Publications
Greater Portland Landmarks has published books and pamphlets on local history, architecture, and preservation for adults, children, and families. Physical books are available to purchase in our shop, while the following publications are free to download.
Staying above water: a property owner’s guide
Many of Greater Portland’s most treasured prehistoric and historic sites sit along the coast and its intersecting rivers and streams—areas at high risk because of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. These sites include historic seaside communities, residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods, wharves, forts, lighthouses, and 2,000 documented shell middens that contain valuable information and prehistoric cultural artifacts. This guide is intended for historic property owners, to illustrate possible strategies that can reduce the impact of climate change on their properties. Property owners should first identify the risks that challenge their property and neighborhood to understand the implementation strategies necessary to help reduce their risk. The case studies in this guide highlight possible mitigation, resilience, and adaptation strategies for several types of older properties in Greater Portland.
Staying Above Water is now available to download for free by clicking here!
The City is a Classroom
The City is a Classroom is an educational workbook written to meet the 3rd grade curriculum, but has proven popular with children through adults.
This 3rd edition, revised in 2013, and generously funded by the Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation and the CPB Foundation, includes an expanded local history time line and was a collaborative project with numerous historic sites in Portland. Contact us to learn more about using this resource in your third grade classroom.
The City is a Classroom is available for free download!
The Portland Observatory: An Activity Book
With the Portland Observatory Activity Book, you will learn about the famous tower, the man who built it, how and why it was used, and how important it is today as a national historic landmark. Explore this maritime signal tower with page after page of fun, hands-on activities.
The Portland Observatory Activity Book is available for free download!
What Do We Call It
This guide to identifying architectural styles was created by Greater Portland Landmarks for the Center for Real Estate Education. While it’s a little out of date, it’s still a great resource. Click here to download it.
the paintings of john calvin Stevens
Authors: Paul S. Stevens and Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr.
Catalogue to the Summer 2015 exhibition, The Paintings of John Calvin Stevens, at the University of New England Art Gallery.
The exhibit was the first which comprehensively brought Stevens’ paintings and sketchwork to the public since his passing in 1940.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
John Calvin Stevens on the Portland Peninsula
Author: Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr.
A comprehensive listing of the work of John Calvin Stevens on the Portland peninsula, Portland's most prolific architect.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
Deering: A Social and Architectural History
Author: Patricia McGraw Anderson & Josephine Detmer
Complete with period photographs and detailed illustrations, Portland is the only comprehensive overview of the Portland peninsula’s social and architectural history from 1628 to the early 20th century.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
Bold Vision: the development of the parks of Portland, Maine
Editor: Theo H.B.M. Holtwijk & Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr.
A fascinating history of how park advocates in Portland overcame formidable obstacles and developed one of the country’s finest park systems.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
Our Lady of Victories
Author: William B. Jordan, Jr.
Our Lady of Victories: A History of the Portland Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
Living with Newer Old Houses
Published by the Advisory Service of Greater Portland Landmarks, this book focuses on houses from the 1870s through the 1940s, with a focus on the influence of modern conveniences such as plumbing, heating, and electric.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
The Energy Efficient Old House
Published by Greater Portland Landmarks in 2011, this book allows owners of historic homes to become their own advocates in regards to potential necessary projects.
For more information and to purchase, click here.
landmarks observer
A triannual magazine offering information on local preservation issues, profiles of historic buildings, landscapes and public art, and how-to tips for homeowners interested in restoring or preserving their old home. Click here to peruse back issues!