For one reason or another, we have all been called to share our time working to reflect on the past, share the stories that matter, and preserve the unique character and legacy of greater Portland for generations to come.
Below, current and past Board of Trustees share their reasons for contributing so significantly to our shared work.
Bruce Roullard, Board President
Resident of Gorham.
“Landmarks focuses on historic preservation by identifying neighborhoods which should be considered a historic district. Our focus has expanded to look at all communities that have shaped greater Portland. Many of these communities housed working class immigrants and the structures in these neighborhoods and their stories must not be forgotten.
I’m proud of the Places in Peril listings. This program has been very effective in raising awareness to the community on neighborhoods, structures or landmarks which are in danger of existence often due to abandonment or neglect resulting in significant deferred maintenance or ruin. Many of these identified Places in Peril have become historic rehabilitation projects resulting in a preservation award because of community engagement to protect these places.”
Tom Dowd, Treasurer
Resident of Cape Elizabeth.
“For more than sixty years, Greater Portland Landmarks has been a strong, respected voice for preserving the historic charm and character of the greater Portland area that we all cherish. This challenge still remains. In the years to come, Landmarks must continue to be a leader in protecting the remarkable historic legacy of Portland, and its surrounding communities, through advocacy, education and outreach.
Right now, there are two very significant transformations occurring: Greater Portland is growing and changing and historic preservation is moving away from a focus on single buildings and sites to a focus on historic neighborhoods and communities and the people who inhabited them.”
Rachel Ambrose
Resident of South Portland, India Street, and now East Deering.
“Since 1964, Greater Portland Landmarks has kept Portland, Maine looking and feeling and sounding and smelling like Portland, Maine. One of the reasons we have such a vibrant community of neighborhoods that so many people want to move to is because of its authenticity. People have lived and worked here for hundreds of years and we've grown and evolved, but always in a way that still feels like us.
Landmarks is now embarking on projects to insure that the histories of ALL the people who have called Portland home are given an opportunity to share their stories. It's not only mansions that have stories to tell, it's the neighborhoods where immigrants first landed in the US, where hardworking families have grown to influence everything we experience today. It's a super exciting time to be working in historic preservation.
It seems like a small thing, but one accomplishment I'm most proud of as a (former) Board Member is the hiring of a new Executive Director. Landmarks had had one ED for many years, so replacing her was a huge challenge. After months of job description writing, interviewing, and discussing, we ended up with an experienced, vibrant, go-getter of an Executive Director. She's leading GPL in exciting new directions and I for one am very happy to follow along!”
Ed Gardner
Resident of Falmouth and downtown Portland property owner.
“I was drawn to Portland for its mindful care of the antiquity of this city and noted that it was the preservation of ‘yesterday’ that gave the city its warmth. I learned that over five decades Greater Portland Landmarks was responsible for the advocacy, education, and the formation of preservation partnerships that made preservation possible and continues to help as new buildings get built, historic parks get refreshed, and cultures become uncovered and recognized.”
Francesca Galluccio-Steele
Resident of the West End.
“I have enjoyed being on the Portland Landmarks Board for a number of years because I’m a conservationist committed to preserving Portland’s wonderful sense of place, and promoting a clear-eyed understanding of our complex history, as well as supporting economically- and environmentally-sound building and restoration practices.”
Bill Hall
Resident of Peaks Island.
“I’m involved in Landmarks because historic preservation grounds me. It gives me a sense of place, where we have been, what stories we have to tell.
I recently heard a report on NPR about the preservation of the buildings that had been assigned to the Black soldiers in the newly desegregated Marine Corps at Camp LeJeune, and it really brought home to me the essence of historic preservation.”
Joel Harris
Resident of Cumberland.
“Historic preservation benefits the community as a whole, with Fort Allen Park being a great example of our work being accessible to all. The more of us who have a stake in the effort, the more likely it is to be impactful. I’m honored to be able to offer my professional background to help ensure Landmarks’ financial stability, while working to raise awareness of how the character of our city is influenced by the role of preservation. ”
Anisa Khadraoui
Resident of Nason’s Corner.
“I am part of Greater Portland landmarks because working in historic preservation, we are stewards of stories. We honor a place’s history by ensuring and protecting its future. We celebrate and integrate the past, present, and future.”
Chloe Martin - Secretary
Resident of Deering Center.
“I am so proud whenever Portland makes a list about being the best city for...restaurants, raising a family, LGBTQ couples, or general quality of life...whatever it may be, because I know that historic preservation over the past 60 years has played a tremendous part in cultivating that character and vibrancy that is celebrated today. I am proud to be part of that legacy and excited to be active in historic preservation to know I am doing my part to enrich the region's future now.
I love the historic marker program at Landmarks. Our city/region has so many visual historic clues in the built environment that make my mind race with thoughts about the larger story I am a part of here. The markers give me information to ground myself and a place to start learning from. I am excited to help Landmarks figure out how to evolve the historic marker program to help us tell a full and diverse story of Greater Portland.
The Portland Observatory's volunteers are a kind, thoughtful, and devoted group. The way they take pride in the Portland Observatory, Portland's stories, and their sense of responsibility to share, update, and gain new knowledge inspires me to do the same.
As historic preservation is expanding its scope to encompass the full human experience that has lead us to the built environment we experience everyday, I am energized to see the way Landmarks is pivoting and expanding as well, as it has always done since its founding. When we know exactly how we got to where we are today we can better map out where we want to be tomorrow!”
Tom McGuire
Resident of Cape Elizabeth.
“I began participating with Landmarks based on its mission, without have done much homework about how effective the organization has been. I will continue to participate because of my sensible and dedicated fellow board members and the amazing staff running the day-to-day operation.”
Rhoda Smith Renschler
Resident of South Portland.
“With the opportunity to settle where they wished, my daughter and son-in-law chose Portland, Maine after only one overnight. My husband and I soon discovered the reasons for this decision.
There exists a prevailing spirit which is both dynamic and inclusive. The energetic spirit rises in part from the surrounding architecture and its stories which are woven into our daily lives. This pride of place promotes an atmosphere conducive to well-being and creativity.
An authentic blend of the past with a confident vision for the future is rare and needs tending. Once lost this identity is nearly impossible to recreate. Greater Portland Landmarks is actively engaged in protecting our communal assets and advocating for good design going forward.
I am proud to join in the effort to continue the momentum and keep growing the spirit.”
Jack Vreeland
Resident of Oakdale.
“Without the work of Landmarks, we would be facing Urban Renewal 2.0. Through the designation of historic districts, the work of this group has contributed significantly to making this place so special.
I really enjoy working on advocacy projects. Seeing where the rubber meets the road and seeing that every voice has an impact on the future of our community is powerful. We have learned so much together, and have shifted the paradigm of preservation in Portland.”
Nate Stevens, Past Board President
Resident of Deering Center.
“So much has changed over the last couple of years, both at Greater Portland Landmarks and in historic preservation nationally. Preservation is shifting to be more about the overall historic fabric than just one thread, and we’re right in the middle of it! With the adoption of the Munjoy Hill Historic District all the way to our Fall 2021 Places in Peril nominations, we’re excited to reflect on our mission and goals and how that can help tell the entire story of Greater Portland’s historic neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks.
Under new executive director, Sarah Hansen, Landmarks is excited to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever with a fresh focus on our strong advocacy work, education programs, and to connect with YOU, our historic preservation cheerleaders.
Over the last couple years Landmarks has been busy working with our supporters, neighbors, developers, and municipal leadership to ensure that historic preservation is at the front of everyone’s minds as we navigate the everchanging landscapes in Portland and our surrounding communities. Our historic buildings, parks, landscapes, and neighborhoods are what makes our communities unique, and preserving our personality continues to be at the forefront of our mission, now more than ever.”