Juneteenth Free Admission to Gallery
The Museum Galleries and store will open for FREE on Friday, June 19, 2026 in honor of Juneteenth. Tickets provide access to all gallery exhibits on view. Visits typically take 30-60 minutes.
Gallery tickets on June 19th do not include access to Wadsworth-Longfellow House. Please reserve a timed ticket to view the historic house separately.
Current exhibits include:
- Pathways to Freedom: Maine Stories of the American Revolution (March 13-December 31, 2026)
- Working Granite: Italian Stonecutters and Their Union (July 29, 2025–July 25, 2026)
- The Early Days of Maine Golf: A Visual History, 1888-1940 (February 10 - October 4, 2026)
Digital versions of some of our exhibits are also available on Maine Memory Network at www.mainememory.net.
Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and ensure the freedom of the last remaining enslaved people in the United States. MHS invites you to mark the occasion with a visit to Pathways to Freedom, our signature exhibit on the American Revolution; in honor of the holiday, admission to our Gallery Exhibits will be waived for the day. Come and learn the story of Prince Dunsick, and how he found his own path to freedom. Born around 1752, Prince was kidnapped from Africa at eight years old, and sold into slavery to the Bailey family of Hanover, Massachusetts. In 1777, after nearly two decades of enslavement, Prince enlisted in the Massachusetts militia under the name Prince Bailey, served in the integrated 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, and was involved in some of the most pivotal moments of the war.
- While gallery admission is free on June 19, 2026, every guest must reserve a ticket. The ticketing process helps manage the number of guests and ensure the safety of the collections.
- Walk-ins are subject to availability, and last entry is 4 p.m.
- Weather-related emergencies, staffing shortages, and other similar unforeseen circumstances may force us to close unexpectedly or to adjust our hours and/or ticket availability. When planning your visit, we encourage you to double-check our website at www.mainehistory.org or to call 207-774-1822 for the most up-to-date hours and closing announcements, especially if you have not purchased tickets in advance.
If you purchased an MHS Member or Reciprocal ticket, please bring your participating credentials, membership card, or military ID as appropriate to ensure access under any membership or reciprocal admission program.
MHS is a Museums for All participant and honors NARM, ROAM, and Blue Star reciprocal membership discounts. Please book using the Adult Reciprocal and Child Reciprocal ticket options, and please bring your participating credentials, membership card, or military ID to ensure access under any reciprocal admission program.
Learn more:
Weather-related emergencies and staffing shortages may force us to close unexpectedly or to adjust our hours. When planning your visit, we encourage you to double-check our website at www.mainehistory.org or to call 207-774-1822 for the most up-to-date hours and closing announcements. Guests who purchase tickets online and include their email address with the booking will be notified via that email address if and when we are closed unexpectedly or if and when a program/tour has been cancelled.
- All gallery admission is for our location at 489 Congress St. Portland, Maine.
- Ticket holders should check in at the MHS Museum store upon arrival.
- Ticket holders who arrive more than 15 minutes late for their appointment time are not guaranteed access.
- Backpacks or large bags and luggage are not permitted in the House or exhibit gallery spaces. Limited locker space is available for belongings.
- The use of non-flash photography is permitted, except where noted.
- Food and drink are not permitted in gallery spaces.
We kindly ask for at least a 24-hour notice for cancellations and/or requests to reschedule a visit.
Please be considerate and cancel an appointment if you or someone in your household is unwell.