Maine Irish Heritage Center

Open Hours!
2025-02-13 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
The Maine Irish Heritage Center is open to the public every Thursday from 10am-2pm! Stop in to take a tour of the building, do some research on our genealogy station, or peruse our library collection!
For more information, contact maineirish@maineirish.com!

Maine Celtics vs the Birmingham Squadron!
2025-02-01 19:00 - 21:00
BUY TICKETS
Every ticket includes a FREE Maine Celtics Hat!
Feb 01, 2025 7:00 PM
Portland Exposition Building
239 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102, US
The Maine Celtics invite you to join the Maine Irish Heritage Center at the Portland Expo on Saturday, February 1 ,
as the Maine Celtics take on the Birmingham Squadron!
$5 From every ticket purchased will be donated to the Maine Irish Heritage Center!
Gates open at 6:00 PM and the game starts at 7:00 PM.

Stories Aloud/Allowed
2025-02-01 14:00 - 16:00
Live Storytelling Across Cultures
Saturday, February 1st, 2:00-4:00pm
$5 suggested donation
Join us for a community gathering at Stories Aloud/Allowed, where the ancient art of storytelling takes center stage in a celebration of Maine’s rich cultural tapestry. Storytellers from diverse communities will share tales drawn from myth, folklore, original works, and personal experiences, offering insights into the histories, values, and beliefs of the cultures that shaped them. From the Celtic roots of Ireland to the voices of new Mainers, this event will showcase the power of storytelling to unite, enlighten, and spark dialogue.
The event will be open to storytellers from across Maine’s vibrant communities, offering a rich diversity of voices and perspectives. The program will begin with three featured storytellers sharing their tales. After a brief break, we will have an open mic, inviting attendees to sign up and share a 5-10 minute story. After the performance we invite you to join us for a social hour, where all can gather to meet the performers, share, and reflect in an informal setting.
Join us for Stories Aloud/Allowed and become part of an event that can inspire us all, and help build bridges between fellow Mainers!
Check out our phenomenal Featured Storytellers!
Mihku Paul

Mihku Paul is a Wolastoqey writer and visual artist born and raised on a wild Maine river. She is an enrolled member of Kingsclear First Nations and a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA program and her poetry has appeared in multiple anthologies, including Dawnland Voices, POEISIS, Atlantic Vernacular and both Wait: Poems from the Pandemic and Enough! Poems of Resistance and Protest (Littoral Books). Most recently she presented Msi-te Ktahkomiq Kintaqot (The Whole Earth Resounds) for Maine Conservation Voters Evening for the Environment. Her collaborative experimental film, Putep Qotatokot-te Elewestaq (The Whale was Speaking) also on Climate Change, premiered at the Belfast Poetry Festival and can be viewed at this link: Putep Qotatokot-te Elewestaq
Forthcoming work will debut at the Maine Historical Society’s upcoming exhibit Notorious: Maine Crime in the Public Eye, 1690-1940 and a new anthology, Cape Cod to Nova Scotia: Art, Ecology, Poetry of the Gulf of Maine (2027)
Mihku lives and works in Portland.

Cathy Furness

Although three generations removed from the family farm in County Laois, Cathy felt drawn to Ireland from a very young age. She followed that gravitational pull to Dublin, where she earned a graduate degree in Irish literature and folklore. She also studied traditional music while she was there by attending sessions at O’Donohue’s on Merrion Row nearly every night.
Cathy retired early from her professional life in New York to take a deep dive into storytelling. Since then, she has told stories on two continents to audiences of all ages. She likes to share the layered wisdom of folktales of many cultures, but is especially drawn to the heroes, heroines and stories of her Irish ancestors. Now living in the woods outside Brunswick, Maine, she shares her home with Redmond, Conor and Molly, three very spoiled cats.

Khadija El Barkaoui
Khadija is an Indigenous person of the Amazigh people from North Africa, with years of experience in cultural management. As the founder of Coelle Travel, she offers unique cultural experiences in Maine, including this authentic Amazigh Tea Ceremony inspired by the traditions of nomadic life in the Sahara.
This experience invites the community to immerse themselves in the soothing rituals of Amazigh tea culture, which have been central to nomadic hospitality for centuries, while supporting meaningful causes. It also provides an insightful introduction to Moroccan traditions, offering a deeper understanding of the culture and its people.
Khadija’s approach is deeply rooted in her Amazigh heritage, blending nomadic traditions passed down through generations with her passion for sharing the stories of her land and people.

Women and Global Entrepreneurship Panel
2025-02-01 12:00 - 14:00
Saturday, February 1st
12pm

Join us for an incredible and lively panel discussion on Women and Global Entrepreneurship in honor of St. Brigid’s Day. We will be joined by a group of phenomenal panelists who will discuss their experiences and the current business climate. We will also have local vendors to explore and learn more about. Find out some of those vendors below!

Please join us from 12-1pm for the panel, followed by an hour of conversation, light food, drinks, and a performance from Edelawit and our friends at Stillson School of Irish Dance! This event is free and open to the public!

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Meet the Panelists!
Martina Curtin
President of Irish Cultural Centre Boston
Co-Founder of Mná Mheiriceá
Martina Curtin is an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader. She founded CHC Home Care, a boutique home care agency that she scaled into a multimillion-dollar company, ultimately leading to its acquisition by a publicly traded corporation in 2020. In 2024, she launched Concierge HomeCare Plus, a company dedicated to delivering exceptional care and case management services designed to support clients’ well-being and peace of mind wherever they are in the world.
As the first female President of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston, Martina has expanded cultural programming, creating stronger connections between the Centre and the Greater Boston community.

Born and raised in County Clare, Ireland, Martina is the eldest of 11 children. She is also the co-founder of Mná Mheiriceá, a women’s networking organization founded by women for women. The initiative fosters meaningful connections, mentorship, and empowerment for women of all backgrounds.

In 2019, Martina received the Care Ambassador Award at the Irish Echo Small Business Impact Awards, and in 2024, she was named a Community Champion by the Irish Echo Newspaper for living up to the best traditions of the American Irish.

She is an active member of the New England Council, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and Irish Network Boston. Martina holds an Executive MBA from Suffolk University and has completed three Boston Marathons. She resides in Back Bay with her husband, Craig, a proud Maine native.

Her guiding philosophy, “Goals are achieved through hard work, high standards, and surrounding yourself with good people,” reflects her approach to leadership and success.

Grace Mo-Phillips
International trade entrepreneur
Program director of the CEI Women’s Business Center in Portland
Leads the BIPOC Women’s Business Navigator
As Program Director at the CEI Women’s Business Center, Grace helps entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their business, with a special mission to support the ethnically and socially underserved groups. Grace previously worked in the consumer goods industry, where she was a product developer and marketer of trend-right products that were sold in major national retail stores, such as Walmart, Macy’s, and Pottery Barn. She has worked in a variety of business settings, from small companies to large public corporations. With a strong background in international trade, Grace started her exporting company in 2014 — Belle Cove, LLC, which focuses on selling frozen seafood from the Americas to Asia and Europe. Grace holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and International Business from Minnesota State University. Grace has earned the Certified Global Business Professional designation in Maine from North American Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE). In 2024, Grace was named SBA Exporter of the Year and MaineBiz Woman To Watch Honoree.
Headshot credit: “Taken by Justine Johnson Photography”

Khadija El Barkaoui, PhD
Founder of Coelle Travel, a sustainable travel social enterprise
Global management consultant
Khadija El Barkaoui is the founder of Coelle Travel, an international travel social enterprise based in Portland, Maine. Drawing from her identity as an Indigenous Amazigh woman from Morocco, Khadija is dedicated to creating authentic, community-based travel experiences that honor indigenous cultures and highlight the contributions of women in tourism. Based in Maine, her work focuses on sustainable tourism, offering immersive cultural journeys that celebrate the heritage and daily lives of the regions visited while supporting local initiatives and women-owned enterprises.
With extensive work experience in Africa, Europe, and the USA, Khadija brings a global perspective to her efforts. Alongside her work in travel, she is an experienced global management consultant specializing in optimizing international talent strategies, fostering cross-cultural integration, and building diverse, inclusive workplaces. Guided by a PhD in International Human Resources Management and a deep passion for community service, she integrates global insights with local values to help organizations and individuals thrive in an interconnected world.
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Featured Performers!
Stillson School of Irish Dance
www.stillsonirishdance.com
The Stillson School of Irish Dance is the only certified school in the state of Maine. Carlene Moran Stillson ADCRG / TCRG is accredited by An Coimisiun in Dublin, Ireland and a member of IDTANA (Irish Dancing Teacher’s Association of North America) and The New England Region teaching organizations since 1991.
The school’s dancers compete all over New England and place in the New England Regional Championships annually. Dancers have placed in the North American Irish Dance Championships, as well as competed in the All Ireland Championships, The European Championships, Great Britain Championships and the World Irish Dance Championships. Students of the Stillson School of Irish Dance are proud to have performed with Cherish the Ladies, Solas, The Trinity Irish Dance Company, Natalie MacMaster, and Eileen Ivers among many others.
​When you decide to join us at Stillson School of Irish Dance, you too will be able to take advantage of our professional staff. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer looking to improve your technique, we guarantee you’ll find it here.
Edelawit
@edelawitmusic

Edelawit is a coastal cowgirl from Maine who plays her own soulful blend of folk and country music. she is a production assistant at Monaco Studios/Equal Measure Arts, where she’s also recording her own music. She will be starting at Fisk University in Nashville this fall to study music business. She likes all music and just wants to have a good time!

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Highlighted Exhibitors!
Daeun Kim with Kimchi Beyond Compare!
www.kimchibeyondcompare.com

I moved to the State of Maine back in 2013 leaving my home country of South Korea. Since my move to the USA, I always missed my mom and aunt’s kimchi and, unfortunately, all kimchi products in the US market never really satisfied me. One day my mom was telling me how flavors are really dictated from the ingredients’ quality. She also mentioned how an ingredients origin can make all the difference. I trust my mom in all food-related matters as her and her twin sister have owned a restaurant my whole life! My mom and aunt brought a bag of South Korean pepper powder when they visited me and made kimchi for my family. It was the perfect flavor that I had been missing. Since then, I have a strong belief in the importance of key ingredients in recipes, especially kimchi. You cannot ignore how the ingredient was grown, harvested, and processed with climate, soil, and weather conditions in its home country. Our ingredients all come from very trustful and reputable sources from South Korea and local markets in Maine, while availability allows it.
I have always been interested about healthy and diverse food. This led me to my university in which I obtained my food engineering bachelor’s degree. My passion and love of kimchi encouraged me to explore other kimchi types.
We currently make three types of kimchi that are all naturally free of gluten, sugar, dairy, MSG, and soy, all in small batches. Our traditional kimchi is based on my mom and aunt’s traditional Korean recipe, including salted shrimp and anchovy sauce. Crunchy napa cabbage with that tangy, spicy flavor that goes well with almost anything! Our vegan kimchi is free of the top nine allergens, and yet still has the true umami, rich flavor. Lastly, our baek kimchi is another type of traditional kimchi. I started making this kimchi for my children as this recipe does not use pepper powder. This kimchi is perfect for my children, and watching my son and daughter eating and enjoying my kimchi puts a smile on my face. However, don’t be fooled, this kimchi can be enjoyed by anyone, of all ages and spice tolerances.
I feel confidence and excitement in sharing our amazing family’s recipe to yours.

Juliana with Kili Organics!
kiliorganics.com

Juliana is the founder of Kili Organics, a company dedicated to supplying premium superfood products. Driven by a passion for wellness, her mission is to share the rich, nutrient-packed offerings of Tanzania with her local community in Maine and health-conscious individuals worldwide.

FROM TANZANIA TO YOU

Born out of love for authentic Tanzanian produce, we bring you the true essence of Africa’s heartland. A land of lush greenery, expansive savanna, vibrant soil, and tropical sun – all captured in our pure and powerful products, Baobab and Moringa.
OUR MISSION
At Kili Organics, we take pride in offering 100% natural and organic Moringa and Baobab products, sourced directly from the heart of Tanzania. Our mission is simple: to provide you with access to the finest quality superfoods that nature has to offer. Join us on this journey of wellness and discovery and experience the purity and vitality of Tanzania with our Moringa and Baobab products.

Samar Khuder
Samar Khuder is originally from Iraq. She immigrated to Syria due to war in her home country. In 2008, Samar and her family were relocated by the UN to New England, where she rapidly rose to the top of her class. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Health Care Administration at University of New England. She previously worked as a CHW supervisor and a Program Coordinator for New England Arab American Organization, where she managed several youth leadership programs, provided translation services, and connected with community members as a cultural broker. She is also a certified domestic violence advocate with experience working in rural communities. Samar recently published her first children’s book, The Auranthem Tree, with a goal of teaching young children about refugees and the challenges they face to be here. She recently was honored by Arab America Foundation for her accomplishments, and is a recipient of their 30 Under 30 national award.

Oluwabusola “Busola” Olagunju

Oluwabusola “Busola” Olagunju is a Nigerian-born fashion designer based in Maine, blending her expertise in project management with a passion for fashion. A graduate of Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, she is the founder of Luxe by Dorcass, a brand known for its bold, intricate designs. Her work has been showcased at Maine’s STITCH fashion show and other notable events. Busola is committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and creating opportunities for underrepresented designers, using fashion as a tool for empowerment and storytelling. Bringing with me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, culture, and community, my journey in fashion began with inspiration from my mother, whose resourcefulness and artistry instilled in me a love for creating and designing instead of settling for my sisters hands-me-downs. This early inspiration, combined with a modest background and a deep passion for art, led me to master fashion design. Over time, I independently mastered fashion design, blending it with my expertise in project management to build a career that is both innovative and impactful. My work is deeply rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment, making high fashion accessible while ensuring that every piece I create tells a meaningful story. Vision To create a world where fashion is not only a reflection of beauty and creativity but also a catalyst for empowerment, sustainability, and inclusivity. My vision is to build a legacy that bridges diverse cultures, fosters opportunities for underrepresented individuals, and transforms the fashion industry into a force for ethical innovation and community impact. Inspiration My inspiration comes from the resilience and creativity of my roots in Nigeria, where my mother’s artistry first sparked my passion for design. I am deeply motivated by the stories of individuals who, despite challenges, rise to unlock their potential. Every garment I create and every person I mentor fuels my drive to make fashion more than a business—it’s a platform to uplift voices, tell meaningful stories, and empower others to thrive. The beauty of collaboration, the power of community, and the urgent need for sustainability are at the heart of everything I do. Mission My mission is to foster creativity and accessibility in design, ensuring that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about impact. I am committed to promoting eco-friendly practices, supporting underrepresented communities, and creating opportunities for emerging artists. Through my work, I strive to make fashion a transformative tool for positive change, where every stitch represents a step toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and empowered world.

Open Hours - Including Celebration of St. Brigid!
2025-01-30 10:00 - 14:00
Thursday, January 30th
10am-2pm
Please join us in the MIHC library on Jan 30th from 11am to noon to celebrate St Brigid. We will have tea and Irish Bread and we will be making St Brigid’s crosses!

Irish American Club Ceili!
2025-01-12 15:00 - 17:00
Sunday, January 12th
3-5pm
FREE ADMISSION!
Join the IAC for a fabulous afternoon of music and dance! Family friendly with live traditional music by the Portland Ceili Band and dances led by the Burns Sisters. For more information, contact club2@irishofmaine.org

Maine Irish Reads "The Bee Sting" by Paul Murray
2025-01-09 19:30 - 21:00
“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray is a novel that delves into the lives of the Barnes family, who are grappling with personal and financial crises. The story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, Murray weaves a narrative that captures the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit, set against the backdrop of contemporary Ireland.

U2- ZOO YEARS EVE with SLANE!
2024-12-31 18:00 - 22:00
This New Year’s Eve, come celebrate with the Maine Irish Heritage Center on Irish time with Slane – Maine’s premiere U2 tribute band! Doors open at 5:30; Happy Hour at 6 PM – with openers Troy Bennett and Travis Cote from Bailey’s Mistake! The main show starts at 6:50 with a 10-minute countdown to the New Year’s celebration in Dublin at 7 PM. Advance general admission tickets are $30; $35 day of the show. Cash bar. Grab your friends, fill a table, and prepare to rock in the new year!
Tickets are $30 for general admission, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Packages are available that include reserved standing room at high-top tables or seated tables for 8. Packages include a champagne toast at 7 PM, party favors, and light snacks. See the ticket options for pricing and availability.
Slane, Maine’s Hometown U2 Tribute Band
New Year’s Eve on Irish time will be celebrated at 7 PM when Slane kicks off their high-energy U2 tribute show. They’ll play all the hits, deep cuts, and special songs to celebrate the occasion! U2 has been the soundtrack to their lives, and their covers are impeccable. The special effects they bring to the stage with sound and lighting enhance what’s already a fantastic tribute. Slane will open their show with a 10-minute countdown and launch into song at 7 PM as 2025 rolls across Ireland. Show 7 PM – 10 PM.
The band “Slane” covers decades of hits as well as fan favorite “deep cuts” with a song list that grows with every show. Slane aims to capture the sonic experience of a U2 show and bring it to an intimate setting. After every show, attendees have approached the band genuinely amazed. They have told us they could close their eyes and imagine for one night, U2 came to the pine tree state. That is the highest compliment we can get, and it is the main goal of our shows. For New Year’s, we plan to take our live show to another level visually and sonically. Expect an energetic performance and a night of chart-topping Irish rock and roll. We can’t wait to bring this show to the Irish Heritage Center; they have been an amazing partner along our musical journey.

“Saw Slane last weekend in Portland, and my expectations were met 10 fold. Some tribute bands rely on optics to celebrate an artist, which, to me, is an easy way out, but Slane’s recreation of the
unmistakable sound of U2 was mind-blowing. Close your eyes and listen, and I’d be skeptical if anyone could tell the difference. Go see and, more importantly, LISTEN to this band!”
– Jim Zaroulis
“The lead singer is very engaging with the audience, and this band tends to create a “feel good” vibe. Folks were dancing, and everyone had an awesome time! Highly recommend and can’t wait for their next event.”
– Sharon Watterson

“The band brings lots of energy and excitement to the performance. They are fun to watch and a fantastic cover band! Go see them!”
– Discover Downtown Westbrook
“The four musicians love U2 as much as you do, and lead singer Barry Dodd’s vocals capture Bono’s inflections quite well.”
– Aimsel Ponti, Portland Press Herald

Troy Bennett and Travis Cote of Bailey’s Mistake
www.baileysmistakemusic.com

Bailey’s Mistake is a not-quite-traditional, Celtic-inspired folk band playing ancient songs of the sea, Newfoundland, Ireland, Scotland and their home state of Maine. Powered by guitar, bagpipes, bass and drums, their totally danceable music invites merry hearts to sing along and feel the power of ancient tradition as it transitions into the 21st century.

Special thanks to our in-kind sponsor Mayo Street Arts for providing additional staging!
