# Event Details - **Event Name**: The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 23 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Wed, 23 Sep, 2026 at 07:30 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: From one-room schoolhouses to grand civic libraries, the buildings where Portland learned tell a story as rich as the city itself.About this EventPresented by Greater Portland Landmarks and Mechanics' Hall, this opening program grounds the Temples of Knowledge series in local, lived history, opening with an illustrated talk tracing the history and architecture of schools, libraries, and other buildings that have shaped education in Portland over generations.A moderated panel conversation led by Julie Larry follows, bringing together historians and community members with direct ties to specific schools, spotlighting the buildings and the neighborhoods that grew up around them.Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m. (doors 5:30 p.m.). $7 for MH Members, $10 for General Admission. No one turned away for lack of funds at the door.ABOUT THE FEATURED SPEAKERJulie Larry is the Senior Architectural Historian at Black Diamond Consultants. Formerly the Director of Advocacy at Greater Portland Landmarks, she has also served as President of the Board of Trustees and is currently an Advisory Trustee. As a partner for eighteen years at ttl-architects, an architecture and preservation firm in Portland, she was responsible for the restoration of the Castle in Deering Oaks and the Portland Observatory. She currently lives in Biddeford and serves on Biddeford's Historic Preservation Board.ABOUT THE SERIESTemples of Knowledge is a three-part in-person series tracing a consistent thread: how buildings providing education and fostering knowledge have been designed and reimagined, past and present. From school buildings converted to new uses, a department store turned art college, to institutions that have long supported informal and adult education, Portland has a wealth of educational buildings. These programs will highlight their architectural and social significance, the role they play in our communities, and their reinvention to meet today's needs.These programs are presented in partnership with and , with generous sponsorship by Developers Collaborative, a community-based development firm. The series will be complemented by virtual talks and site visits offered by Greater Portland Landmarks, providing additional ways to explore the architecture of learning.PARKING & TRANSPORTATIONThe Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.Street Parking: Available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and nearby streets. Pay by meter or the Passport Parking App. Free after 6 PM, on Sundays, and between Parris and Alder Street. Some blocks may vary — look for posted signs.Garages: The Arts District Garage (41 Brown St) has 250+ spaces, is open 24/7, and accepts credit card only, with entrances on Brown, Cumberland, and Casco. The Elm Street Garage (21 Elm St) is conveniently near the Portland Library. The Spring Street Garage is three blocks away at 45 Spring St.ACCESSIBILITYTo enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step or use a modular ramp. Please note that the wheelchair ramp has a steep incline.A wheelchair-accessible elevator is available. The elevator is 60" deep, 48" wide, with a 32" door opening. There are four wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on the third-floor level, adjacent to the Ballroom.If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at programming@mainemechanics.org or 207-773-8396. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/portland/the-schoolhouse-and-the-city-portlands-buildings-for-learning/100001999280977222 - **Event Categories**: art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 12.51, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Portland - **state**: ME - **country**: United States - **location**: Mechanics' Hall - **lat**: 43.6562436 - **long**: -70.2611664 - **full address**: Mechanics' Hall, 519 Congress Street, Portland, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/b366abc3664ddf447fa9a58b371a5ab3ce62b00c08248f84e41a4f5b00108f41-rimg-w1200-h600-dce8d8b8-gmir.jpg?v=1788462969 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning being held? - **A:** The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning takes place on Wed, 23 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Wed, 23 Sep, 2026 at 07:30 pm at Mechanics' Hall, 519 Congress Street, Portland, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning? - **A:** The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning is organized by Mechanics' Hall (Maine). - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The Schoolhouse and the City: Portland's Buildings for Learning is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Portland, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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