The Ulster-Scots brought superior weaving skills with them when they arrived in this country throughout the 18th century. It’s one of the lesser-known immigration stories explored in Pejepscot History Center’s new exhibit.
Pejepscot History Center’s new exhibition, “Immigration Stories: Exploring the Diverse Cultural Heritage of the Brunswick, Topsham, and Harpswell Communities,” is now open.
Curated by staff and volunteers — with contributions from local residents descended from immigrants — the exhibit includes historic photographs, textiles, maps, and a variety of objects, including a local musical star’s guitar and a grape crusher for wine-making.
The exhibit shares the stories of French-Canadian, Chinese, Irish, Scottish, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Polish, Dominican, Slovakian, Cuban, and other individuals and groups who came to call the Pejepscot Region of Brunswick, Topsham, and Harpswell, Maine home.
“Immigration has always been part of the American story, but too often it’s presented as a homogeneous experience,” Pejepscot History Center’s Museum Services Manager Aimée Keithan said.
Keithan added: “What we found when examining our collections was a much more diverse history that varied by culture, family, and individual. For this reason, we chose to tell a selection of immigration stories, giving us the chance to share larger narratives and themes as well as more intimate and even virtually unknown journeys to the Pejepscot region. Our hope is that each visitor not only learns something, but sees something of themselves reflected in the rich, diverse paths people took to become part of the communities of Brunswick, Topsham, and Harpswell.”
Complexities of colonialism, anti-immigration, and race are also addressed. The exhibit “unapologetically yet sensitively highlights the racism and discrimination endured by both Indigenous persons and people of color throughout the region’s history as a result of immigration,” according to a press release
“Immigration Stories” runs through December and is free to all, although donations are appreciated. It is located in the main gallery of Pejepscot History Center’s headquarters at 159 Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011.
The exhibit is supported by the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust and Riley Insurance Agency.
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