Join Maine Historical Society for a guided tour of our exhibit Notorious with Collections Curator Tiffany Link. Explore media sensationalism, public consumption, and the social impact of high-profile Maine crimes. Notorious examines the differences and commonalities across sensationalized crimes, the ways in which they captured the public's imagination, and what contemporary media coverage tells us about perception and societal norms. Through case study vignettes from over two and half centuries of Maine history, visitors will explore different angles and perspectives of true crime reporting and media consumption—ranging from responsible public information and community crime solving to perpetuating stereotypes and voyeuristic interest. Visitors will reflect on what drives true crime consumption—throughout history and today.
Our first tour in this series on May 7 will be an overview of the entire exhibit. The four subsequent tours will focus on a different era featured in the exhibit:
- June 4: Crime in Early America (1690-1800)
- August 6: Crime in the time of Maine Statehood (1800-1850)
- September 3: Crime in the Victorian Era (1850-1900)
- October 1: Crime in the 20th Century (1900-1940)
- Curator Tour reservations are available for the first Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. ET May - October 2025 (July excepted). Tickets are available through advance ticketing online. Walk-ins are subject to availability.
- The Tour typically lasts 45 - 60 minutes and involves walking and standing in an indoor, climate-controlled environment. Seating can be made available upon request.
- Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather closings or last-minute staffing shortages. Please include your contact information when making a reservation so that MHS staff can keep you informed of any last-minute cancellations.
- If you require assistance with the online process, please call 207-774-1822 x 208. However, because in-person guests are our priority, you may need to leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible, but it may not be the same day.
- While MHS members and children age five (5) and under are free, everyone must reserve a ticket. The ticketing process helps manage guest numbers.
Curator Tour tickets do not include access to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Ticket holders should check-in for their tour at the MHS Museum Store. We advise arriving 5-10 minutes prior to the tour start time.
- Tours depart from the Museum Store promptly at 12:30 pm ET.
- Ticket holders who arrive after their appointment time are not guaranteed access to the Tour.
- If you require assistance with the online process, please call 207-774-1822 x 208. However, because in-person guests are our priority, you may need to leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible, but it may not be the same day.
- While MHS members and children age five (5) and under are free, everyone must reserve a ticket. The ticketing process helps manage guest numbers.
We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.