We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the research and preservation of 18th- and early 19th-century, paint-decorated plaster walls.
06/19/2026
From Derry, New Hampshire to Brownington, Vermont and now their new permanent home in Bridgton, Maine at the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, the walls of the Adams Female Academy have had quite a journey.
The schoolgirl graffiti reminds us that these panels, which form a continuous landscape scene, served as the educational backdrop for many young minds.
06/13/2026
Recreation of Rufus Porter Monochromatic Murals Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Massachusetts, the Townsend Historical Society was able to recreate the monochromatic Rufus Porter mural in the downstairs parlor of the R…
06/06/2026
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity officially kicks off the 2026 season this weekend.
They are debuting two fascinating new collections—the Adams Female Academy Murals and the Shaker Glen Murals. Definitely a must-see!
05/30/2026
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity in Bridgton, Maine, officially opens for the summer season on June 6th.
Don't miss the chance to view their newly acquired wall murals, painted by the legendary 19th-century polymath and itinerant artist Rufus Porter.
The countdown is on! 10 days until we open!
On Saturday June 6, we will open our doors for the 2026 season. We are so excited to welcome you back to our campus. This summer is packed with amazing opportunities to get involved, whether you want to explore our new Rufus Porter murals on display, join one of our programs surrounding art and ingenuity, or peruse our freshly curated museum store. Keep an eye on our page to stay up to date and come visit us this summer!
We can't wait to see you.
05/30/2026
Presenting
The Center for Painted Walls
Monthly 100-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Challenge yourself with images from our archives!
For June, 2026: Burdick House, Chaplin, CT, artist unknown
Find a link to the puzzle on our website at: pwpcenter.org
Every single twist, scroll, and leaf on the wall of this room in the historic Putnam-McDaniel House was painted entirely freehand.
At the turn of the 19th century, imported wallpaper was expensive and taxed heavily with tariffs. Artists offered an alternative, painting the look of wallpaper patterns directly onto plaster walls.
Watch the full video to see the stunning close-ups of this rare piece of American history! 🎥👇