Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

with Friends of Congress Square Park

Friday, May 6 from 8:00-9:30 PM

Join Friends of Congress Square Park for a special screening of Citizen Jane: Battle for the City. Writer and urban activist Jane Jacobs fights to save historic New York City during the ruthless redevelopment era of urban planner Robert Moses in the 1960s.

This event is sponsored by Portland Downtown as a kickoff for Jane’s Walk, happening statewide on May 7th.

Watch the trailer here.

Location:

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

The Rise of the Falls: A History of the Presumpscot River

with Michael Shaunessy from Friends of the Presumpscot and art professor at the University of Southern Maine

Friday, May 6 at 7:00 PM

Estimated duration: One hour

Westbrook has a deeply rooted relationship with the Presumpscot river, yet its history often goes unrecognized. Join Michael as he shares the fascinating history of the restoration of the Presumpscot River and its dynamic ecosystem. From Saccarappa Park, the group will venture to the island on Mill Lane to discover the history of the dam that used to inhibit the river’s fishing routes. From Mill Lane, Michael will lead the group up to the Poulin Memorial, where the group will learn the importance of the memorial and, as a bonus, get to pet some goats!

Accessibility:

Driving route maps are available in between points of interest for those who are in need of driving. From those driving pit stops, it is just a flat-ground walk away from where the group will be stopping.

Starting and ending point (Saccarappa Park):

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Exploring the Gargoyles of Downtown Portland

with C.J. Opperthauser from Friends of Congress Square Park

Saturday, May 7 at 9:00 AM

Estimated duration: Less than one hour

Ever felt like something's watching you? In this walk, we'll meander the streets of Downtown Portland in search of gargoyles and grotesques. As a group, we'll see how many we can find as we scour the intricate detailed architecture of some of the city's most beautiful buildings.

Accessibility:

This walk follows sidewalks and will be accessible with wheelchairs and strollers.

Starting point:

Congress Square Park, Portland

Ending point: Post Office Park, Portland

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Migration Exploration: Ospreys and Alewives

with Beth Brooke

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

Many species of birds and thousands of alewives may be seen on the Harrison Ave Trail in Gardiner, Maine. Come explore as Maine Master Naturalists, Augusta Bird Club members and Upstream highlight the beauty and multitude of species that thrive on our gem of a stream. This is a gentle downhill trail along Cobbossee Stream about one-third mile and returning along the same route. For more information visit the Upstream Facebook page or email upstreamcobbossee@gmail.com.

Accessibility:

There is easy parking in the lot near the bridge over Cobbossee Stream at the junction of Rt 126 and Harrison Ave. It is accessed by car or bike. This walk is not wheelchair accessible.

Starting and ending point:

New Mills Dam parking lot at the intersection of Route 126 and Harrison Ave.

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Hoofing the Hook with Historic Hallowell

with Members of Historic Hallowell Committee from Historic Hallowell & Vision Hallowell

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

A walking and talking tour following Hallowell's Museum in the Streets, sharing memories and stories about Hallowell's historic downtown district. Lead by members of the Historic Hallowell Committee with support from Vision Hallowell. The tour begins and ends at Granite City Park. Wear comfortable walking shoes and plan to have lunch (on your own) after the tour in downtown Hallowell.

Accessibility:

There is ample parking at Granite City Park and handicapped accessible parking is available in front of the Harlow Gallery and elsewhere along Water Street.

Starting and ending point:

Granite City Park, Water Street at the foot of Winthrop Street

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

East Machias Walk of Historic Places: The Changing Use of Community Spaces

with Erica Famous from Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

The East Machias Historical District was the first historical district in Washington County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, on April 11, 1973, and includes sections of Cutler Road (formerly High Street), Water Street, and Route 1 (formerly Bridge Street). Buildings and land may be used for many different purposes that often change over time to meet the evolving needs of a community. While honoring the past, sometimes older buildings must expand or change their purpose from that for which they were built to be preserved for future use. During this Jane’s Walk, let’s consider how the historic buildings in the East Machias Historical District have changed or expanded their use over time.

Accessibility:

The first section of the walk along Cutler Road has sidewalks; however they may be uneven in places. The remainder of the walk will occur along the side of the road on the gravel shoulder.

Starting point:

In front of the First Congregational Church of East Machias; parking on the street due to construction.

Ending point: Mill Memorial Park, Water Street, East Machias

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

India Street Neighborhood - Portland's Little Italy

with Rick Scala from Greater Portland Landmarks

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

In the mid-19th through early 20th centuries the India Street neighborhood was home to Portland's diverse immigrant population with Jewish, Irish, Eastern Europeans and Italians all living and working together. Today, the Italian heritage is still strong. Join walking tour guide Ricardo (Rick) Scala for a walk that fills you in on the history, traditions and personal stories of Portland’s Little Italy.

Accessibility:

The walking tour route will follow sidewalks and use crosswalks at all street intersections. The path and length of tour is a moderate impact walk and safe for wheelchairs and accessible to car/bike and street parking.

Starting point:

The walk will begin at the armillary at the corner of Franklin and Commercial Streets.

Ending point: Federal Street, Porland

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

A Vision for Downtown Westbrook

with Daniel Stevenson from Discover Downtown Westbrook

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

This walk will be led by Daniel Stevenson, lifetime Westbrook resident and the City's Economic Development Director. There is a lot of construction happening downtown, Westbrook Commons, Vertical Harvest, and there’s more to come! Join Daniel as he provides a vision of what's happening now and what’s to come in Westbrook.

Accessibility:

This walk will take place on sidewalks and concrete, so it will be wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Starting and ending point:

Vallee Square on Main Street

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Imagine Places Here

with Cary Tyson from Portland Downtown & Gretchen Rabinkin from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects

Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

Explore the surface parking lots of downtown Portland for a discussion of what could fill the open space.

Accessibility:

This tour route will follow sidewalks and be accessible with wheelchairs and strollers.

Starting point:

549 Congress Street, Portland

Ending point: Monument Square, Portland

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Reading Chebeague's Landscape

with Donna Miller Damon

Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: one hour

Chebeague Island's architectural styles have a direct connection to its economic and social history. The attendees will be transported back to the mid to late nineteenth century as they walk through the island's East End Neighborhood. They will learn how the style of the houses relates to the changes in the community and how the neighborhood transformed from an independent middle class Victorian community to a tourist mecca. Comfortable shoes are suggested. Donna Miller Damon, a local historian, will lead the walk. The presentation will view the neighborhood from various perspectives and will include a discussion of the Wabnanki, whose land we now call home.

Accessibility:

The route is accessible for wheelchairs. The island is accessible by boat.

Starting and ending point:

In front of the Chebeague Island Inn

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Sign of the Times: A Walking Tour of the Historical Heart of Ellsworth

with Ellsworth Historical Society in partnership with Heart of Ellsworth

Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

Join the Ellsworth Historical Society in partnership with Heart of Ellsworth and sponsored by Flexit Cafe for the first Annual Jane’s Walk in downtown Ellsworth. The walk will be led by Ellsworth Historical Society board member Terri Cormier who will give a guided tour of the Main Street portion of the Museum in the Streets guided walking tour. June marks the one year anniversary of this collaborative wayfinding downtown tour designed by the Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission in partnership with Ellsworth Historical Society members and installed by the City of Ellsworth. The walk will begin on State Street and proceed up Bridge Hill to Courthouse Gallery back down Bridge Hill and back up Main Street to the post office, loop back down Main Street to Flexit Cafe for some free coffee and cookies for all Janes Walk attendees. We will end the tour at the Franklin Street Parklet for a view of our historic City Hall. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your curiosity for Ellsworth's history of the downtown district.

Accessibility:

The walking tour route will follow sidewalks and use crosswalks at all street intersections. The path and length of tour is a moderate impact walk and safe for wheelchairs and accessible to car/bike and street parking.

Starting point:

14 State Street (MacRevival) in front of the master Museum in the Streets board

Ending point: Franklin Street Parklet

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

THE BANGOR FIRE OF 1911

with Robert Libbey

Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 AM

Estimated duration: One hour

The walk will begin near the site of the start of the fire at the plaque near the Kenduskeag pump station on Broad Street near the downtown side of the Sea Dog Restaurant. From there it will follow the path of the fire toward Street then onto Exchange Street down Harlow Street and around Franklin Street by the Statue of Hannibal Hamlin and ending on State Street. We will discuss the legacy of the fire and point out some of numerous buildings that were built as a result of the fire. The aim of the walk will be a concrete realization of what came to pass because of this significant event in Maine history.

Accessibility:

There is construction going on behind the parking garage near the Kenduskeag Stream and so good walking shoes should be worn.

Starting point:

The historical plaque and marker behind the Kenduskeag Pump Station on Broad Street between the parking garage and the Sea Dog.

Ending point: 3 State St, Bangor

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Stonington Pier to Pier: A Walk-and-Talk Through Time, Fishing, Quarrying, and Culture

with Linda Nelson from the Town of Stonington Economic & Community Development Committee

Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 AM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Stonington, Maine is Maine’s most productive fishing harbor, home to approximately 300 individually owned and operated lobster boats. Stonington is also an authentic, 19th century village with a Main Street of Victorian, mansard-roofed, mixed-use buildings directly along its working waterfront. Let’s get to know the heart of Stonington better together, sharing stories as we walk the short distance along Main Street from its commercial fishing pier to its public dock! Six different stops, topics, and speakers will be included in this 90-minute walk: the pending impacts of sea level rise on our historic fisheries and downtown, as detailed by an environmental scientist; the history of Stonington’s buildings and industries as detailed by local historians; the importance of Stonington's historic mix of retail, residential, and public spaces; and what it means to “face the sea” historically and today by area fisheries specialists. Your stories and questions are welcome as we address the intersections of past and future existing in our modern fishing village.

Accessibility:

This is a short route accessible to wheelchairs. There are benches along the way.

Starting point:

Stonington's Commercial Fish Pier at the intersection of School and Main Streets

Ending point: Stonington's public landing, Hagan Dock, and the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Biddeford's Garden to Table

with Delilah from Heart of Biddeford

Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 PM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Discover the cross-section of community gardens, international grocers, and a delicious downtown Biddeford food scene -- with a few tastes along the way!

Accessibility:

This walk will be using sidewalks and covering over a mile distance. Car and bike parking nearby.

Starting and ending point:

Heart of Biddeford, 205 Main Street, Suite 103, Biddeford, ME 04005 (Next to the awning for City Theater)

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Private Mills/Public Spaces: Kennedy Park and Downtown

with Jonathan Hall from Maine Preservation

Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 PM

Estimated duration: One hour

The walk will begin at the historic bandstand in Lewiston's oldest public space, Kennedy Park. The group will proceed to Lisbon Street to see what's new, reflect on the future and past of Lewiston's downtown, and end at Boba Cafe for lunch and refreshments.

Accessibility:

This walk features an urban landscape with curbs, sidewalks, and street crossings

Starting point:

Kennedy Park Bandstand at 120 Park Street, Lewiston

Ending point: Boba Cafe, 95 Lisbon St. Lewiston

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Discover the Mill: An Open House of the Dana Warp Mill (Self-guided)

with Chloe Hepburn from Discover Downtown Westbrook

Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 PM

Estimated duration: This is a self-guided tour, so guests are welcome to take as much time as they would like. The event will end at 4pm.

Discover the Mill is an open house of the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook. We will have maps for guests to use to guide themselves as they explore the incredible studios and small businesses found within the building.

Accessibility:

The Dana Warp Mill is wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps on site. There are handicap parking spaces in front of the building.

Starting and ending point:

Door 5 of the Dana Warp Mill. This is a garage door that leads into a large display room where guests will enter the event. The address of the Dana Warp Mill is 90 Bridge Street, Westbrook ME, 04092.

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Hoofing It – Exploring Portland’s Equestrian Age

with Alessa Wylie from Greater Portland Landmarks

Saturday, May 7 at 1:30 PM

Estimated duration: One hour

Join us for a light-hearted search for traces of a time in Portland when the clopping of horses’ hooves could be heard on the street. When carriage mounts, hitching posts, carriage houses and livery stables were common features in a neighborhood. Some elements are still there if you know where to look. And who knows, we might even hear the clop-clop of horses’ hooves again as we explore.

Accessibility:

There is paid parking across the street from 93 High Street, also plenty of on-street parking. The walk will be along public streets and sidewalks.

Starting and ending point:

93 High Street, Portland, Maine, 04101

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

The Good, Bad and Ugly: Street Art in Woodfords Corner

with Teresa Valliere from Friends of Woodfords Corner

Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 PM

Estimated duration: 90 minutes

Join neighbors for a community walk and talk looking at street art in Woodfords Corner. Murals, graffiti, sculpture, lights, storefronts – we’ll view 10 examples of “art” in Woodfords Corner and share our thoughts and ideas about what makes “public art” and how this shapes the character of our neighborhood hub.

Accessibility:

This walk will follow 1.5 miles on sidewalks or parking lots. There will be stops behind some buildings. The walk is very close to the METRO stop and bike racks are nearby.

Starting point:

On the sidewalk outside Artist & Craftsman (540 Deering Ave) in front of all the fun windows.

Ending point: Woodford Food & Beverage

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

Inside the Heart of Museum L-A

with Rachel Ferrante from Museum L-A

Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 PM

Estimated duration: One hour

Join Executive Director Rachel Ferrante for a Jane's Walk exploring behind-the-scenes of Museum L-A. The tour will begin with a brief overview of the current museum exhibit, The Industrial Heart. Participants will then get a glimpse at the Museum's archive rooms, storage spaces, and the vast permanent collection currently not on view to the public. The group will conclude by walking to the future Museum L-A location on Beech Street to see the inside of the former Camden Yarns Mill (which has yet to be renovated).

Accessibility:

Most of the tour is wheelchair accessible, but entry into the Camden Yarns Mill has one step.

Starting point:

Museum L-A, 35 Canal Street, Lewiston Maine (enter through the parking lot off of Chestnut Street, just next to the bridge).

Ending point: 1 Beech Street, Lewiston Maine

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com

“What’s the past, present, and future of Portland’s Western Cemetery?”

with Peter Munro from the Stewards of the Western Cemetery

Saturday, May 7 at 3:00 PM

Estimated duration: 75 minutes

Is a witch is buried there? What happened to Longfellow’s parents? Who is the most celebrated deceased? Why are its paths and trees special? How was heralded architect John Calvin Stevens involved? And why do officials from Ireland visit?

Accessibility:

This walk has gentle slopes and frequent stops. Dress for the weather with comfortable shoes.

Starting and ending point:

Pedestrian entry stone gate, Vaughan Street at Clifford Street, Portland.

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com