Happy Hour with a Historian: Stained Glass Reflections

Thursday, August 30 2026
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Raise a glass and discover the stories told not only through words, but through light.

From the soaring Creation windows at Portland’s Temple Beth El to beloved stained glass panels in synagogues across Maine, artist Nancy O’Neil has helped shape the visual landscape of Jewish life in our state. Her luminous works have witnessed generations of celebrations, mourning, prayer, and community, becoming cherished touchstones of memory and belonging.

In this special Happy Hour with a Historian, O’Neil reflects on more than three decades of creating stained glass throughout Maine, exploring the intersection of art, history, architecture, and Jewish communal life. She’ll share the inspiration behind some of her best-known commissions, discuss the unique power of stained glass to transform sacred spaces, and consider why these windows continue to hold such profound meaning — especially when the buildings that house them change or disappear.

Whether you’re fascinated by art, architecture, Jewish history, or simply the stories hidden in places we often overlook, you’ll leave seeing Maine’s stained glass in an entirely new light.

Thought-provoking conversation deserves good food. Enjoy a delicious spread of light refreshments prepared by Executive Director Dawn LaRochelle, whose award-winning catering background brings an extra touch of hospitality to every Happy Hour with a Historian.

About the Speaker

Nancy O’Neil is an internationally recognized stained glass artist whose work can be found in synagogues, churches, schools, and public spaces throughout Maine and beyond. During the more than 30 years she lived in Maine, she created iconic installations for Temple Beth El in Portland, the Jewish Community Chapel and Congregation Beth Israel in Bangor, Temple Shalom in Auburn, and numerous other public and private commissions. Now based in New Orleans, O’Neil continues to create work that transforms light into stories of beauty, memory, and human connection.

Registration Information coming soon