The Portland Masonic Temple Foundation is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and improvement of the iconic and historic Portland Masonic Temple as a vibrant hub for family gatherings, enrichment of our Portland community, and civic engagement for both local and state level functions. Within our community, PMT is a welcoming home for all bodies affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity, hosting local, state, and regional functions.
We are committed to fostering a culture that values family, history, education, the arts, and civic responsibility. Through our efforts, we aim to create an inclusive space that inspires collaboration, enriches lives, and strengthens the bonds within our community.
1911
Year Built
1982
Listed on NRHP
6
Stories
1762
Oldest Maine Lodge
1820
Grand Lodge of Maine
Support the Restoration
Your contribution helps preserve the Portland Masonic Temple for future generations of Mainers.
Portland architect Frederick A. Tompson designed the Temple as a masterwork of Beaux Arts architecture. Its six-story brick and stone façade features four storefronts flanking a grand central entrance, ornate Corinthian pilasters and paired columns, a beltcourse frieze with decorative stonework, and a commanding round-arch window — one of the most distinguished buildings on Congress Street, situated between Portland City Hall and the historic First Parish Church.
415 Congress Street — Portland's Arts District
Situated between Portland City Hall and First Parish Church at the heart of the Arts District, the Temple is more than a landmark — it is a living gathering place for families, the Masonic Fraternity, and the broader Portland community.
Inside, the building houses some of the grandest interior spaces in the State of Maine: a magnificent theater and auditorium with a full proscenium stage and pipe organ, a sweeping ceremonial lodge room, beautifully paneled meeting halls, and ornate chambers that speak to over a century of fraternal and civic tradition.
Maine's oldest Masonic lodge was founded in 1762 — its charter signed by Paul Revere — and the Grand Lodge of Maine was established with statehood in 1820. The Temple has served as the heart of that legacy ever since.
The Grand Theater & AuditoriumHistoric Meeting HallGrand Ceremonial Lodge Room
History
Over a Century of Civic & Cultural Life
Since 1911, the Portland Masonic Temple has stood as the principal center of Masonic life in Maine — a welcoming home for all bodies of the Masonic Fraternity and one of Portland's most architecturally distinguished landmarks.
1762
Maine's First Masonic Lodge — Chartered by Paul Revere
Maine's oldest Masonic lodge was founded in 1762, its charter signed by Paul Revere and others. This heritage of more than two and a half centuries of fraternal tradition underlies the Temple and its mission of preservation and public service.
1820
The Grand Lodge of Maine Established
With Maine's statehood came the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Maine — the organizational body that would lead to the construction of a permanent, purpose-built Temple in Portland.
1911
Construction & Dedication
The Portland Masonic Temple was completed to a design by Portland architect Frederick A. Tompson — a six-story Beaux Arts landmark that immediately became one of the most architecturally significant structures in the city and the principal center of Masonic life in Maine.
February 11, 1982
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Portland Masonic Temple was formally listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP No. 82000748), receiving federal recognition for its architectural distinction and its central role in the cultural and fraternal life of Portland and the State of Maine.
Today
The Masonic Temple Foundation
The Masonic Temple Foundation stewards the building for future generations — opening it for cultural events, exhibitions, tours, and community programming, and operating the Civil War Museum and Library for public research and education.
Why It Matters
Why the Temple Matters
The Portland Masonic Temple is a living institution — a place that brings families together, strengthens the Masonic Fraternity, and serves as a hub for education, the arts, history, and civic life in Portland and across Maine.
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Restoration & Preservation
The Foundation is committed to restoring and preserving the Temple's magnificent Beaux Arts architecture — its Corinthian columns, ornate stonework, and grand interior spaces — for generations to come.
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History & Education
Home to the Civil War Museum & Library, the Temple fosters a culture of learning and historical awareness — open to families, scholars, and the public.
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Arts & Community
A welcoming hub for cultural events, performances, exhibitions, and family gatherings — inspiring collaboration and enriching lives across the Portland community.
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Masonic Home
A welcoming home for all bodies affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity — hosting local, state, and regional functions that strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and civic responsibility.
Restoration & Preservation
Our Plan for the Temple's Future
The Foundation is dedicated to the restoration and improvement of the Temple — preserving its historic character while creating an inclusive, vibrant space for family, community, and Masonic life for generations to come.
I
Structural Preservation
Assessing and restoring the Temple's foundational elements — roof, masonry, and primary systems — to ensure long-term stability and integrity.
II
Historic Interior Restoration
Careful conservation of original woodwork, plasterwork, and ceremonial chambers — restoring them to their historic Beaux Arts character.
III
Welcoming & Accessible
Upgrading infrastructure to modern accessibility standards so the Temple is a truly welcoming and inclusive space for all families and community members.
IV
Community & Civic Life
Activating the Temple as a vibrant hub for family gatherings, the arts, education, civic engagement, and Masonic events at local, state, and regional levels.
Venue & Event Space · Portland, Maine
Reserve the Portland Masonic Temple
The Temple's historic halls and chambers are a welcoming home for Masonic Fraternity events, family gatherings, cultural performances, exhibitions, civic functions, and private celebrations — among the finest spaces in all of Maine.
Available Spaces
Historic Halls & Chambers
From the grand theater and auditorium to intimate ceremonial chambers, the Portland Masonic Temple offers magnificent historic spaces for Masonic functions, family gatherings, cultural events, and civic programming.
Grand Theater & Auditorium
Grand Theater & Auditorium
Full proscenium stage · Pipe organ · Theater seating
A magnificent theater featuring a full proscenium stage with red velvet curtain, tiered seating, and a pipe organ — one of the grandest performance spaces in Portland, ideal for concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and screenings.
ConcertsTheaterLecturesScreenings
Grand Ceremonial Lodge Room
Grand Ceremonial Lodge Room
Grand hall · Period furnishings · Stately interiors
A sweeping ceremonial hall with elevated thrones, period furnishings, and extraordinary craftsmanship — a singular setting for galas, receptions, exhibitions, and special occasions.
GalasReceptionsExhibitionsEvents
Historic Meeting Hall
Historic Meeting & Dining Hall
Paneled interiors · Fireplace · Period portraits
A beautifully paneled room with a fireplace, portraits of past leaders, chandelier lighting, and rich woodwork — perfect for board meetings, private dinners, scholarly retreats, and intimate receptions.
MeetingsPrivate DiningSeminars
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Guided Historical Tours
Guided Historical Tours
Groups & individuals · By appointment
Explore the Temple's history, Beaux Arts architecture, and storied chambers with a knowledgeable guide. Available for school groups, tourists, civic organizations, and private parties.
School GroupsCivic ToursPrivate
Contact & Reservations
Submit an Inquiry
Complete the form below and a member of our team will respond within two business days to discuss your event or visit.
Maine's Civil War Heritage · Portland Masonic Temple
Civil War Museum & Library
Preserving Maine's extraordinary role in the American Civil War — honoring the soldiers, their families, and the communities that answered the call.
About the Museum
Preserving Maine's Civil War Legacy
Maine contributed more than 70,000 men to the Union cause — including legendary commanders whose valor shaped the outcome of the war. The Civil War Museum and Library, housed within one of Maine's most historically significant buildings, serves as the permanent steward of this legacy.
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Research Library
An extensive collection of regimental histories, period newspapers, military records, and personal correspondence — open for public research and scholarly inquiry.
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Maps & Military Records
Original and reproduction military maps, muster rolls, pension records, and official documents tracing the movements and sacrifices of Maine regiments throughout the war.
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Artifacts & Memorabilia
Uniforms, weapons, personal effects, and regimental objects that bring the human experience of the Civil War vividly to life for visitors of all ages.
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Photographic Archive
Portraits of Maine soldiers, images of camp life, and documentary photographs from the war years — a visual record of extraordinary historical depth.
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Genealogical Research
Resources to assist descendants in tracing their ancestors' Civil War service — including regimental records, pension files, and burial records from across Maine.
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Educational Programs
Curriculum-aligned programs for school groups, public lectures, and interpretive exhibits designed to bring Maine's Civil War history to new audiences.
In honor of Maine's soldiers & their sacrifice · 1861–1865
Maine's Civil War Story
A State That Answered the Call
Maine contributed more than 70,000 soldiers to the Union cause — a remarkable figure for a state of its size. From the legendary 20th Maine at Little Round Top to General Joshua Chamberlain at Appomattox, Maine's Civil War story is one of courage, sacrifice, and enduring national significance.
1861
Maine Answers President Lincoln's Call
Maine was among the first states to respond, raising regiments with remarkable speed and patriotic fervor from communities across the state — from the coast to the interior.
July 2, 1863
Little Round Top — The 20th Maine Infantry
Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Infantry held the Union's extreme left flank at Gettysburg. Their famous bayonet charge down Little Round Top helped hold the Union line at one of the war's most decisive moments.
April 12, 1865
Appomattox — Maine at the War's End
General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was chosen by General Grant to receive the formal surrender of Confederate infantry at Appomattox Court House — a signal honor for Maine's most celebrated soldier.
Legacy
Honoring Maine's 70,000
The Museum and Library exists to honor their memory, preserve their story, and make it accessible to all who seek to understand Maine's extraordinary and decisive role in American history.
Visit the Museum & Library
Open to researchers, school groups, and the public. Guided tours available. Contact us to schedule a research appointment or group visit.
