A Curator’s Guide to Crime

Mainers have been fascinated with true crime throughout history, from the days of early American printing through the dawn of photojournalism. This exhibit allows guests to explore media sensationalism, public consumption, and the social impact of high-profile Maine crimes. Notorious examines the differences and commonalities across sensationalized crimes, how they captured the public’s imagination, and what contemporary media coverage tells us about perception and societal norms.

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Events > A Curator’s Guide to Crime
Maine Historical Society
489 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101 United States
About the Event
Presented by
Maine Historical Society
(207) 774-1822
May 7, 2025

12:30 pm-1:30 pm

Join Maine Historical Society for a guided tour of our exhibit Notorious with Collections Curator Tiffany Link. Visitors will explore different angles and perspectives of true crime reporting and media consumption through case study vignettes from over two and half centuries of Maine history ranging from responsible public information and community crime solving to perpetuating stereotypes and voyeuristic interest. Join us and reflect on what drives true crime consumption throughout history and today. Our first tour in this series on May 7 will be an overview of the entire exhibit. The four subsequent tours will focus on a different era featured in the exhibit:

May 7: exhibit overview

June 4: Crime in Early America (1690-1800)

August 6: Crime in the time of Maine Statehood (1800-1850) September 3: Crime in the Victorian Era (1850-1900)

October 1: Crime in the 20th Century (1900-1940) Tour available at 12:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, May–October 2025 (July excepted)

Registration required. FREE for MHS Members, $10 General Admission

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