Print is an independent book seller located on Congress Street in Portland. They host a variety of events at their own space, but also host a reading series First Fridays at 7pm in the Mechanics’ Hall library. Additionally, we partner with Print on larger literary events that usually take place in the ballroom. Find our full program calendar here or sign up for twice monthly emailed events updates here.
Portland Society for Architecture (PSA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 to promote the progress and economic development in Greater Portland, Maine by encouraging innovation and vision in design and planning. We continue to partner with PSA on a range of educational programming, most recently, our Mechanics of Our Built Environment series which aims to create literacy around public policy and urban planning initiatives.
The Art Mart has been a tenant of Mechanics’ Hall since 2013. Ideally located in our 517 Congress street level retail space, the shop is a quick jaunt from Maine College of Art. They offer a full selection of art supplies for hobbyists, students, and professional artists alike as well as discounts on First Fridays.
The Maine Crafts Association supports craft artists by providing educational, marketing and retail opportunities. MCA acts to strengthen individual craft artists, Maine communities, local economies, and the visitor experience by making Maine a national crafts destination. Their street level retail store, Maine Craft Portland, opened in Mechanics’ Hall Summer 2018.
Maine State Building and Construction Trade Council, a 14-union member council promoting unions in Maine. The MSCBTC has contributed volunteers and donated labor for many of the halls renovations and restoration projects.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers through their apprenticeship program added a dozen outlets in the ballroom, wired the bathrooms and installed lighting in the classroom among other small projects. In the near future they upgrade electrical service to the attic, mezzanine and ballroom. IBEW Local 567 website.
Gillian Davis of Portland Swing Project is one of our earliest partners and assisted in the initial Gala presenting the ballroom to the public following the receipt of our public assembly permit. Gillian holds weekly swing dance classes from fall to late spring. She has also assisted in coordinating bands for ballroom dances.
Working with public schools, 240 Strings provides free classical music lessons, cultivating young minds and hearts, while building community along the way. We host their Free Community Concert series in our Ballroom.
NRCM has been protecting the nature of Maine since 1959, by harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine’s environment. NRCM utilizes our classroom and ballroom spaces for conferences and meetings.
Formally Community Television Network, PMC is one of our earliest partners and provides video production and technical assistance for many of our programs and events. We are a PMC member and you can watch Mechanics’ Hall videos on our Member Page on the PMC site.
Maine Historical Society is closely aligned with the Mechanics’ Hall and it’s history. MHS recently featured Mechanics’ Hall as one of the historical sites in its annual fundraising campaign “Magical History Tour”.
Creative Portland is the city agency that represents and advocates for the creative economy. Creative Portland has supported the efforts of Mechanics’ Hall in establishing its venues in the arts district of Portland by promoting our events and connecting us with other creative partners.
Greater Portland Landmarks, a staunch supporter of preserving Portland’s architectural heritage, has assisted and encouraged the ongoing efforts to restore Mechanics’ Hall and grow our organization.