Sen. Duson tours Portland’s historic Victoria Mansion

AUGUSTA – On June 25, Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, was welcomed by staff of the historic Victoria Mansion in Portland’s West End neighborhood. Sen. Duson toured the building and learned of the preservation and educational efforts taken by the team as well as community events bringing history to the public.

“I’m very grateful for the entire team at the Victoria Mansion for inviting me for a tour of this historic landmark in our city,” said Sen. Duson. “I’m a proud supporter of the arts and history, and it’s important to always have space for creative expression and telling the stories that make us who we are.”

“The team at Victoria Mansion was thrilled to welcome Sen. Duson for a tour led by Executive Director Tim Brosnihan. We shared information about our recent research initiatives as well as some of the cutting-edge conservation and restoration efforts the museum has under way,” said Ann O’Hagan, who serves as Director of Development at Victoria Mansion. “We were delighted to host the Senator and are grateful for her ongoing leadership to support Portland’s vibrant arts and culture community.”

The Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby Mansion, is a historic house in downtown Portland. Built between 1858 and 1860 for Ruggles Morse, the Mansion is recognized as one of the finest and least-altered examples of a large Italianate/brownstone house in the United States. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971. A recent exhibition within the Mansion explores the stories of domestic servants of the Mansion as well as slaves owned by the Morses in their hotels in New Orleans. Victoria Mansion has been working with the Historical New Orleans Collection to expand our knowledge of the Black and mixed-race individuals who played a role in the rapid accumulation of the Morses’ fortune and underwrote the construction of Victoria Mansion. The Victoria Mansion is open for guided tours and more Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.victoriamansion.org.

From left: Senator Jill Duson, Victoria Mansion Executive Director Tim Brosnihan, and Director of Development Ann O’Hagan