Portland Museum in Louisville, KY is an institution devoted to collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting everything regarding the heritage and culture of Portland. The Portland Museum, located on Portland Avenue, is situated in an 1852ish Italian mansion that has been modernized. With the use of temporary and long-term exhibits, they are able to show and tell the entire history of Portland, which is described as a historical community.
They have some very interesting exhibits that can tell a story. One such exhibit is of Captain Mary Millicent Miller, who was the first female in America to be a licensed steamboat master. The exhibit, which describes her as a lady steamboat man, is in the form of a robotic mannequin.
An animated 23-minute exhibit of the geographic areas of Portland tells how the people lived and the town developed in the 1800s. This display comes to live by means of models, dioramas, automatic sounds and lights. You will also see vivid old photographs and slideshow of Portland's history.
The two main Galleries in Portland, which feature many temporary art and humanities exhibits, are situated in Beech Grove, a historical area. Family portraits of members of the community from the beginning are available for interested historians. They are in the process of renovating Beech Grove to depict the lives and history of William and Mary Skene, who lived there with their family for over 80 years.
They also have a large collection of many items from the past such as artifacts, cooking utensils, gardening tools, opera glasses, bottles and crocks and many old ancient antique items.
The Portland Museum has many programs for the community, often raising money for events. There is also a museum store where you can purchase postcards, books and other educational materials.
