Dunsink Observatory\, a dog\, a milkwhite dolphin\, a biscuit tin\, “a violent atmospheric perturbation of cyclonic character\,” and “all of the ragamuffins and sluts of the nation.”\n\n\n\nAIRE Theater\, Featuring Tony Reilly\, Episode 8: Lestrygonians\nTony Reilly. has been seen in Desperate Measures\, A Funny Thing Happened…\, Frost/Nixon\, Moonlight and Magnolias\, and An Inspector Calls at the Good Theater. He has been the artistic director of AIRE since it was conceived in 1997.  He  has directed and acted in many of AIRE’s productions\, including The Seafarer\, The Lonesome West\, Faith Healer\, A Couple of Blaguards and Outside Mullingar.   At  Mad Horse\, he was seen in The Lieutenant of Inishmore\,  Titus Andronicus and Grey Gardens . And at Portland Stage he was seen in Ma Rainey’s Black Bo*om\, Much Ado.. and Bart Sher’s Romeo and Juliet.  In New York\, Tony studied at the Juilliard School; he was a member of the American Globe Theater and worked with The Irish Repertory in Grandchild of Kings (directed by Hal Prince) and The Hasty Heart.   \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/bloomsday-at-the-maine-irish-heritage-center/ LOCATION:ME ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Bloomsday-2025-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250514T174727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T212849Z UID:10000718-1750438800-1750453200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Irish Night at the Sea Dogs 2025 DESCRIPTION:S O L D   O U T !\nGeneral Admission Tickets are still available at the Sea Dogs box office.\n\nFriday\, June 20 | Game Time: 6:20 PM | Hadlock Field\nJoin us for a festive evening celebrating Irish culture and community at Irish Night at the Portland Sea Dogs! Enjoy an exciting matchup between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Akron RubberDucks\, with a full evening of entertainment and Irish spirit. Celebrate community\, heritage\, and hometown baseball at Irish Night with the Sea Dogs!\n\n\n🎟 Tickets:\n\n\n$20 General Admission\n\n\n$18 for Maine Irish Heritage Center and Irish American Club members\n\n\n🎶 Event Highlights:\n\n\nJim Brady performing live outside the stadium from 5:00–6:00 PM\n\n\nA spirited Parade of Flags kicks off the game pre-show\n\n\nA special performance by Stillson School of Irish Dance\n\n\nFireworks Spectacular immediately following the game\n\n\n⚾ First pitch at 6:20 PM – don’t miss a great night of baseball\, music\, dancing\, and fireworks!\n  \n\n\n_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________\n\n\n\nWant to volunteer to carry a flag in the pre-game Parade of Flags?\n👉 Sign up here: https://volunteer.maineirish.com/\n  \n\n_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIMPORTANT\nSpecial pricing is available for members of the Irish Network which includes MIHC\, IAC\, GAA\, Stillson School of Irish Dance\, and the Portland Rugby Club. When you purchase discounted tickets\, you will be asked for your affiliation. Please check your affiliation for each member of your group. If you do not indicate your membership status\, you will be prevented from purchasing the discounted tickets. If you have questions or need to verify your membership\, please contact the organization that you are affiliated with. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the game!! \n\n \n \n \n \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irish-night-at-the-sea-dogs-2025/ LOCATION:hadlock field CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IRISH-NIGHT-sold-out-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250627T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250506T190412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T180852Z UID:10000717-1751049000-1751058000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Robert Breen Launches "The Light of Civil Day" - A Maine Irish Author Event DESCRIPTION:Join us on Friday\, June 27th for an evening of poetry and celebration as Robert Breen launches his new poetry publication The Light of Civil Day!\nOur cocktail reception begins at 6:30 – enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages\, and the beautiful harp music of renowned harpist Julia Lane. At 7:30\, Bobby will take the stage\, and share his work. This event is free\, and open to all! Come join the celebration! \nAll of Bobby’s books will be available for purchase at the event\, and Bobby will be signing! Don’t miss your chance to snag your signed copies\, and help us celebrate Bobby’s incredible work! \n\n  \nAbout the Author:\nPhilosophy of Poet Robert Breen \nTragic be as it may. \nTime does not heal\, \nit whispers \nan epic narrative differently. \nWarfare ought \nnot occur after Troy. \n  \nI envision a Wordsworthian viewpoint stretching to feel a spontaneous flood of powerful feelings\, recalling that spirit of serenity found in everyday experiences. Unswerving to be inclusive in writing and speaking\, a communal language\, with a sense of inquisitiveness to find the familiar in catching the heart of episodes\, occurrences\, in those relationships coexisting between nature and humanity. \n \nRobert (Bobby) Breen was born and raised in Boston\, Massachusetts\, where he served for decades as a Boston firefighter. His poetry is deeply rooted in Irish-American heritage\, working-class life\, and the storytelling traditions of New England. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston\, Breen honed his craft through Harvard University’s Summer Writing Program and has been published in The Harvard Summer Review. His work has earned numerous awards\, including the Joy of the Pen competition and the Margaret F. Tripp Poetry Award. Breen’s writing reflects a lifelong friendship with Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney\, who celebrated Breen’s fireman’s helmet in his poem “Helmet” and considered Breen’s work rich with personal voice and lyrical strength. He lives in Brunswick\, Maine\, with his wife\, Karen\, and continues to write about place\, memory\, and the endurance of ordinary people. \n\n  \nAbout the Book\nIn The Light of Civil Day\, Robert Breen—Boston firefighter\, Irish-American poet\, and observer of life’s quiet reckonings—delivers a collection of lyrical reflections on loss\, love\, endurance\, and place. Grounded in the working-class streets of Boston and the coastal landscapes of Maine\, these poems bear witness to the fragile moments of life and the deep human need for connection. \nWith the eye of a first responder and the heart of a storyteller\, Breen explores both private grief and public tragedy. His poems\, many previously published in respected journals\, are informed by a lifetime of service\, family heritage\, and his friendship with literary legend Seamus Heaney. This collection speaks to readers who find grace in small details\, reverence in ordinary moments\, and resilience in the face of hardship. To learn more or purchase the book\, click here! \n  \n  \n  \nEnjoy this example of Robert Breen’s work:\nSkating\nYour joy\,\nOur civility\,\nin harmony\,\nwith sharing\na cooperation\nto be amiable.\nAll in balance on a thin single blade. \n\n\nWe are also launching the newly printed Second Edition of Bobby’s magnificent collection\, Shore Digger!\nA moving collection of poetry by Boston firefighter Robert Breen\, exploring Irish heritage\, immigrant stories\, and working-class life with lyrical grace and hard-earned wisdom. Inspired by his friendship with poet Seamus Heaney. To purchase Shore Digger\, click here! \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCan’t get enough? Us either! We are also carrying Bobby’s first chapbook\, Undertow: A Tide Pool of Poems!\nRobert Breen is the author of Undertow: A Tide Pool of Poems. His poems have been published in Harvard Summer Review\, The Café Review\, Boston Literary Magazine\, and Communion Arts Journal. His correspondence with Seamus Heaney resides at Emory University’s Rose Library. His life journey has taken him from a Boston firefighter to a poet published by Harvard Summer Review and a lifelong friend of legendary Irish poet Seamus Heaney. He now lives in Maine. To purchase Undertow: A Tide Pool of Poems\, click here! \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured Musician:\nJulia Lane – Celtic Harp\, Song and Story\nJulia Lane has had a lifelong passion for Celtic folk music and lore and is a self-taught player of the Celtic folk harp which she began in 1989. Her unique style has won three international competitions. Judge/harpist Kim Robertson praised her “innovative arrangements and energetic performance” and Irish harpist Dennis Doyle declared “she really captured the spirit of the music”. Her versatile solo performances include playing at the Maine state capitol rotunda to calm legislators as well as accompanying poets and fire-eating jugglers. Julia Lane is also an exceptional vocalist\, “one of the Maine coast’s foremost voices”\, whose voice has been called “lovely\, vibrant\, and haunting”\, and compared favorably with Loreena McKennitt\, Triona ni Dhonaill\, and Judy Collins. Julia Lane’s performances include both original and traditional music and lyrics inspired by her Celtic heritage. Haunting ballads and spritely dance tunes are interspersed with legend and lore. She plays with her husband\, Fred Gosbee as “Castlebay” performing at festivals\, folk clubs\, schools and arts centers\, as well as on radio and television. They maintain a commitment to cultural education and have an ongoing exchange with folklorists and musicians worldwide. Castlebay’s historically informed entertaining presentations delight audiences from Cape Breton to Florida and in Ireland\, England and Scotland. The duo has also created full theatrical musical renditions of historic stories which include both traditional and original music. Since 1985\,Castlebay has recorded over 27 albums and have composed and recorded award-winning video soundtracks. After years of archival research\, they have recently begun publishing a series of books containing transcriptions of traditional Anglo-Celtic songs sung in Maine with historical background information. The first\, titled “Bygone Ballads of Maine Songs of Ships & Sailors” has received international attention. The second volume is due to be released in 2026 and will feature numerous Maine traditional songs with Irish sources. \nFor more information\nwebsite www.castlebay.net\nphone 207-529-5438\nemail castlebay@castlebay.net URL:https://maineirish.com/event/robert-breen-the-light-of-civil-day/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Bobby-Breen-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T120000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250612T165625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T145012Z UID:10000720-1752922800-1752926400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Maine Celtic Celebration DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, July 19th\n11:00am\nSteamboat Stage\, Belfast ME\nThe Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this summer! Join us for the first installment of our new summer series: Maine Irish Summer Storytelling! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. Storytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. \nWe’ll be up at the Maine Celtic Celebration with some incredible featured tellers. Join us at 11am at the Celebration’s Steamboat Stage for storytelling\, and then enjoy the rest of the festival! We’ll have a table set up where you can chat with the artists after the show\, and perhaps even snag a souvenir or two! \nOur Tellers:\nCathy Furness\nAlthough three generations removed from the family farm in County Laois\, Cathy felt drawn to Ireland from a very young age. She followed that gravitational pull to Dublin\, where she earned a graduate degree in Irish literature and folklore. She also studied traditional music while she was there by attending sessions at O’Donohue’s on Merrion Row nearly every night. \nCathy retired early from her professional life in New York to take a deep dive into storytelling. Since then\, she has told stories on two continents to audiences of all ages. She likes to share the layered wisdom of folktales of many cultures\, but is especially drawn to the heroes\, heroines and stories of her Irish ancestors. Now living in the woods outside Brunswick\, Maine\, she shares her home with Redmond\, Conor and Molly\, three very spoiled cats. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nRobert Breen\nRobert (Bobby) Breen was born and raised in Boston\, Massachusetts\, where he served for decades as a Boston firefighter. His poetry is deeply rooted in Irish-American heritage\, working-class life\, and the storytelling traditions of New England. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston\, Breen honed his craft through Harvard University’s Summer Writing Program and has been published in The Harvard Summer Review. His work has earned numerous awards\, including the Joy of the Pen competition and the Margaret F. Tripp Poetry Award. Breen’s writing reflects a lifelong friendship with Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney\, who celebrated Breen’s fireman’s helmet in his poem “Helmet” and considered Breen’s work rich with personal voice and lyrical strength. He lives in Brunswick\, Maine\, with his wife\, Karen\, and continues to write about place\, memory\, and the endurance of ordinary people. \n\n\n\nJulia Lane & Fred Gosbee\nJulia Lane\, singer\, songwriter\, and folklorist\, has been playing the Celtic harp since 1989. Self-taught\, she rapidly became a skilled and exciting player\, winning the Senior Professional division at the New Hampshire Scottish Games Harp Competition in 1990 and 1991 and the International Folk Harp Competition at Stonehill College in 1992. Julia has done extensive research in folksong archives throughout New England and is currently transcribing songs from the Flanders Collection at Middleburg College\, Vermont. This audio archive has over 3000 songs\, 900 collected in Maine. \nFred Gosbee\, singer\, songwriter\, and storyteller\, plays classic and 12-string guitar\, violin\, viola and Irish flute. He learned many traditional songs from his family\, who worked as lumbermen in the forests of New Brunswick and Maine. His original songs have been sung and recorded by other artists.Fred has engineered most of Castlebay’s recordings and has also built Julia’s harps and many other instruments. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-maine-celtic-celebration/ LOCATION:Maine Celtic Celebration Steamboat Stage\, 34 Commercial St\, Belfast\, 04915\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Summer-Storytelling-Series-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T193000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250612T174804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T173851Z UID:10000721-1753381800-1753385400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Banded Brewing Co. DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this summer! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \nWe invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Banded Brewing Co.\, Biddeford Maine\nTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-banded-brewing-co/ LOCATION:Banded Brewing\, Building 13-W\, 32 Main St\, Biddeford\, ME\, 04005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Summer-Storytelling-Series-BANDED-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250805T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250805T193000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250721T190729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T190729Z UID:10000735-1754418600-1754422200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Orange Bike Brewing DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this summer! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \nWe invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Orange Bike Brewing\, Portland\, Maine\nTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-orange-bike-brewing/ LOCATION:Orange Bike Brewing\, 31 Diamond St Suite D\, Portland\, 04101\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Summer-Storytelling-Series-ORANGE-BIKE-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T193000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250711T155034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T155546Z UID:10000734-1755714600-1755718200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Belleflower Brewing DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this summer!\n\nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people.\nWe invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making.\n\nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Belleflower Brewing\, Portland Maine\nTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-belleflower-brewing/ LOCATION:Belleflower Brewing\, 66 Cove Street\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Summer-Storytelling-Series-BELLEFLOWER-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250828T193000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250716T215810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250716T215810Z UID:10000736-1756405800-1756409400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Mast Landing Brewing Company DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this summer! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \nWe invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Mast Landing Brewing Company\, Freeport\, Maine\nTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-mast-landing-brewing-company/ LOCATION:Mast Landing\, Freeport\, 200 LOWER MAIN STREET\, Freeport\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Summer-Storytelling-Series-MAST-LANDING-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250904T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250904T190000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250806T173345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T173345Z UID:10000740-1757005200-1757012400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: September DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our inaugural season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly Writer’s Group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-september-25/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Maine-Irish-Writes-banner-SEPT.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250905T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250905T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250703T153732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T190129Z UID:10000723-1757100600-1757106000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Lane to the Glen in Concert DESCRIPTION:Friday. September 5th\n7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nJoin us for an incredible evening of music with Lane to the Glen! \nTickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for priority seating. Don’t wait to get your tickets: the price at the door will be $30 for General Admission and Priority Seating is only available in advance! \nAbout Lane to the Glen   \nSligo Traditional Trio comprising Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle)\, Daithí Gormley (accordion)\, Samantha Harvey (piano\, dance) \nOisín and Daithí are steeped in the music and history of the Sligo area\, having previously collaborated on ‘Fiddlers of Sligo Tunebook’\, a publication which set transcriptions of the fiddle repertoire of key Sligo exponents alongside historic images and context. \nDaithí Gormley is widely regarded as one of the finest button accordion players of his generation. His remarkably accomplished debut album Fiddling without a Bow brought an expressive mix of old and new tunes played with an attention to detail\, and he is regarded as a conduit to past masters of Irish traditional music. \nOisín Mac Diarmada and Samantha Harvey perform frequently with Téada\, a worldwide-touring band founded by Oisín in 2001. Oisín and Samantha previously recorded The Green Branch\, a sparkling album of fiddle and piano in 2015\, with subsequent teaching and performing engagements in places such as the United States\, Italy\, France\, and Japan. \nLearn More about the artists:\nhttps://lanetotheglen.com/ \nhttps://lanetotheglen.bandcamp.com/ \n  \nA Huge thank you to our Sponsor for this event:\nHoliday Inn By the Bay! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/lane-to-the-glen-in-concert/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Lane-to-the-Glen-banner-with-spons.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250911T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250708T172256Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T174636Z UID:10000724-1757619000-1757624400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "The Pull of the Stars" by Emma Donoghue DESCRIPTION:Maine Irish Reads\, our monthly book club\, meets every second Thursday here at the Center!\n\n\n\nFrom 7:30 – 9 PM in the MIHC Library. Bring a friend. The more\, the merrier. \nAbout this month’s book:\n\n\nIn Dublin\, 1918\, a maternity ward at the height of the Great Flu is a small world of work\, risk\, death\, and unlooked-for love\, in “Donoghue’s best novel since Room” (Kirkus Reviews) \nIn an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease\, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center\, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Into Julia’s regimented world step two outsiders — Doctor Kathleen Lynn\, a rumoured Rebel on the run from the police \, and a young volunteer helper\, Bridie Sweeney. \nIn the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward\, over three days\, these women change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic\, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity\, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work. \nIn The Pull of the Stars\, Emma Donoghue once again finds the light in the darkness in this new classic of hope and survival against all odds. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-september-2025/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-Sept-25-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250913T150000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250828T173714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T173714Z UID:10000764-1757754000-1757775600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:MIHC Day of Caring 2025 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, September 13th\n9:00am-3:00pm\nWe are looking for:\nPainters | Carpenters | Cleaners | Gardeners\n  \nThe Center – originally St. Dominic’s Church – was constructed in the late 1800s\, and has long served as one of Portland and Maine’s preeminent cultural centers\, meeting spaces\, research institutions\, libraries\, concert halls\, wedding venues\, and more. \nWe are hosting this Day of Caring to ensure our beloved space receives the attention it needs and deserves. With many important concerts\, fundraisers\, and cultural festivals on the horizon\, this is the perfect chance to donate your skills\, tools\, and passion for just a few hours. \nIf you or your organization are interested in volunteering for this event\, please contact us at volunteer@maineirish.com. We want to ensure your skills and expertise are put to the best use possible! \n  \nDay of Caring Project Options:\nInterior Cleaning: \nSweeping\, mopping\, vacuuming\, and dusting \nExterior Cleaning: \nPicking up trash\, removing debris\, etc \nGardening: \nWeeding\, pruning\, and otherwise tending to flowerbeds \nPainting: \nRepainting doors\, pillars\, walls\, and trim \nCarpentry: \nFixing doors & cabinets\, repurposing old scrap wood \nSpecial Projects: \nWe have a number of larger carpentry & electrical projects for larger\, experienced teams. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/mihc-day-of-caring-2025/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Day-of-Caring-Graphic-169.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T203000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250805T202153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T174125Z UID:10000738-1758047400-1758054600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Irish Maids and Portland's Houses DESCRIPTION:Homes\, Histories\, and Women’s Networks\nTuesday\, September 16th\n6:30pm\nJoin us on Tuesday\, September 16th at 6:30pm for a lecture with Thomas C. Hubka\, Architectural & Cultural Historian. \nBehind Portland’s grand homes and quiet streets lies a largely undocumented chapter of the city’s Irish story—one told in boarding houses\, kitchens\, and servant stairwells. Irish Maids and Portland’s Houses invites the community to explore the housing and domestic histories of Irish women who came to Portland as domestic workers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. \nThis talk aims to shine a light on the often-invisible lives of Irish women who arrived in America alone: where they lived\, where they worked\, and how they supported one another in a new and often difficult world. As single women\, they navigated every phase of life—from immigration to labor to community building—without the legal or social protections often afforded to men or married women. Their histories are uniquely tied to the places they lived: domestic service placements\, boarding houses\, rented rooms\, and homes shared with fellow migrants. These networks of chain migration and mutual assistance among women are difficult to trace in official records or family trees\, yet they tell a vital and singular story. That is why we are reaching out to the broader Irish community: to help us uncover and preserve this essential chapter through shared family stories\, photographs\, oral histories\, or even just names and addresses that may help us reconstruct this essential part of our heritage. \nWhether you have roots in Portland’s Irish neighborhoods or are simply curious about the domestic work that helped build and sustain the city\, we invite you to join us in preserving this overlooked legacy. \nProfessor Hubka will be available after the lecture to discuss further questions. He’ll also be holding interviews at the Center the next day\, Wednesday\, September 17th from 9am-3pm\, to take more detailed information and collect family history stories from the Portland Irish community. Eventually\, professor Hubka hopes to visit and document the houses where Irish maids lived and worked in the Portland area! If you have information\, stories\, or want to learn more about these interviews\, please head HERE to learn more and sign up! \n  \nAbout Thomas C. Hubka\n Thomas Hubka is a Professor Emeritus from the Department of Architecture\, University of Wisconsin−Milwaukee. Through almost forty years of scholarship and teaching he has attempted to link the practice and teaching of architecture to historical and cultural context. He has published widely on topics of popular\, vernacular architecture including theoretical works and detailed studies of common buildings such as New England farms\, bungalows\, ranch houses\, and workers’ cottages \nHis latest books explore America’s most common housing such as workers’ cottages\, bungalows\, and duplexes: How the Working-Class Home Became Modern\, 1900-1940. (University of Minnesota Press\, 2021\, and Houses without Names: Architecture Nomenclature and the Classification of America’s Common Houses (University of Tennessee Press\, 2013). \nHis two previous books are: Resplendent Synagogue: Architecture and Worship in an 18th Century Polish Community (University Press of New England and Brandeis University Press) for which he received the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s\, Henry Glassie Award\, 2006; and Big House\, Little House\, Back House\, Barn: The Connected Farm Buildings of New England (University Press of New England) for which he received the Abbott Lowell Cummings Award in 1985. \nHe is currently living in Portland\, Oregon where he has taught courses at the University of Oregon\, Portland State University\, and Portland Community College and continues to study the housing and neighborhoods of Portland and Oregon. \n  \nThank you to our sponsor for this event: Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square!\n \n\nInterested in learning more on this subject? There are some fantastic local researches doing great work right here in Portland!\nCheck out the Portland Bridgit Project to learn more:\n\nThe Portland Bridget Project is an independent research initiative led by Michelle O’Donnell Josephson and Hannah Marcel Field. The goal of our work is to find and tell the stories of 19th and early 20th century Irish domestic servants in Portland\, Maine. These women are an important part of our local history\, but their stories have not been told. You can learn more about us on The Portland Bridget Project Facebook page and on Instagram as @theportlandbridgetproject URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irish-maids-and-portlands-houses/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Irish-Maids-and-Portlands-Houses-2-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T150000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250805T202238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T202238Z UID:10000739-1758099600-1758121200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Interviews with Thomas Hubka DESCRIPTION:After his lecture at the Center on September 16th\, Professor Thomas Hubka will be holding interviews at the Center the next day\, Wednesday\, September 17th from 9am-3pm\, to take more detailed information and collect family history stories from the Portland Irish community. Eventually\, professor Hubka hopes to visit and document the houses where Irish maids lived and worked in the Portland area! If you have information\, stories\, or want to learn more about these interviews\, please RSVP for a slot\, and email events@maineirish with some details of what you hope to share with Professor Hubka! \nInterested in the lecture? Join us on Tuesday\, September 16th at 6:30pm to hear more about Irish Maids and Portland Houses! Click HERE for more information! \n  \nThank you to our sponsor for this event: Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square!\n \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/interviews-with-thomas-hubka/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/INTERVIEWS-Irish-Maids-and-Portlands-Houses-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T160000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250807T172810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T172810Z UID:10000750-1758204000-1758211200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Makes: September DESCRIPTION:Calling all makers\, artists\, and creators! Maine Irish Makes is a monthly gathering for crafters of all kinds—knitters\, quilters\, beaders\, sketchers\, weavers\, embroiderers\, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting a project or putting the finishing touches on one\, bring your materials and join us for a cozy\, welcoming afternoon of creativity and conversation. \nHeld at the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, this open event is a chance to connect with fellow artists\, share skills\, and form community across crafting traditions. No instruction is provided—just space\, time\, and good company. \nJoin us on the Third Thursday of each month! Free and open to all. Drop in\, bring a friend\, and get making! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-makes-september-25/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Maine-Irish-makes-banner-SEPT.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250920 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250921 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250613T042423Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250913T194717Z UID:10000722-1758326400-1758412799@maineirish.com SUMMARY:2025 Annual Golf Scramble at Riverside DESCRIPTION:Sold Out on the Course – But You Can Still Join Us!\n2025 Maine Irish Golf Scramble – September 20 at Riverside Golf Course\nOur annual golf scramble is officially sold out—thank you to all the players who will be hitting the links in support of the Maine Irish Heritage Center! \nBut there are still two great ways to be part of the fun: \nJoin Us for Dinner & Raffles\nNot golfing? No problem! Come for the BBQ dinner\, raffles\, and prize drawings after the tournament. While some prizes are reserved for players\, most raffles are open to everyone—so you’ll have plenty of chances to win. Tickets will be available at the door. \nSponsor a Hole or Event\nSponsorships are still available and are a fantastic way to showcase your company while supporting the Center’s mission. Options include: \n\n\nDinner Sponsor – $1\,000 Includes logo recognition\, on-site signage\, social media & email promotion\, and more. \n\n\nHole Sponsorships – Highlight your business or honor a loved one with your name prominently displayed on the course. \n\n\nWhy It Matters\nYour support helps preserve and restore our historic landmark while celebrating and promoting Irish culture in Maine. All proceeds benefit the Maine Irish Heritage Center! \nDon’t miss this last opportunity to be part of the 2025 Maine Irish Golf Scramble—join us for dinner or step up as a sponsor today! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/2025-annual-golf-scramble-at-riverside/ LOCATION:Riverside Golf Course\, 1158 Riverside St\, Portland\, Maine\, 04103\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Golf-Scramble-1-e1749788615233.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251010T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250825T181152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T184739Z UID:10000761-1760124600-1760130000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Irish Rebel Songs Workshop with Davy Holden DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 10th\n7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nJoin Irish historian\, Davy Holden\, as he dives into the history behind some of Ireland’s greatest rebel songs. Rebel songs are pieces of music which are written about the Irish revolutionary period\, and every Irish rebel song tells a unique story from Ireland’s struggle for independence\, each a testament to the courage and spirit of the Irish people. Whether you’re drawn to history\, music\, or simply a love for Ireland\, this workshop promises to enlighten\, entertain\, and leave you with a greater understanding of Ireland’s fight for freedom. \nGeneral Admission tickets are $20\, and Priority Seating are $30 in advance! Don’t wait to get your tickets\, prices will go up at the door! \nAbout Davy Holden\nMeet Davy Holden\, an Irish historian\, storyteller and video creator hailing from south Kilkenny\, Ireland.\n\nDavy’s journey into the world of Irish history began as a child\, from playing Irish music\, to listening to old stories from his elders\, and being surrounded by various monuments\, memorials and megalithic structures a stone’s throw from his home. With a passion for Irish history and video production\, he started creating Irish history videos in August 2022. Since then\, his social media channels have blown up\, amassing over 680\,000 followers across all platforms.\n\nSince 2023\, Davy has been travelling all over the United States to perform live Irish history workshops and Irish language workshops. He has also given lectures in various universities and schools. In early 2025\, he featured on the RTÉ show\, ‘Nationwide’\, and in early 2026 he will be featuring on the PBS show ‘Ireland With Michael’. Davy’s mission is to make Irish history more accessible\, and to make the history come alive through the lens of his camera – keeping the stories of our ancestors alive.\n\nLearn more at https://davyholdenhistory.com/\n\n\n\nFeaturing music from the incredible Jim Sharkey!\n\nJim grew up in County Roscommon\, Ireland. His songs reflect the Irish tradition as well as singer-songwriter music he grew up listening to. Regarding his original compositions Sean Smith\, BostonIrish Contributor\, November 2024 writes “there’s such an innate gentleness to his music\, a care and concern expressed about our humanity\, on a large and small scale\, and that tenderness is once again abundant on his fourth album\, “Our Old Village”.   \nLearn more at https://www.jimsharkeymusic.com URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irish-rebel-songs-workshop-with-davy-holden/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Irish-Rebel-Songs-Workshop.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250916T172737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T172737Z UID:10000765-1760641200-1760648400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Michael C. Connolly launches 'As the Twig is Bent' DESCRIPTION:Michael C. Connolly Launches “As the Twig is Bent”\nA Maine Irish Author Event\nThursday\, October 16th\n7:00pm\nDoors open at 6:30pm\nJoin us for an incredible evening with local Maine author and historian Michael Connolly for the launch of his latest novel/memoir “As the Twig is Bent”! \n__________________________________________________________\nAbout the Book\nA boy evolves to a man. What shapes him\, nurtures him\, supports and challenges him? Over the decades from his deep ancestral roots along the rugged West Coast of Ireland to his own beautiful home port in coastal Maine\, the shaping of the boy emerges as he grows and changes. Grandparents he never knew\, loving parents he knew every day; family\, friends\, classmates\, mentors and fellow travelers — all provide love\, guidance\, challenge and support. \nYoung Coley Folan evolves\, gaining insight\, purpose\, wisdom and humor; all of these he passes on to those he cares about. Share this journey with Coley as he explores and traverses this landscape where the confluence of nature and nurture pave the way for him to an inevitable vocation as a teacher and a scholar. \n“Connolly’s characters and experiences are full of vigor and wry humor\, while the occasional missteps always seem to resolve themselves with a happy ending — and another life lesson learned. Coley Folan and his family\, like so many other immigrants\, then and now\, understood the power of education and assimilation — and that experience is often the best teacher.”\n— Rusty and Sue Atwood\, Former Maine Historical Society Trustee\, and retired educators in Gorham\, Maine \n“Rich with humor\, heart\, and hard-earned wisdom\, this is a coming-of-age memoir for anyone who has ever searched for where they truly belong. Connolly’s odyssey is a mirror of a generation longing to find its place in a shifting world.”\n— Jean Haney\, Entrepreneur and Maine Irish Heritage Center volunteer extraordinaire \n“As the ‘new’ Portland\, Maine\, is quickly replacing the old\, Connolly reminds us of the best of what the gritty\, yet graceful ‘old’ neighborhoods of the ‘Forest City’ offered for those lucky enough to have called them home.”\n— Dr. Mark Hibben\, Professor of Political Science at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine \nLearn more at https://tower-pub.myshopify.com/ \n__________________________________________________________\nAbout the Author\nMike Connolly\, 2016 MIHC Claddagh Award recipient\, retired in 2020 from St Joseph’s college of Maine after teaching there for 36 years. Since then\, he has written 3 novels to go along with his three previous works of history. As the Twig is Bent completes the trilogy of the “Folan Family” through the 20th Century in Portland\, Maine. He lives on Munjoy Hill\, two streets from the place of his birth. \n\n\n__________________________________________________________\n\nOther works\nThey Change Their Sky: The Irish in Maine \nJohn Ford in Focus \nSeated by the Sea \nMurky Overhead \nEver the Twain Shall Meet URL:https://maineirish.com/event/michael-c-connolly-launches-as-the-twig-is-bent-2/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/As-the-twig-is-bent-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251019T160000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250930T204755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T153607Z UID:10000768-1760882400-1760889600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Community Town Hall DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, October 19th\n2-4pm\nAt the MIHC\nJoin us for an afternoon of conversation and community.\n\nThe Maine Irish Heritage Center Board of Directors and staff have been working closely with professional consultants to chart a vision for our future. Much of this work has been shaped already by input from our earlier July survey\, and we want to hear from you again–or for the first time–as we move towards the final stages of the new Strategic Plan.\n\nAt this Community Town Hall\, we’ll gather for tea and snacks and engage in a facilitated conversation about the future of the MIHC. As members of our valued community\, your ideas and insights are essential in shaping the next chapter of our work to preserve our historic building\, celebrate Irish culture\, and serve as a true community center.\n\nDuring the meeting\, you will have an opportunity to review what has been drafted so far and give feedback through a series of activities\, facilitated discussions\, and breakout groups. Input collected by our outside facilitators Rachel Hodges and Robin O’Brien will be used by the Board to shape the final draft of the strategic plan.\n\nCome share your perspective\, learn about the Center’s progress\, and be part of our forward momentum.\n\nThis event is free and open to all. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/community-town-hall/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Town-Hall-10.19-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250930T210830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T180834Z UID:10000769-1761764400-1761771600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Matthew Jude Barker Launches 'Becoming American' and 'The Blue and The Green' DESCRIPTION:A Maine Irish Author Event\nWednesday\, October 29th\n7:00pm\nJoin us for an exciting evening with local author and historian Matt Barker! \nLimited books will be available at the event\, but we are offering pre-orders that may be picked up at the event! \nPreorder HERE! \nMatt will speak about his new books\, Becoming American\, Portland\, Maine’s Irish and The Making of Immigrant America\, 1840-1861\, and The Blue and The Green\, The Irish of Portland\, Maine During The Civil War Era\, 1861-1870. This era was tumultuous and altered the Irish community of Portland forever. The Great Hunger\, the Great Irish Potato Famine (1845-51); the coming of the railroad and steamships; the Maine Law and Neal Dow’s fanatical battle against alcohol; the rise of the Know-Nothings\, a not so secret nativist group who attacked Irish communities everywhere; the “Rum Riot” of 1855; the Panic of 1857; the creation of the Republican party and their battles with the Democrats; the coming of the Civil War; the countless Portland Irishmen who fought in the war; the Fenians; the Great Fire of July 4\, 1866; and the completion and dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1869) are among the myriad events and issues that appear in these books. Matt will also talk about the social history of the Portland Irish in this era\, including domestic maids\, family life\, the workers of the Portland Company and the Sugar House\, longshoremen\, and social organizations. This era truly was the genesis of the Irish Catholic community of Portland. \nAbout the Author \nMatthew Jude Barker is a lifelong resident of Greater Portland. He has been a genealogical and historical researcher since 1981\, from the age of eight. Since 1996\, he has written Maine history article for multiple publications. Matt was a contributor to\, They Change Their Sky\, The Irish In Maine (2004) and John Ford In Focus (2008)\, as well as two other history books. He is the author of The Irish of Portland\, Maine\, A History of Forest City Hibernians (2014)\, Becoming American (2025)\, and The Blue and The Green (2025). He researched and compiled the Maine Irish Heritage Trail for Acroglobal. Matt is a genealogist and the resident historian at the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, where has been involved since the late 1990s\, when he was a member of the Friends of St. Dominic’s\, working to save the historic Irish church which became the MIHC. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAbout the Books:\nBecoming American \nThe amazingly transformative years before the American Civil War affected the Portland\, Maine Irish community immensely. That era included the temperance crusade\, the Irish Repeal Society\, the Great Hunger (the Great Famine)\, intense Irish immigration\, prohibition and the fanatical battle Neal Dow fought against King Alcohol\, the Portland Company\, the railroad\, the sugar industry\, the connection via steamers between the city and Great Britain\, the Know-Nothing nativist menace\, abolition\, the rise of the Republicans and their battles with Democrats\, the “Rum Riot\,” – all contributing to the assimilation and rise of the Irish in Portland\, Maine. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nThe Blue and The Green \nThe Blue and the Green: The Irish of Portland\, Maine During the Civil War is the compelling second volume in Matthew Jude Barker’s series on the Irish experience in Maine. Following his acclaimed book Becoming American\, this installment turns to the 1860s\, exploring how Portland’s Irish community navigated one of the most turbulent periods in American history. \nAs the Civil War erupted\, Irish immigrants and their American-born children were faced with a difficult choice-remain on the fringes of society or fight for a country that had not yet fully accepted them. Many enlisted in the Union Army\, joining Irish regiments and the famed Irish Brigade\, seeking both patriotic purpose and social acceptance. Others contributed from the home front\, working in the shipyards\, organizing in churches\, or sending sons and brothers off to war. \nBarker draws from military records\, newspaper accounts\, letters\, and parish archives to tell a vivid\, human story. He introduces us to Irish soldiers from Portland who fought at Antietam\, Fredericksburg\, and Gettysburg\, and explores how the trauma and triumph of war shaped the city’s Irish neighborhoods\, churches\, and civic life. We also see the tensions that arose-between nativists and newcomers\, between North and South sympathizers\, and even within the Irish community itself. \nThis is not just a military history-it is a story of identity\, belonging\, and transformation. Through war\, loss\, and resilience\, Portland’s Irish helped redefine what it meant to be both Irish and American. Their story is one of perseverance and pride\, rooted in both “the Blue” of Union loyalty and “the Green” of Irish heritage. \nRich in detail and narrative power\, The Blue and the Green fills a crucial gap in Civil War and Irish-American scholarship\, making it a must-read for historians\, genealogists\, and anyone interested in Maine’s multicultural roots. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/matthew-jude-barker-book-launch/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mat-Barker-Book-Launch.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251108T150000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250725T154037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T141924Z UID:10000737-1762592400-1762614000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Annual Celtic Fair 2025 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, November 8th\n9:00am-3:00pm\nWe are excited to bring back another year of festive holiday fun at our Annual Celtic Fair! Join us as part of the 14th annual State Street Holiday Stroll. \nThe Celtic Christmas Fair features a light luncheon menu\, hot and cold beverages\, baked goods\, a raffle table\, music\, and more. We’ll have featured performances from the incredible Stillson School of Irish Dance! We draw crowds for the beautiful artistry as well as the luncheon and lively entertainment. We hope you can join us for what has become a wonderful holiday tradition. \n  \n  \nVendor Applications are CLOSED! If you are interested in being on our list for next year\, please email events@maineirish.com URL:https://maineirish.com/event/annual-celtic-fair-2025/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Celtic-Fair-Banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251115T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250912T162135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T151243Z UID:10000766-1763235000-1763240400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Song Project with CASTLEBAY DESCRIPTION:Castlebay Presents the Maine Irish Song Project\nA CONCERT OF MAINE’S TRADITIONAL IRISH SONGS\nSaturday\, November 15th\n7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nMaine’s premier Celtic folk duo Castlebay will present a concert of Maine’s traditional Irish songs at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. The concert will include ballads and blarney gleaned from Maine’s vibrant Irish tradition accompanied with 12-string guitar\, Celtic harp\, fiddle and tin whistle. \nThis performance offers a rare opportunity to experience Maine’s Irish musical heritage in an intimate setting. With over three decades of touring throughout the U.S.\, Scotland\, England\, and Ireland\, and more than two dozen recordings\, Castlebay brings authenticity\, scholarship\, and artistry to every note! \nGeneral Admission is $25\, or you can snag front row seats for $35 – and don’t wait! General Admission will go up to $30 at the door\, and Priority Seating is only available in advance! \nAbout the Artists\n \nJulia Lane & Fred Gosbee have been exploring and transcribing archives of music collected in Maine in the early 20th century. Collectors ranged throughout the state gathering hundreds of traditional songs many of which are from Ireland brought by the people emigrating and settling here and working on the coast\, in the woods\, farms and factories. Field recordings and journals document over 1000 songs from which the duo have selected and arranged music for performance. In addition to singing these versions of old Irish music\, Castlebay will share the lore and history of this potent musical legacy which embodies stories of romance and rogues\, shipwreck and survival as well as a good dose of humor and blarney. The duo has transcribed many of these songs\, “mending” them\, and publishing a series titled “Bygone Ballads of Maine”. Volume 1\, “Songs of Ships and Sailors” was presented by Loomis House Press in 2021 and is available in local bookstores as well as online. Castlebay has recorded two albums of these songs “Bound Away” and “The Maid on the Shore” which are available from their website. A subsequent volume and recording of Maine’s Irish songs is in process. \n \nFor over 30 years\, Castlebay has toured the eastern US\, Scotland\, England and Ireland being appreciated at arts centers\, folk clubs\, festivals\, schools and on radio and television. They have released over two dozen recordings and their music has been used on numerous video soundtracks. More information is available at their website www.castlebay.net \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWant more? Castlebay is holding a workshop at the Center on Sunday\, November 16th from 12-3pm. Click HERE to learn more!\n  \nMany thanks to our Sponsor for this Event:\nHyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-song-project-with-castlebay/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Performance,Tickteted Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Maine-Irish-Song-Project-Concert.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251116T150000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250912T162630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T151511Z UID:10000767-1763294400-1763305200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:A Maine Irish Song Project Workshop with Castlebay DESCRIPTION:A Maine Irish Song Project Workshop with Castlebay\nSunday\, November 16th\n12:00pm-3:00pm\nGo deeper into the living tradition of Maine’s Irish songs with an intimate\, hands-on workshop led by Castlebay (Julia Lane & Fred Gosbee)\, Maine’s premier Celtic folk duo. Building on their concert performance\, this workshop will guide participants through the fascinating process of uncovering\, preserving\, and performing songs collected in Maine’s Irish communities during the early 20th century. \nThis workshop offers a unique opportunity to not only enjoy Maine’s traditional Irish songs but to actively engage with them. Whether you are a musician\, singer\, historian\, or simply curious about Maine’s cultural heritage\, you’ll come away with new insights into the stories\, humor\, and humanity woven into this potent musical legacy. \nAbout the Artists\nJulia Lane & Fred Gosbee have been exploring and transcribing archives of music collected in Maine in the early 20th century. Collectors ranged throughout the state gathering hundreds of traditional songs many of which are from Ireland brought by the people emigrating and settling here and working on the coast\, in the woods\, farms and factories. Field recordings and journals document over 1000 songs from which the duo have selected and arranged music for performance. In addition to singing these versions of old Irish music\, Castlebay will share the lore and history of this potent musical legacy which embodies stories of romance and rogues\, shipwreck and survival as well as a good dose of humor and blarney. The duo has transcribed many of these songs\, “mending” them\, and publishing a series titled “Bygone Ballads of Maine”. Volume 1\, “Songs of Ships and Sailors” was presented by Loomis House Press in 2021 and is available in local bookstores as well as online. Castlebay has recorded two albums of these songs “Bound Away” and “The Maid on the Shore” which are available from their website. A subsequent volume and recording of Maine’s Irish songs is in process. \nFor over 30 years\, Castlebay has toured the eastern US\, Scotland\, England and Ireland being appreciated at arts centers\, folk clubs\, festivals\, schools and on radio and television. They have released over two dozen recordings and their music has been used on numerous video soundtracks. More information is available at their website www.castlebay.net \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWant more? Castlebay will be LIVE in concert on Saturday\, November 15th at 7:30pm. Click HERE to learn more!\nMany thanks to our Sponsor for this Event:\nHyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square URL:https://maineirish.com/event/a-maine-irish-song-project-workshop-with-castlebay/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Community,Performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Maine-Irish-Song-Project-Workshop.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T210000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20250822T154115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T170514Z UID:10000760-1763659800-1763672400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Claddagh Awards 2025 DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 20th\, 2025 \nReception begins: 5:30pm \nProgramming begins: 7:00pm \nThe Maine Irish Heritage Center proudly announces the return of the Claddagh Awards\, a cherished tradition honoring the Irish values of friendship\, loyalty\, and community. Each year\, the award is presented to a distinguished individual in Maine whose life of service strengthens our communities and inspires others through their leadership and commitment.  \nThis year\, we are honored to present the 2025 Claddagh Award to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree\, in recognition of her decades of dedicated public service to Maine. The award will be presented by Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason\, Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States\, who will be making an official visit to Maine.  \nThe evening will also include the presentation of the Halla Cairde Award to Will Woodson and Cait Finley\, recognizing their enduring contributions to our community.  \nGeneral Admission tickets are priced at $100\, and there are ticket sponsorships available for $250 and $500! Members of the Maine Irish Heritage Center may purchase tickets at a $50 discounted price with an exclusive code! For ticketing questions or to obtain your member discount code\, please reach out to events@maineirish.com! \nEvening Program \n5:30 – 6:30 PM | Reception in the Great Hall\nEnjoy a glass of bubbly and conversation in the Great Hall. Surrounded by gorgeous architecture\, stained glass\, and the beautiful music of Maine’s premier Celtic Folk duo\, Castlebay!  \n6:00 PM | Bell Ringing\nGuests are invited to gather as the bell rings out across Portland in honor of our Claddagh Recipient. \n6:00 – 7:00 PM | Food & Bar Open in the Downstairs Function Room\nA festive hour of food\, drinks\, and community. Complete with music from our incredible Halla Cairde inductees\, Will Woodson and Cait Finley!  \n7:00 – 8:00 PM | Awards & Speeches  \n8:00 – 9:00 PM | Social Hour\nAn opportunity to reconnect\, celebrate\, and enjoy community in the spirit of the Claddagh.  \n\n2025 Claddagh Award Recipient: Chellie Pingree \nChellie Pingree never anticipated a life in politics. Living on the offshore island of North Haven\, Maine\, she raised her kids and ran a small business. She served on the school board and as the local tax assessor\, a job no one else in town wanted. But in 1991\, when she was approached about running for State Senate\, she jumped at the chance.  \nShe scored a remarkable upset\, defeating a popular Republican\, and went on to serve four terms in the Maine Senate. But throughout her political career\, from Augusta to Washington and beyond\, the lessons she learned on North Haven have always been her guide: Be accountable to your neighbors\, and always use your common sense.  \nChellie Johnson (she has legally changed her name from “Rochelle”) was born in Minneapolis\, Minnesota\, in 1955\, the youngest of four children. Her father\, Harry\, worked in advertising and her mother\, Dorothy\, was a nurse. Chellie moved to Maine as a teenager\, attended the University of Southern Maine\, and graduated from the College of the Atlantic\, in Bar Harbor. After college\, she moved to North Haven\, an island town of 350 people twelve miles off the coast of Rockland\, to raise her family and make a living.  \nIn 2008\, Chellie was elected to Congress from Maine’s 1st Congressional District—the first woman elected to Congress from that District. She has previously served on the House Rules Committee and Armed Services Committee. She currently sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee\, chairing the Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment\, the Subcommittee on Agriculture\, and Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. She also sits on the House Agriculture Committee.    \nAmong other issues important to Mainers\, Chellie has been an advocate in Congress for reforming federal policy to better support the diverse range of American agriculture—including sustainable\, organic\, and locally focused farming—as well as to reduce food waste. Many provisions from comprehensive legislation she introduced to make these reforms were passed in both the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. She received a 2017 James Beard Leadership Award for her national leadership in food system reform.  \nChellie has also been recognized for her leadership on a number of other issues\, including assisting survivors of military sexual trauma\, strengthening the creative and arts economy\, and helping coastal communities address threats to their future.  \nChellie has three grown children—Asa\, Cecily\, and Hannah\, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.  \nLearn More about Chellie Pingree here: https://pingree.house.gov/  \n  \nCladdagh Award Presenter: Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason\, Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States \nAmbassador Geraldine Byrne Nason assumed her role as Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States in August 2022. Ambassador Byrne Nason was previously Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations in New York (2017- 22). Previously\, she served as Ambassador to France (2014-17)\, Second Secretary General in the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) (2011-14)\, Ambassador and Ireland’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU (2005-11))\, and Director of the National Forum on Europe (2004-05).  \nDuring her career\, Ambassador Byrne Nason has served in Brussels\, New York\, Paris\, Vienna and Helsinki. As Second Secretary-General in the Department of the Taoiseach from 2011-2014\, she was the highest ranking female public servant in Ireland. During that period\, she also was Secretary General of Ireland’s Economic Management Council.  \nOn her arrival in New York\, Ambassador Byrne Nason led Ireland’s successful campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council\, and led the New York Security Council team for the 2021-2022 term. Ambassador Byrne Nason was Chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for 2018 and 2019. She has also co-chaired high-level political negotiations on the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela and on the ‘Samoa pathway’ for Small Island Developing States.  \nA native of County Louth\, in 2020 Ambassador Byrne Nason was awarded the Freedom of Drogheda\, the town’s highest honour and was the third woman to receive the award of its 35 recipients. In 2014\, Ambassador Byrne Nason was elected a Member of the Royal Irish Academy\, Ireland’s highest academic honour. Ambassador Byrne Nason holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Maynooth University as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Literature from Saint Patrick’s College in Maynooth (NUIM).  \n  \n2025 Halla Cairde Inductees: Will Woodson and Cait Finley  \nWill Woodson (flute\, uilleann pipes) and Cait Finley (fiddle) play sparky and driving traditional Irish music that’s grounded in the textures and rhythms of the rich Irish-American soundscape of the 1920s and 30s. With roots in the living Irish musical cultures of Boston\, New York City\, and Philadelphia\, and a tremendous admiration for the first generation of recorded Irish musicians\, the duo conjures up the sounds of the dance halls\, vaudeville theaters\, and house sessions central to Irish-American music from the first half of the twentieth century. In 2019\, the two recorded their debut album\, “The Glory Reel” alongside box player and piano accompanist Chris “Junior” Stevens\, which Dan Neely of the Irish Echo called “a fabulous album from three of Irish America’s finest.” During the pandemic years\, the two made “The Phonograph Project”\, a Patreon-supported series examining 78 recordings of traditional Irish music made in New York City in the 1920s and 30s. More recently\, they’ve made musical appearances at the St. Louis Tionól\, the Patrick J. Touhey Memorial Weekend in Boston and the Ward Archives “Archiving Irish America” conference in Milwaukee. Cait and Will live in Portland\, Maine\, and host a regular weekly session at The Continental that starts at 8 pm on Sundays. You can find them online at woodsonfinley.com.  \n  \nPast Claddagh Award Recipients \n\n2019 – George Campbell\, Jr. \n\n\n2018 – David T. Flanagan \n\n\n2017 – Senator Susan Collins \n\n\n2016 – Michael Connolly \n\n\n2015 – Jim Wellehan \n\n\n2014 – Sara J. Burns \n\n\n2013 – Moira Hastings Fuller \n\n\n2012 – Senator George J. Mitchell \n\n\n2011 – William J. Ryan \n\n\n2010 – Cynthia Murray Beliveau \n\n\n2009 – Gerard P. Conley\, Sr. \n\n\n2008 – Governor Joseph E. Brennan \n\nLearn more about past claddagh winners here: https://maineirish.com/videos/  \n  \n\nAbout Castlebay: \nJulia Lane & Fred Gosbee have been exploring and transcribing archives of music collected in Maine in the early 20th century. Collectors ranged throughout the state gathering hundreds of traditional songs\, many of which are from Ireland\, brought by the people emigrating and settling here and working on the coast\, in the woods\, farms\, and factories. Field recordings and journals document over 1\,000 songs\, from which the duo have selected and arranged music for performance.  \nIn addition to singing these versions of old Irish music\, Castlebay shares the lore and history of this potent musical legacy\, which embodies stories of romance and rogues\, shipwreck and survival\, as well as a good dose of humor and blarney. The duo has transcribed many of these songs\, “mending” them\, and publishing a series titled Bygone Ballads of Maine. Volume 1\, Songs of Ships and Sailors\, was presented by Loomis House Press in 2021 and is available in local bookstores as well as online. Castlebay has recorded two albums of these songs\, Bound Away and The Maid on the Shore\, which are available from their website. A subsequent volume and recording of Maine’s Irish songs is in process.  \nFor over 30 years\, Castlebay has toured the eastern US\, Scotland\, England\, and Ireland\, being appreciated at arts centers\, folk clubs\, festivals\, schools\, and on radio and television. They have released over two dozen recordings\, and their music has been used on numerous video soundtracks. More information is available at their website: www.castlebay.net  \n  \nThank you to our Sponsors!\nLibrary Sponsors: \nPatricia McDonough Dunn\nRose Window Sponsors:\nRichard Brown & Family\nCoffee By Design\n \nMiss Portland Diner\n \nStained Glass Sponsors:\nJanine Manning\nMary McAleney\nAnn O’Hagan\nLocal #861 of the International Longshoremen Association\nCairde Sponsors:\nMere Point Oyster Co.\nMary Burke\nPeter J. Callnan\nJohn Foley\nJohn J. Hennessy\nJenny & Russ Wolff\nInterested in becoming a sponsor for this event? Click HERE to learn more! \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/claddagh-awards-2025/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claddagh-SAVE-THE-DATE-Presentation.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T153000 DTSTAMP:20260407T073943 CREATED:20251126T190116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T190116Z UID:10000772-1766325600-1766331000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Solstice Storytelling at the Maine Irish Heritage Center DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this winter! We will have warm drinks\, and the light in the Great Hall on the Solstice is incredible – watch the Stained Glass come to life as we share stories with each other! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \nWe invite you to join us this Solstice in the Great Hall! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: 34 Gray Street\, Portland ME\nTime: 2:00pm-3:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. This gathering of storytellers is part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/solstice-storytelling-at-the-maine-irish-heritage-center/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SOLSTICE-Storytelling-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR