Fall 2026
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
An eight-week lecture series offering a dynamic approach to learning in history, science, the arts, and current events. The series features a diverse and engaging set of speakers who explore contemporary issues and evolving cultural activities. Open to the public.
In-person at Wishcamper Center room 133, 44 Bedford St., Portland.
Online via Zoom; a link will be emailed the Monday before each lecture.
Cost: Individual lectures $15 each. Register in advance or cash-only at the door. OLLI members can register for the entire series for $60.
What are Embassies For? Confronting World Challenges
September 15
Susan Thornton
Retired Senior U.S. Diplomat
Susan A. Thornton, a retired senior U.S. diplomat with the U.S. State Department in Eurasia and East Asia, shares her expertise of 30 years experience in the Department of State.
Maine’s First Ship
September 22
Matt Blazek
Interim Executive Director, Maine’s First Ship
Explore the history of the Sagadahoc region, the story of the 1607 Popham Colony, and the adventures of Maine’s First Ship. Learn about how they are using their pinnace Virginia to educate on the region’s early history.
The Changing Food Scene of Portland
September 29
Peggy Grodinski
Food Editor, Press Herald
Peggy will talk about the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant and food scene in Portland, the challenges faced by restaurant owners today, and how Portland became nationally known as a “food destination.” She will also share how James Beard winners are selected, and what it is like being a food editor.
Stories from Maine Cemeteries: Lives Cut Short
October 6
Ron Romano
Author & leading researcher of Maine’s 19th Century Gravestones
Ron will show how gravestones from the 1800s were inscribed and decorated with symbols to memorialize those who died before their time, and he’ll share stories of Mainers whose lives were cut short by lightning, shipwreck, disease… even murder. Copies of his new book will be available for autographing and sale.
Maine Aquaculture
October 13
Sebastian Belle
Executive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association
Learn about the current impact of the aquaculture industry on Maine’s economy and working waterfront, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why Should You Care About Portland’s Western Cemetery?
October 20
Jonathan Monro
Trustee & Secretary, Western Cemetery, Inc.
Why is the cemetery of local and national significance? What does it tell us about U.S. history? Why has it suffered such destruction in the city’s richest neighborhood? How has the cemetery changed in the past five years?
Victoria Mansion
October 27
Tim Brosnihan
Executive Director, Victoria Mansion
The Victorian era was a time of great architectural creativity. This lecture will explore the range of styles popular in Maine during this period with a special emphasis on Victoria Mansion, the state’s ultimate “Victorian” house.
Why We Need Poems
November 3
Gibson Fay-LeBlanc
Poet & Executive Director, Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance
Poems can teach us how to pay better attention to ourselves, to our language, and to the people and world around us. In reading or writing them, poems can help us grieve and rejoice and laugh and express our moments of clarity and confusion.
Thank you to the Program Planning Committee that planned our Spring 2026 season!