Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity

Rufus Porter (1792-1884) was a painter, musician, writer, teacher, inventor, and original publisher of Scientific American magazine. He made enduring contributions to the culture of Maine, New England, and the United States through his uniquely American blend of creativity, ingenuity, and practicality as evidenced in his miniature portraits, famous wall murals, writings, and inventions.

The mission of the Rufus Porter Museum is to celebrate the life, times, and legacy of a remarkable 19th century New Englander through preservation and promotion of creativity and invention.

Exhibits

Located in Western Maine, surrounded by the very landscapes that inspired many of Porter's iconic murals, the museum immerses visitors in his lifelong endeavors and influences. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Porter miniature portraits, Porter Landscape School murals in situ, as well as originals and replicas of Porter's inventions. Special exhibit - You Can Get There From Here: Itinerancy and Travel in the 19th Century.
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Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.