The funds will help Maine Irish Heritage Center continue their work to restore the historic St. Dominic’s Church in Portland.
Updated 2/21/2023
The Maine Irish Heritage Center (MIHC) will receive $3 million dollars in federal spending to restore their home, the historic St. Dominic’s Church at 33 Gray Street in Portland.
“The original workmanship that created the building was of the highest quality. The building has weathered nearly 130 years in a cold climate and is still in relatively good shape,” said Bob Kearney, MIHC’s Board Chair. “However, it will not last another century in its current condition without significant restoration.”
Built in 1833, the historic building needs exterior work done to seal leaks that are causing interior damage. The federal funds will go towards a project to repoint the building façade and perform a full restoration and weatherization of the roof. MIHC is still fundraising to meet all their renovation goals.
“The Maine Irish Heritage Center is a historic, architectural gem of the Portland landscape and hub of cultural happenings for the Irish community in Maine. A 200-year-old structure such as this requires an enormous amount of resources for upkeep,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Rep. Pingree with the support of Senators Collins and King, secured the funding. “These renovations will not only allow the Center to continue serving a diverse and lively community in Portland but will serve as a symbol of our appreciation for the important role Irish immigrants played in Portland’s history.”
The Maine Irish Heritage Center continues to fundraise for major exterior restorations:
- A complete restoration of the iconic bell tower
- Refurbishing of the grand entry facade and its rose window
- The repair of the cupola
- Restoration of twenty-two stained-glass windows in the upper sanctuary
“Our historic building is instantly identifiable as a key feature of Portland’s skyline and for well over a century, it has been a beacon welcoming immigrants and inviting diverse communities to share their cultural experiences,” continued Kearney.
“We are most thankful for the support of Congresswoman Pingree and Senators Collins and King in helping us to further our mission and restore this architectural gem to its original grandeur.”
