THE MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESERVES THE HERITAGE AND HISTORY OF MAINE: THE STORIES OF MAINE PEOPLE, THE TRADITIONS OF MAINE COMMUNITIES, AND THE RECORD OF MAINE'S PLACE IN A CHANGING WORLD. BECAUSE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PAST IS VITAL TO A HEALTHY AND PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY, WE COLLECT, CARE FOR, AND EXHIBIT HISTORICAL TREASURES; FACILITATE RESEARCH INTO FAMILY, LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL HISTORY; PROVIDE EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT MAKE HISTORY MEANINGFUL, ACCESSIBLE AND ENJOYABLE; AND EMPOWER OTHERS TO PRESERVE AND INTERPRET THE HISTORY OF THEIR COMMUNITIES AND OUR STATE.