Maine State Building 

The Exhibits

The Maine State  Building, built in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition, was rededicated here at Poland Spring 1895. After the Ricker family left the hill in the 50's, and the Job Corps in the 60's, most of the treasures of the building were sold. Only because of the diligence of  valiant volunteer supporters has the preservation and restoration of this building been a priority since 1976. 

April 2007, the board hired a full time Executive Director, Jason C. Libby, to oversee its care.

A visit to the Maine State Building begins with the over whelming feeling of disbelief that in 1893  such a magnificent octagonal building could be built and then moved to Poland Spring by train and ox cart!

Below are the diagrams of the original floor plans.

The first floor                                       The second floor

At the fair, the building was filled with displays about the State of Maine. After its move to Poland Spring, the first floor was dedicated as library and reading room. The second floor had bedrooms for over night guest. The third floor was an Art Gallery where American Art was shown.

For the 2008 season we will have made a great deal of changes to the exhibits while maintaining the general feel that has been in place for several years. In preparation for making room to finalize our research library, we will switched some rooms around and enhanced their place within the tour of the building.