Portland Harbor Museum's 2006 exhibit, which focuses on life in our harbor forts, opens on April 21. Entitled "Harbor Forts: A Look Behind the Walls," the exhibit demonstrates that the history of forts, like all history, is first and foremost a story about people. Along with the development of sophisticated coastal defenses came the cultivation of communities that worked and played within the confines of the forts. Practice shots and military drills were not the only activities taking place inside the ramparts. Baseballs games, holiday celebrations, and the singing of songs were just as prevalent. The museum has searched collections from Portsmouth to Augusta and beyond to uncover artifacts, illustrations, photographs, film footage, and stories that most of the public have never seen or heard.

Many of the artifacts reflect the exhibit's social themes. At the same time, there are plenty of displays and artifacts that reflect the military aspects of coastal defense. Visitors will discover a range-finding station, telescope, and observer bench as well as an ammunition truck, rammer, and swab. Other large artifacts include a remote searchlight controller and minefield control panel. Cannon balls, shells and projectiles complete the ordnance material. An unusual artifact is an officer's sword and commission as Captain of Company A of the Maine State Guards, a militia unit created to defend the Maine coast during the Civil War. Film footage shows turn-of-the-century coast defense guns firing.

Interpretive panels chronicle the development of our coastal defenses from the bombardment of the city by the British Navy in 1775 through the abandonment of permanent defenses in 1948. With each stage, panels on "Everyday Life in the Forts" describe how the men, women and children living in the forts spent their time. Special "Kids' Cards" next to exhibit panels summarize the text for younger visitors.

Portland Harbor Museum is located on the waterfront in South Portland. Beginning April 21, the museum is open from 10:00 - 4:30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The museum adopts a seven day a week schedule beginning Memorial Day Weekend. The exhibit closes on November 26. Admission is $4 for adults. Children under the age of 18 and students are admitted free. For more information and directions, call the museum at 799-6337 or check the museum's website: www.portlandharbormuseum.org. Portland Harbor Museum's 2006 Exhibit Opens April 21