Opening March 15, 2011
Windows on the Past: Kennebunk's History through Architecture exhibition

In 1963, Kennebunk became the first town in Maine to establish a historic district; in 1974, the district received its designation as a National Register Historic District. Windows on the Past spotlights 42 homes representing 300 years of architectural history within this district.

In this landmarks exhibition, dozens of vivid, contemporary images captured by local photographer Kevin Byron are paired with vintage photographs and artifacts from the Museum's collections to provide visitors with the full historical and architectural context of these signature structures, as well as the people who built and lived in them. Visitors can familiarize themselves with the architectural elements and styles that distinguish the district and can emerse themselves in several activities within the gallery. This exhibition is paired with the museum's best-selling illustrated guidebook and an all-new cell phone-based audio tour.

Exhibition made possible by Old House Parts Company.

Additional support provided by our proud business partner, Cape Arundel Inn.

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April 6, 2011 at The Kennebunkport Inn's One Dock Restaurant
Worthy Wednesday: Brick Store Museum Night - Offered 6 to 9PM

Celebrate spring with a dinner of "native Maine cuisine with a bold fusion flair" at One Dock. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has hailed it as among his favorite restaurants in Maine, and it's sure to become one of yours, too. Enjoy signature cocktails, innovative flavors, fresh local seafood and produce, $5 selected small plates, and sublime desserts off the main menu. And the real piece de resistance is that One Dock will donate 15% of the evening's proceeds to the Brick Store Museum! So shake that cabin fever, and we'll see you at One Dock. (Reservations are strongly recommended by calling One Dock at 207-967-2621.)

April 12, 2011
"We'll Rally 'Round the Flag": A Singing History of the Civil War in a Trio of Concerts, Part I of III - 7PM

Well-known musician Monica Grabin joins forces with the Brick Store Museum to present a trio of concerts commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The concerts are intended to be experienced in a series, but attendees may come to one, two, or all three.

This first concert entitled "Just Before the Battle" occurs on the exact anniversary of the opening shots at Fort Sumter. Through song, Grabin's stirring performance looks at America on the eve of war in 1861.

Concert is offered at no charge, with donations welcomed.

Made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

April 19 - July 16, 2011
The Preservation Movement Then and Now exhibition

To complement and place our Windows on the Past exhibition about Kennebunk's iconic National Register Historic District in an even broader context, the Brick Store Museum is pleased to host The Preservation Movement Then and Now, a traveling exhibition on loan from Historic New England.

How did the preservation movement begin in New England? What was the first building saved or lost? What preservation work is being done today? Historic New England’s exhibition, The Preservation Movement Then and Now, answers those questions and more as it traces the history of the preservation movement in New England. It begins by highlighting the unsuccessful effort to save Boston's Hancock House in 1863, which was the early catalyst for preservation in the region. The story continues by examining how the movement evolved to include saving buildings of architectural interest as well as those associated with historic people and events. The exhibition concludes with an overview of preservation today, which encompasses twentieth-century buildings, streetscapes, neighborhoods, and open spaces.

Organized by Historic New England. The tour of The Preservation Movement Then and Now is made possible by:

April 19, 2011
The Preservation Movement Then and Now lecture - 7:00PM

On April 19, to celebrate the opening of this exhibition, we will host a special presentation in the Museum’s Program Center at 4 Dane Street at 7 PM. Sally Zimmerman of Historic New England will present a lecture exploring the life and work of William Sumner Appleton, founder of Historic New England. In 1910 when Appleton founded the organization, the preservation movement in New England was still in its infancy. Using materials from Historic New England’s extensive collections, this presentation explores Appleton’s role in the context of early-twentieth-century preservation efforts and traces his legacy and influence on modern preservation efforts regionally and nationally. Historic New England preserves six Maine historic house museums, including Castle Tucker, and the Sayward-Wheeler, Hamilton, Sarah Orne Jewett, Hamilton, Marrett, and Nickels-Sortwell houses.

Organized by:

April 30, 2011
Spring Cleaning at the Brick Store Museum - 9:00AM - 2:00PM

It is time for us to do some cleaning out and reorganizing here at the Museum, and we could use YOUR help! All are welcome to help us from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to clean up and spruce up our behind-the-scenes areas. Projects during the day will include moving exhibit cases, reorganizing books and bookshelves, and cleaning out our carriage stall storage area. While many of the projects do involve moving large and heavy objects, "many hands make light work!" If you have questions or if you plan to attend, please let us know by calling us at 985-4802 or sending an email to Cprice@brickstoremuseum.org.

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May 7, 2011
May Day - 10:00AM - 1:00PM

Visit the Museum on Saturday, May 7th, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM to make your own May Basket and learn about May Day customs. You'll also have a chance to purchase some wonderful vintage images, gift shop merchandise, and books at special bargain prices! To learn about all of the May Day events happening in downtown Kennebunk that day, click here: May Day 2011 activities

May 11, 2011
"We'll Rally 'Round the Flag": A Singing History of the Civil War in a Trio of Concerts, Part II of III - 7PM

Well-known musician Monica Grabin joins forces with the Brick Store Museum to present a trio of concerts commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The concerts are intended to be experienced in a series, but attendees may come to one, two, or all three.

In this second concert entitled, "Battle Cries," Grabin traces the Civil War from 1861 to Emancipation through a series of compelling songs, battle hymns, and ballads.

Concert is offered at no charge, with donations welcomed.

Made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

May 26, 2011
"We'll Rally 'Round the Flag": A Singing History of the Civil War in a Trio of Concerts, Part III of III - 7PM

Well-known musician Monica Grabin joins forces with the Brick Store Museum to present a trio of concerts commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The concerts are intended to be experienced in a series, but attendees may come to one, two, or all three.

This final concert entitled, "Many Thousands Gone," takes attendees on a voyage of history and song from 1863 through to Reconstruction, touching on the seminal events of the Battle of Gettysburg, Sherman's March, the surrender at Appomattox Court House, and Lincoln's assassination.

Concert is offered at no charge, with donations welcomed.

Made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

Starting May 30, 2011
Blue Star Museums Free Admission to Active Duty Service Members and Families

The Brick Store Museum announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011.

Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

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June 11, 2011
Civil War Day - 10:00AM - 3:00PM

In commemoration of the start of the Civil War in 1861, the Brick Store Museum will host Company A, Third Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry for a living history program on Saturday, June 11, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is an extension of the three-part concert series “We’ll Rally ‘Round the Flag,” performed by Monica Grabin on April 12, May 11, and May 26.

Visitors on June 11 can expect to see a Living Civil War encampment, and will have the opportunity to learn about topics such as the life of a soldier, roles played by women, medical care, music of the Civil War era, weapons used in the 1860s, and more.  Admission is free, with donations welcome.

Company A, 3rd Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry is a nonprofit educational and living history organization dedicated to preserving the memory of Maine's role in the American Civil War. Through living history events, battle reenactments, and educational presentations they work to teach others about what life was like for Maine soldiers and civilians during the years 1861 - 1865. They also strive to serve as a living memorial to all of the people who gave their lives during the War, and in doing so gave us these United States of America.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

June 13, 2011 at Webhannet Golf Club, Kennebunk Beach
SPRING CLASSIC: 14th Annual Golf Tournament - 1PM shotgun start

Enjoy an afternoon of golf and camaraderie at Webhannet Golf Club for the Museum’s annual fundraiser. There'll be great prizes for the golfers, and a raffle, silent auction and fabled post-tournament social hour and catered dinner for golfers and non-golfers alike! Registrations due by June 1.

Visit the tournament website to register >

Opening June 22, 2011
Impressions of a World Traveler: Early 20th Century Travel Through the Eyes of Edith Barry exhibition

Using photographs, souvenirs, costumes, and written word, this exhibition explores early twentieth-century travel through the eyes of the Museum’s founder, Edith C. Barry. As a trained artist, Barry traveled the world throughout her life and documented her journeys through photographs, writings, and souvenirs.

The exhibit will focus on four of her trips: North Africa (1912); Asia (1920); “Around the World" (1935); and another “Around the World” trip in 1959. The exhibit will feature Barry’s photographs and watercolor paintings of various regions of the world, and offers a rare opportunity to read Barry’s own words in her travel journals.

Exhibition made possible by our Proud Business Partner, Captain Lord Mansion.

June 25, 2011
Embroiderer's Guild of America Stitch-In

The Southern Maine Chapter of the Embroiderer's Guild of America will hold a stitch-in at the museum, showcasing the style of school-girl sampler that can be viewed in the Museum's Learning is an Ornament exhibit.

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Take part in Old Home Week in Kennebunk by stopping by the Brick Store Museum to participate in a scavenger hunt in the Museum's Program Center.

Celebrate the Museum's 75th year through photography! Edith Barry, the Museum's founder, was an artist, photographer, and world traveler. Join in Edith Barry's legacy of photography by defining culture today through YOUR images.

This contest is open to photographers of all ages. It will run from July 15 to September 2, 2011. Every submitted photograph will appear on the contest website, and winners will be chosen by talented judges from the Southern Maine art community.

Visit the contest website to learn more about the contest, rules, and how to enter!

Check out the entries here>

Join Trinity Chapel in celebrating over 100 years at the beach! In the first of a series of summer events, Brick Store Museum's President of the Board of Trustees, Steve Spofford, will present a lecture on shipbuilding in the Kennebunks.

A wine and cheese reception will follow the presentation. Copies of William Barry's "Sketch of an Old River" will be on sale for a special price, as will the Museum's newest holiday ornament.

Trinity Chapel is located at the intersection of Woodland and Railroad Ave in Kennebunk Beach, Maine.

Kids in grades 4-8 are invited to take an imaginary trip across the globe, following the travels of Edith Cleaves Barry, the Museum’s founder. As they “visit” three different countries, they will hear about Miss Barry’s visit, create a representative craft, and learn a bit about each country. As the students work, snacks representing each country will be available.

The workshop concludes with family members and the general public invited to the Museum from 2:30 to 3PM to view the kids’ projects and to tour the Museum’s exhibitions. As lasting memories of the day, children take home everything they have created.

Pre-registration is required. Cost is $25/child ($20 for Museum members); family discounts available. To register, download our registration form or call the Museum at 985-4802.

Made possible by the Museum's Education Committee and the Dorothy Fish Fund for Furthering Edith Barry's Legacy.

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Opening August 1, 2011
75 Years in the Life of a Collection: Spotlight on Shoes at Kennebunk Free Library

See what Kennebunkers have put on their feet for the past 300 years in this new, month-long exhibit by the Brick Store Museum, hosted by the Kennebunk Free Library in its entrance area.

The display features over twenty pairs of women's shoes ranging from the mid-18th Century to the 21st Century. The Brick Store Museum's shoe collection can teach visitors about the changes in society and culture over 300 years, simply by investigating the style of a shoe.

The exhibit asked guests to vote for their favorite shoes, and posed the question: what shoe should the Museum collect to represent the 21st Century?

See the voting results here!

Opening August 2, 2011
Through the Ages: 75 Years at the Brick Store Museum History Showcase

Celebrate the Brick Store Museum's 75th Anniversary by visiting our newest History Showcase. An enlarged Museum timeline, vibrant photographs, and visitor reminiscences will fill the gallery to illustrate how the Museum has grown to be a place of community, art, and history in the heart of the Kennebunks since 1936.

This History Showcase is sponsored by our Proud Business Partner, the Captain Lord Mansion.

August 6, 2011
75 Summers: The Brick Store Museum's 75th Anniversary Celebration - 1:00PM - 5:00PM

In honor of the Brick Store Museum's 75th Anniversary, four historic homes on Summer Street will each host a different outdoor activity and refreshments, as well as the opportunity to learn some history of the home and its early owners.

Don't miss your chance to enjoy a vintage birthday party, badminton, paper boat races, barn dancing, refreshments, and more!

Admission cost is $10 per adult, $5 per child, $25 per family and includes all activities and refreshments. Tickets must be purchased in advance by no later than July 23! Families who join the Museum in June and July receive a free family ticket to this event!

Purchase tickets in person at the Brick Store Museum, via phone at 985-4802, or by downloading the event form and returning it to The Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

August 14, 2011
Shipbuilding Odyssey - 12:30PM - 5:00PM

In a Brick Store Museum exclusive, learn about the Kennebunks' storied shipbuilding past. This 3-hour heritage tour begins at the Museum with a brief, illustrated talk about what life was like in the Kennebunks' many shipyards and what it took to build the vessels that eventually sailed trade routes spanning the globe. You'll then embark on a special, narrated trolley excursion that takes you to various local sites associated with shipbuilding along the Kennebunk River in the 1800s. The afternoon winds up back at the Museum for refreshments, viewing related collections, and receiving a commemorative gift. Advance reservations are required as space is limited for this signature event! To register, stop by or call the Museum at 207.985.4802; cost is $30/person ($25 for current Museum members).

Made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

August 21, 2011
Colony Hotel Concert Series - 5:00PM - 6:00PM

Join the Brick Store Museum on August 21st for an evening of music at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport! All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Museum.

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September 2-3, 2011
Paint the 'Bunk Art Show

The Brick Store Museum hosts the 2nd Annual "Paint the 'Bunk" art show and sale, presented by Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk. Friday, September 2, join us for Opening Night from 4-7pm. On Saturday, September 3, the Program Center will be open from 10:00AM - 2:00PM, featuring 100 pieces of original artwork for sale at $200 each!

All proceeds benefit the Heartwood College of Art.

For more information, visit the Heartwood College of Art website >

September 24, 2011
Smithsonian Museum Day - 10:00AM - 2:00PM

The Brick Store Museum will participate with museums and cultural institutions nationwide to open their doors free of charge to all visitors who download the Museum Day Ticket from www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors presenting the official pass will gain free admission for two people to the Museum. One ticket is permitted per household, per email address. This one-day event emulates the free admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities.

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October 15, 2011
Homecoming Open House - 10:00AM - 1:00PM

To welcome Kennebunk alumni and community members during Kennebunk High School’s Homecoming Weekend, the Brick Store Museum will host a Homecoming Open House on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with free admission for all.  In addition to viewing all of the Museum’s current exhibitions, visitors that day will also be eligible to win door prizes, enjoy a hot dog while supplies last, and Kennebunk school alumni who join as new Museum members on that day will receive their membership for half price. Join us!

October 29, 2011
8th Annual All Souls' Walk - continuous tours offered beginning at 1PM, with the last tour departing at 4PM

Begin at the Museum for a narrated walk with costumed interpreters through Hope Cemetery to visit the graves and hear the fascinating and sometimes tragic tales of Kennebunk residents from the past three centuries. Featured stories include ones about ill-fated sea captains, a Kennebunk Civil War soldier, a spinster and her namesake ship, and a tragedy in the White Mountains. The tours conclude back at the Museum for light refreshments and for viewing the portraits in the galleries of many featured on the walk. Not too spooky, it's perfect for the whole family!

Cost is $5/person (cash/check/Visa, MC, Discover); no advance reservations are required unless for large groups. This event occurs rain or shine, as we do have the capability to run an "indoor version" as an illustrated talk.

Consider extending your All Souls' experience by attending our All Souls' Dinner that evening (see below).

October 29, 2011
2nd Annual All Souls' Dinner at the Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport - 7PM

Keep the All Souls' experience alive just a little longer by attending the All Souls' Dinner at the Nonantum Resort, rumored to have a friendly ghost all its own! The Nonantum's ballroom will be decorated in its Halloween finest and will feature a hearty harvest buffet dinner. In the ancient All Souls' tradition, an empty seat will be left at each of the banquet tables in honor of the dearly departed, and the historical figures from the Museum's All Souls' Walk (see above) will make guest appearances to mingle with the diners.

This event is great both for those who want to spend more time with our costumed characters and those who may not have otherwise been able to attend the All Souls' Walk.

The cost is $25/person with proceeds to benefit the Museum; advance reservations are required by calling Tim Ames at the Nonantum Resort at 207.967.4050, ext. 651.

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November

November 8, 2011
Barry: The Art Exhibition opens

Edith Cleaves Barry, the Museum’s founder, was an artist and world traveler in the early 20th Century. This exhibit features the paintings, sculpture, and pen-and-ink drawings created by Barry from the late 19th Century to the early 1960s.

As a trained artist, Edith Barry documented the world through visual art, often studying forms and figures for months before actually creating the image. Her oil-on-canvas paintings range from portraits of businessmen and of her family, to landscapes of France, to images of the old West, to views from her window in New York City, to surprising shows at the circus. Sculptures of people, animals, and mythical figures display the wide-range of Barry’s talents.

In addition to viewing Barry’s finished art, visitors will also find her sketches and studies for the various pieces of art that she produced. A small selection, made up of nearly one hundred sketches, lines the gallery wall to display Barry’s efforts in her study and perfection of her subject.

Paired with the Museum’s “Impressions of a World Traveler” exhibition, which details Edith Barry’s world travels, “Barry: The Art Exhibition” is on view until January 2012.

Sponsored by the Museum’s Proud Business Partner, Captain Lord Mansion.

November 19, 2011
Chat with the Curator - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

As an extension of our popular exhibition Impressions of a World Traveler: Early 20th Century Travel Through the Eyes of Edith Barry, the Brick Store Museum will open Barry: The Art Exhibitionon November 8, 2011. In conjunction with these exhibitions, the Museum invites visitors to "Chat with the Curator" on Saturday, November 19th.

Museum Specialist Cynthia Walker, curator of Impressions of a World Traveler and Barry, will be on hand to speak with visitors and answer questions about both exhibitions.

November 26, 2011
'The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in New England" - 2PM

This well-illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas from the time it was outlawed in 17th-century New England through the beginning of the 20th century when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year. But many of the customs which we take for granted as part of the current holiday festivities and religious celebrations are actually a product of more recent history. Kenneth C. Turino, Manager of Community Engagement and Exhibitions at Historic New England looks at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family centered event. Among the topics discussed are how the Christmas tree became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.

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December 11, 2011
8th Annual Holiday Tea - 3 to 5PM

Continue a holiday tradition with the Museum's 8th Annual Holiday Tea! The Museum invites families for a rare look inside a historic Kennebunk home - the Bourne Mansion! Learn a bit about tea, etiquette customs, and the storied history of the residence...all while enjoying hot tea and delectable treats.

Space is limited, and advance reservations are required by December 3. Cost is $20 for adults ($15 for museum members) and $7.50 for children 14 and under; kids aged 4 and under are free. All proceeds directly benefit the Museum’s programs and exhibitions. For tickets, please print and return the registration form or call the Museum at 207.985.4802.

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