NSB Contributes $2,000 to Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity in Bridgton

BRIDGTON—Earlier this summer, the doors opened at the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity for its 20th year of service as a vital component in the downtown Bridgton scene. The museum honors the legacy of one of Maine’s most influential artists while celebrating the beauty of New England and nurturing the imagination and talent of today’s artistic creators. Like many renowned artists, Rufus Porter painted what he knew best, and visitors to the museum that bears his name have been able to enjoy those beautiful contributions since 2005. The museum’s mission has moved Norway Savings for years, including a recent $2,000 donation.

“In my visits to the museum, I have been overwhelmed by the size of the collection, the thoughtful and moving exhibits, and the passion of the staff to ensure everyone who walks in has a memorable experience,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings.

“We have experienced increasing recognition as a notable ‘cultural magnet’ in Western Maine,” said Tom Johnson, a member of the museum’s advisory board. “This is a reality made through the hearts, hands, and donations of those who believe in its ongoing relevance and potential like Norway Savings Bank.”

The museum is located in historic Bridgton homes, with main exhibits on display at the John and Maria Webb House, and a collection of murals and special exhibits shown at the Nathan Church House, located on Church Street behind the Webb House. In late June, the newly-constructed Graham Center, a classic post and beam barn will open to showcase reconstructed wall murals, including work by Porter’s nephew, Jonathan D. Poor.

“This hub features the story of Rufus Porter (1792-1884), portraits, models of some of his inventions, books and pamphlets that he wrote, a special exhibit area, and a gift shop,” said Johnson. “He is well known in the folk-art community for his landscape murals depicting farms around Bridgton, his childhood home, and seascapes of Portland, where he lived and studied as a young man.”

But he was more than just an acclaimed painter. The museum displays the time of ingenuity and practicality in which Porter lived. Porter’s patented inventions were useful in the home, farm, and factories, and he was the founder of Scientific American, a magazine designed to inspire bright and promising inventors, something the museum bearing his name continues to do with youth and young adult programming and events.

“The lofty aspirations and reach of the museum continue to increase along with the number of visitors, its capacity to serve guests, and the ways it enhances downtown,” said Walsh. “We’re proud to assist the museum as they honor a visionary, his ideas and ideals, and extend his impact into the generations that have followed.”

Located on 121 Main Street, the museum is open through October 11 on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and free for children ten and under. For more information about the museum, including its 20th anniversary celebration this summer, visit www.rufusportermuseum.org or call 207-647-2828.