Upcoming Events in 2026
Distinguished Lecture Series
Kit Thomason Crossman Talk - March 26th, hybrid format at 5:30 p.m.
Yom HaShoahService
At the Michael Klahr Center - April 12 from 4-5:30 p.m.
Omer Art Series: Opening Reception and Artist Talk
April 19th from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Touch Drawing Workshop
By Artist Susan Bakaley Marshall - May 3rd from 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Distinguished Lecture Series
A hybrid Presentation on March 26th at 5:30 p.m.
We are delighted to announce that the third distinguished lecturer for this year is Kit Thomson Crossman, Executive Director of The Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC)—the state agency responsible for enforcing Maine’s anti-discrimination laws and promoting equal opportunity for all. Kit's event will be on March 26th, at 5:30 p.m. in a hybrid format, live at the Michael Klahr Center or on zoom. In this conversation, Kit Thomson Crossman, Executive Director of MHRC, will discuss the Commission’s role in protecting Mainers from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The conversation will explore how MHRC investigates complaints, promotes compliance, and provides resources to communities to help people understand their rights and responsibilities under the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA). Participants will gain practical insight into current trends in civil rights issues in Maine and learn how schools and individuals can contribute to advancing the Commission’s mission of ensuring dignity and fairness for all Mainers. The event is free; please register and indicate if you will attend in person or virtually. Register here.
Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Sunday, April 12 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Michael Klahr Center
Please join us on Sunday, April 12 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Michael Klahr Center for a Yom HaShoah commemoration. Together we will share readings, poetry, prayer and music. During this solemn occasion, we will join in community to remember, absorb and feel the enormity of so much loss. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed and the resilience of those who survived. It is a day to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such horrors are never repeated. Following the service we will linger for conversation, fellowship and refreshments. We hope you will join us to participate in this reverent day for Jewish people around the world. Register here
Dismantling Democracy
Dismantling Democracy: 53 Days in Nazi Germany explores the critical weeks following Hitler’s appointment as chancellor in 1933, when the Nazi Party legally and systematically dismantled the democratic foundations of the Weimar Republic. Grounded in primary sources and historical context, the program offers an opportunity to learn about this pivotal moment in history—one that reminds us how quickly democratic institutions can erode.
At the HHRC, we work to promote Holocaust education, confront antisemitism and bias, and strengthen a more informed and compassionate civic culture across our state. One way we pursue that mission is through educational programs that invite communities to examine history in ways that deepen understanding and inspire civic engagement. The following are scheduled presentations; please join us!
Rice Public Library in Kittery
March 18 at 6:00
Lithgow Library
April 13th at 5:00
Kennebunk Free Library
April 21 at 6:30
Bangor Public Library
May 5th at 6:00
Auburn Public Library
May 27 at 4:00
Fort Kent Public Library
June 3rd at 5:30
The Rockland Public Library
July 23rd @ 6:00
Some feedback from participants:
“Excellent presentation. Very focused and clear. Amazing answers to questions from the audience.”
“Erica was enthusiastic and did an excellent job presenting and answeringquestions. She was totally into her lecture. Excellent. Thank you very much, a job well done.”
“Thank you so much!”
“Presenter was 5 STARS!”
“Good summary presentation, well presented. Good Q&A session which added a lot to the program.”
“Very interesting presentation. As a child of survivors, I feel everyone needs education of these events as few seem to really understand what happened and why. Thank you!’
“You knocked it out of the park, Erica, once again!”