Last updated: 6/26/2020
Bridgton, Maine
Street Address
121 Main StreetBridgton, ME 04009
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 544Bridgton, ME 04009

Hours

Open seasonally. Check website for more details.
Wednesday - Saturday
12 PM - 4 PM

Admissions

Adults: $8
Active Military and Family: Free
Members: free
Students (): $4
Children under 15 Free

Staff

Karla Leandri Rider
phone: 207-647-2828
Description

Open seasonally from early June-October, the museum's main exhibit located in the Webb house features the story of Rufus Porter that includes a collection of miniature portraits, models of some of his inventions, books and pamphlets written by Porter, and early editions of Scientific American. On exhibit in the historic Nathan Church house are landscape murals in situ in Porter's School of Landscape mural style, and an extricated wall section painted by artist John Avery, a contemporary of Porter's. Included in the museum's collection though not yet on display are walls painted by Jonathan D. Poor (Porter's nephew). Temporary exhibit panels depicting the Poor murals can be viewed in the interim.

Mission

The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity celebrates the life, times, and legacy of a remarkable 19th century New Englander through preservation and promotion of creativity and invention.

History

Founded in 2005, The Rufus Porter Museum located in Bridgton, Maine features the history of a remarkable 19th century New Englander, Rufus Porter (1792-1884). Porter is well-known in the folk art community for his landscape murals and miniature portraits, however, Porter was more than just a painter. He was the founding publisher and editor of the magazine Scientific American as well as inventor, writer, teacher and more.

Artifact Collections

The Rufus Porter Museum, a folk and decorative arts museum, is the only entity devoted to Porter’s work and displays his 1828 murals as well as other examples of his remarkable career. He founded the Scientific American magazine in 1845 to encourage the innovations which were vital to the Industrial Revolution

Research Collections

Excellent collection of folk and decorative arts books and magazines. Many original Scientific American issues from the 1800's.

Educational Programs

Children's creativity workshops will focus on the museum exhibits, including different perspectives of Rufus Porter's life, achievements, inventions, and of course his art.

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Services
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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