This Week at MHS: Moxie and The Grapes of Wrath

Digital History: Stories from Maine Memory Network

Historic Image: C. B. Woodman Pharmacy, Westbrook, ca. 1900

MMN# 13159

Moxie makes Mainers mighty. If you grew up in Maine or have spent time here, chances are you've heard that phrase. The carbonated beverage, which dates to the late 19th century, and once topped both Coke and Pepsi in popularity, was originally marketed as "Moxie Nerve Food" for its supposed medicinal qualities.

Although the "Drink Coca-Cola with soda 5¢" sign on the outer wall of this Westbrook pharmacy looms largest, a Moxie sign is clearly visible hanging in the window. If you use the zoom tool, you can see what looks like a line of bottles beneath it.

Join us on Thursday at 5:30pm to learn more about the fascinating history of the official Maine soft drink when Jim Baumer joins us to talk about his new book, Moxie: Maine in a Bottle. Details below.

View this image online and zoom in to see details.

This Week

Join us every Thursday evening in July for back-to-back programs. Book talks at 5:30pm are followed by John Ford film screenings at 7pm.

Thursday, July 19, 5:30pm

Book Event: Maine: Moxie in a Bottle

Maine author Jim Baumer shows us why this soft drink has garnered such a loyal and vocal following. Representing old-fashioned values and a sense of community, Moxie is a Maine symbol of Americana.

Free. Books available in the Museum Store and online.

Thursday, July 19, 7:00pm

John Ford Screening: The Grapes of Wrath

Join us for the third of four film screenings that celebrate the work of Portland native John Ford. Based on John Steinbeck's classic American novel, The Grapes of Wrath follows the Joad family out of the Dustbowl to California in search of work and prosperity.

Included with museum admission.

Next Week

Tuesday, July 24, 6-8:30pm
Art At Work Meeting Place Project. Discussion Topic: West End, Portland
MHS is hosting four storytelling workshops as part of Meeting Place, a project aimed at increasing pride, awareness, participation, and diversity in neighborhood organizations. Each workshop will offer the chance for participants to share their knowledge of Portland in their own words, and we're looking for all kinds of stories about the Portland neighborhoods: the hilarious, the ridiculous, the mundane and more! The gathered stories will be linked to art works displayed throughout the neighborhoods in September. Please come to the neighborhood workshop that you either live in, or have memories from. More information online.

Wednesday, July 25, 6-8:30pm
Art At Work Meeting Place Project. Discussion Topic: Bayside, Portland
See information above.

Thursday, July 26, 5:30pm
Book Event: John McDonald's Maine Trivia: A Storyteller's Useful Guide to Useless Information

Professional storyteller John McDonald offers up his unique take on Maine trivia. McDonald delivers an educational and hilarious mix of basic and fun facts about the Pine Tree State, including, of course, more than a few wicked funny stories.

Thursday, July 26, 7:00pm

John Ford Screening: The Last Hurrah

Spencer Tracy stars as Frank Skeffington, an Irish-American politician loosely based on Boston's mayor Michael Curley, in this 1958 political drama.

To see a full list of upcoming programs, visit us online.

Register Now!

Saturday, August 4, 10:30am-12:30pm

Set sail in Casco Bay on the schooner Wendameen

Join MHS for a sail on Casco Bay aboard the historic Maine schooner Wendameen. Historian Jim Millinger will be our host and will talk about Portland Harbor's past and present. The 88-foot schooner, designed by John Alden, one of America's most celebrated yacht designers, was built in East Boothbay in 1912. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Help the crew raise the sail, take a turn at the wheel, or just relax and enjoy the talk and the scenery.

Space is limited and registration is required.
To register, please call 207-774-1822. Fee: $45; members: $40.

Ongoing and Family Programs

Visit us online, or call 207-774-1822 for times, ticket information, and details.