Maine Archives & Museums Annual Conference 2026


 2026 Maine Archives & Museums Annual Conference
Friday, October 2, 2026
University of Maine at Augusta  

Pre-conference events will take place in and around Augusta on Thursday, October 1

Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026


As we wrap up semiquincentennial programs and exhibits across our state, "Revolutionary Resilience: 250 and Beyond" challenges us to reflect on the legacy of the American Revolution while critically examining our own institutions and the work that still must be done. Cultural heritage organizations open a window to the stories that have been both celebrated and suppressed for the last 250 years and beyond, and the call to celebrate this landmark anniversary has prompted many organizations to question their role in this celebration. We seek session proposals that grapple with the concept of “revolution” and “resilience.” How can we build organizations that withstand political and environmental shifts? How can we do justice to the people and stories who the 250th leaves out? How do our organizations persevere and continue to exist in an ever shifting and tumultuous funding landscape? How do we show resilience?

Note - Sessions do not have to tie in to the conference theme. If you have a good idea, we would love to hear it.

Session Formats 
Note the new formats this year - we are offering shorter and longer options 

Classic Breakout Session (60 minutes)

One presenter or a panel (two or more) discussing a topic that informs and inspires participants. This may be a “how to” session, a case study, a presentation of research, etc.

Hands-On Workshop(90 minutes)

(By popular demand) A skill sharing session in which participants will try their hand at a new skill and leave with an understanding of how to tackle a project or task at their own organization.

Inspire Discussions(30 minutes)

A lightning moderated discussion with one or more facilitators and attendees. Speakers and attendees will engage in an open and equal exchange of ideas on a specific topic.

Poster Session

Design and print a poster outlining a project or skill. Poster presenters will stand with and present their posters during an afternoon coffee and exhibitor break.

What session topics are being encouraged?  Any and all sessions related to these topics:

  • Hands-on skill sharing
  • Development
  • Fundraising
  • Archives/Collections Care
  • Advocacy
  • Outreach
  • Programming
  • Collaboration 
  • Working with volunteers/interns

The MAM conference always works to provide a healthy variety of sessions geared towards all-sized institutions, but we encourage sites with few or no paid staff members to submit proposals with an emphasis on local history. 

As a presenter, you will only pay the low $45 presenter rate if you wish to attend the whole conference. You are also welcome to contactinfo@mainemuseums.org if you need to have your fee waived.

The deadline for submitting proposals is May 15, 2026. MAM's Conference Committee will review submissions and notify applicants of the status of their proposal by mid-summer. 

Questions? Contact us at info@mainemuseums.org.


Stay tuned to this page for more details and registration info!

Interested in being an exhibitor or a sponsor of this year's conference? Check out the available packages here!

Members: log in first to access discounted registration rates. If you have trouble logging in, email info@mainemuseums.org.

Thanks to Nick Gray and his new Patron View donor database project for partial website sponsorship in 2025.


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Maine Archives and Museums

P.O. Box 95, Portland, Maine 04112

info@mainemuseums.org 


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