Portland, Maine 04101 United States
Before records and radios, people accessed popular songs of the day by purchasing sheet music, and playing it on home instruments. Iconic subjects like lobsters, pine trees, and winter were perfect for lyrics, with intricate artwork of Maine’s landscape gracing the sheet music covers.
Musicians sent compositions to publishers in New York in hopes of writing a hit song, to memorialize events, or even to sway public opinions. In Maine, many songwriters gained recognition by printing their songs regionally, and musicians scored poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s works to music. Westbrook’s Rudy Vallée began his singing career in Maine, including his popular Maine Stein Song in 1930.
Of Note: Maine Sheet Music features the captivating covers of original sheet music scores, along with the stories about Maine connections to the songs.
Exhibit Details:
Dates: August 13, 2024 to July 28, 2025
Location: MHS Showcase Gallery
Tickets available in advance or at the door
Admission includes all exhibits on view