Constructed in 1858, Victoria Mansion is one of America’s finest surviving examples of architecture and interior design from the mid-19th century. Its opulent original interiors and furnishings by renowned designer Gustave Herter remain more than 90 percent intact. The house has been open to the public as a nonprofit museum since 1940, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. In a recent Maine Magazine article, Maine State Preservation Commission Director Earle Shettleworth named the Mansion his favorite Maine architectural landmark.

Along with the opening of the season, the Mansion introduced a new exhibit exploring the connections between Maine and New Orleans at the time of the Civil War. The exhibit was inspired by Victoria Mansion’s original owner Ruggles Sylvester Morse, who though a Maine native, made his fortune as a New Orleans hotelier. Morse remained in the occupied city throughout the war and likely had regular contact with the Union soldiers as many were from Maine regiments. The exhibit marks the 150th anniversary of the occupation of New Orleans by Union forces.

Victoria Mansion will host a number of special events open to the public throughout the season, including its annual children’s Doll Tea on May 19 and the Allagash Victoria Ale Premiere on June 21. The Mansion is at 109 Danforth St. For more information, visit www.victoriamansion.org.

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