Historic New England is presenting a new exhibition, “Capturing Maine: Photographs from the Collection of Historic New England,” at the Maine Art Gallery through Aug. 29. The Maine Art Gallery is located in the historic 1807 Academy Building at 15 Warren Street in Wiscasset. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Capturing Maine” uses photographs from Historic New England’s collection to take the viewer on a wonderful tour documenting the stories of Maine from the mid-nineteenth through the twentieth centuries. The photographs in the exhibition capture moments that illuminate spectacular Maine scenery, life on the coast, industrial and agricultural history, summer tourists at play, residents at work, and a variety of other activities.

Explore Maine’s stories and enjoy work by such photographers as Emma L. Coleman, Baldwin Coolidge, Alfred Wayland Cutting, Edwin Martin, Henry G. Peabody, Fred Quimby, Verner Reed and Elise Tyson. “Capturing Maine” is part of The Maine Photo Project, a statewide collaboration among museums, galleries, historical societies, and other non-profit cultural organizations across Maine. The Maine Photo Project is organized by the Maine Curators' Forum. For more information on the project visit www.mainephotoproject.org.

While you’re in town, be sure to visit Historic New England’s two historic house museums. Castle Tucker, located at 2 Lee Street, is one of Maine’s most fascinating landmarks. Step back in time as you walk through a mansion filled with the original furnishings and decoration of the Tucker family, who lived here for over 140 years. Castle Tucker is one of the most complete and original Victorian homes in the United States.

Nickels-Sortwell House, at 121 Main Street, began life as the trophy home of shipping magnate Captain William Nickels at the height of Wiscasset’s fortunes as a sparkling seaport in 1807. In 1899, it was purchased by industrialist and ex-mayor of Cambridge, MA Alvin Sortwell as a summer home for his large and lively family. Sortwell’s wife Gertrude and daughter Frances lovingly restored the house over the years, decorating and furnishing it in the Colonial Revival style. Nickels-Sortwell House offers a warm and intimate picture of life in the Gilded Age through the early twentieth century, when Wiscasset was a charmed summer getaway filled with relaxation, yachting and entertaining.

For more information on Castle Tucker and Nickels-Sortwell House and a full schedule of summer programs, visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.