It’s that time of year! The Magical History Tour—the biggest and most fantastic of Maine Historical Society events—is taking place Saturday, May 13 from 10am-4pm. This year’s exploration of historical gems that are usually closed to the public will celebrate Portland’s creative legacy—a rich history of art, entertainment, and architecture. The locations are kept top secret until the night before as they’re revealed at Mr. Longfellow’s Cocktail Party on Friday, May 12 at the State Theatre.
During the party, auctioneer Tom Saturley, President of Tranzon Auction Properties, will preside over a dazzling live auction—consult the list below and get your bids in a row! Check back for updates as the list grows. Guests at the Party will also enjoy a silent auction featuring food, travel, games, and adventures, scrumptious light fare including a complimentary signature cocktail, and a full cash bar available throughout the evening. Mr. Longfellow’s Cocktail Party promises to be a night to remember.
Longfellow 1913 Rolls Royce Car Ride & Museum Membership
Enjoy a ride in Maine history! This 1913 Rolls Royce was originally owned by Alice Mary Longfellow, daughter of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. She is known as “grave Alice” from her father’s poem “The Children’s Hour.” This fabulous vehicle is now in the collections of the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum—and you have a chance to ride in it! Bring three friends and let the OHTM staff take you for a ride around Portland on May 13, or make an appointment to visit Owl’s Head one day this summer for a ride along the coast!
Exclusive MHS Artifact Viewing and Dinner Party for 10
Enjoy a rare opportunity to see first-hand and up close historic collections of national significance, as well as iconic Maine collections. The exhibited items are rarely seen in public, and demonstrate the richness of MHS’s 200-year collecting history. Items will include our rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, a lock of George Washington’s hair, and the famous Richmond Island coins. The intimate event includes a private viewing in the Society’s Brown Library hosted by Jamie Rice, MHS Director of Library Services and followed by a full-course candlelight dinner in the Longfellow Garden that is custom designed by Dandelion Catering with wine donated from Old Port Wine & Cigar. Get your history-loving friends together for an experience guaranteed to amaze!
Curate Your Own Exhibition at MHS
Working with Chef Curator Kate McBrien, you will curate a small museum exhibition on a topic of your choice. The exhibition will be on view to the public for the months of February and March 2018 in our Showcase Gallery, with an Opening Reception for family and friends. Have a collection or an interest in history that you’ve always wanted to share? Now’s your chance!
Chebeague Island Inn
Enjoy a Weekend Getaway at Chebeague Island Inn, one of the few remaining inns that once dotted the Maine coast. A two-night stay for two this summer in an Ocean View room (with a private bath), complimentary gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea & house made pastries, (and daily turndown service). Step back in time, unplug (there are absolutely no TVs or phones) and unwind: read in our Great Room, sip cocktails on the Inn’s wrap around porch, enjoy the 9-hole course at the Great Chebeague Golf Club, explore the island on bicycle. Chebeague Island Inn, with its ocean views and spectacular sunsets, offers a magical, elegant, and uniquely Maine setting for your weekend getaway.
Sugarloaf Summer Vacation
Sugarloaf may be renowned for its winter adventures, but the splendor of Carrabassett Valley in summer is no less stunning. Included in this package is two nights in a condo on the mountain (sleeps 6), a round of golf for two people, and a half-hour scenic flight from Sugarloaf Aviation offering unmatched perspectives of this gorgeously rugged part of Maine.
Bromage Family Camp
Enjoy a weeklong stay at the beautiful lakeside camp of MHS Executive Director Steve Bromage, located in Winthrop. The experience includes a one-week stay (camp sleeps 8) with access to two kayaks and a canoe for enjoying fishing or just the relaxing sights and sounds of nature.
Sea Dogs First Pitch & 1/2 Inning on the Radio
Throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Sea Dogs game of your choice, and then spend an inning in the radio broadcast booth, helping announce the game! The package includes four Box Seat tickets.
Silent Auction Items include:
Fun and Adventure in Portland
- Sea kayak tour to Fort Gorges with Portland Paddle ($104)
- Maine Brew Bus adventure ($150)
- Maine Escape Games gift certificate ($50)
Wine & Dine
- Private wine tasting ($200)
- Cellardoor wine pairing ($300)
- Dinner for four with personal chef Sue Ellen Sevigny ($300)
Home & Garden
- Two L.L.Bean Adirondack Chairs ($600)
- Longfellow Lilacs (3) ($100 each)
- Skillins gift certificate ($50)
- Fogg Lighting gift card ($150)
- Cross Jewelers ($450)
- Portrait photo shoot with Dan D’Ippolito ($250)
Mind, Body & Soul
- Personal trainer sessions with Susan Naber ($300)
- Float Harder sensory deprivation relaxation experience ($65)
- Maine Center for Acupuncture gift certificates (3) ($50 each)
Take Me…
- To the Circus: One-week summer camp experience at Circus Maine for kids ($350)
- Out to the Ballgame: Sea Dogs Skybox ($640)
- Outside: Maine Huts & Trails Family Membership ($100)
That’s Entertainment
- Tickets (2) to a show of your choice at the State Theatre ($75)
- Tickets (2) to Portland Stage ($86)
- Tickets (2) to Aura to see Trombone Shorty on June 17 ($80)
Weekend Getaways
- Sugarloaf Ski Vacation – enjoy Maine’s premier ski resort for four days and three nights during Maine’s February school vacation week ($1,500)
- Press Hotel two-night stay and breakfast for two at Union ($850)
- Luggage from TripQuipment ($550)
- Stay at Claybrook Mountain Lodge ($220)
Creative Portlanders
- Custom-made “Maine History” porcelain cups (2) by internationally celebrated potter Ayumi Horie ($225 & $150)
- Custom-made bag by Margaret Hourigan ($100)
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