Join us to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the Nelson family, whose contributions have shaped Maine’s arts, business, educational, and civic landscape for more than a century.
In 1936, Harold and Mildred Nelson settled in Portland and quickly became beloved civic leaders. Harold founded, and with his cousin Irving Small, built Nelson & Small into a constantly growing and evolving distribution company. He and Millie volunteered on numerous boards, and helped to build some of Maine’s most important Jewish institutions.
The Nelsons' sons, their spouses Merle (Lenny), Patricia (Bruce), and Mary (Kenny), and children have expanded the family's legacy in amazing ways—building one of Maine’s largest law firms, practicing medicine, running businesses, serving in the Maine Legislature, championing education, preserving Maine’s history, helping transform some of Maine’s most important cultural institutions, and, always, supporting the Jewish community.
Please be with us to raise a glass in the family's honor! Our celebration will feature a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a program filled with tributes, a documentary, entertainment, and affection.
Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.mainehistory.org/maine-history-maker/
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