The idea for The Story of Houlton Exhibit originated after touring two towns in western Maine where Main Street runs from one town into the other.  One downtown was a bustling, colorful, friendly feeling place; the other was gray and empty.  I asked out loud, “How is it that one town can seem so successful at rejuvenating itself, while another right next door is failing?" 

One of the tour participants responded that a friend of hers in international development had observed a similar phenomenon in her work and had concluded that the difference lay in "the story the community tells itself about itself."  Communities that have a positive, yet true story are healthier and achieve more socially and economically. 

Recounting this story back in Houlton, I wondered—what is the story that Houlton tells about itself?  And how does the story we tell affect us as a community?

The Story of Houlton

Tales & Truths of Our Community

An exhibit of art exploring the story we tell ourselves

about ourselves and our community.

In 2004 and 2005, we collected quotes from community members and visitors via a display at the Cary Library and at SACAP. We asked people to tell us what they tell others about Houlton.  The quotes you see on the walls are the result of those collections.

As we celebrate our bicentennial and stand at the crossroads between past, present, and future, The Story of Houlton Exhibit aims to explore the above questions and inform the decisions that lay ahead as we all seek changes that improve our community. We hope this exhibit inspires you to join this important discussion, and share your part of the story with us and others.