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Mark your calendars for the August 22^nd public unveiling of the Maine Department of Labor Labor History Mural at the Central Maine Commerce Center in Augusta. 

The department will host a public exhibition that afternoon from 3–6 PM.  Maine artist, Judy Taylor was commissioned to create the work, which will comprise 10 panels mounted on the walls of the public waiting area at the department’s administrative offices.  Taylor worked with labor historian and University of Maine Professor, Charles Scontras, to depict workers in Maine’s traditional industries and trades. The mural includes 10 separate panels including early artisan workshops, workers in natural resource economies, and Maine’s manufacturing heritage.

The piece also depicts the challenges of workers in the economy at different points in our history, including dangerous working conditions, long working hours, and child labor. Pivotal events profiled in the work include the shoeworker strike in Lewiston/Auburn, the wartime contributions of women shipbuilders, and the striking papermakers in Jay.  Included also, are pictorial tributes to people who have made significant contributions to the labor movement, including Frances Perkins, Rose Schneiderman, Roland Sampson, Peter Kellman, and Charles Scontras