October 25, 2023
Memorial and Archive

PRESERVED

3-Year Commemoration Exhibit

In the weeks following the October 25, 2023 tragedy in Lewiston, thousands of objects were left throughout the community. Flowers, candles, artwork, and personal mementos became expressions of grief, remembrance, and support. Recognizing the importance of preserving this collective response, Maine MILL began working with community partners to document and care for these materials. Today, the October 25th Memorial Archive preserves these objects and stories for future generations. Among the items saved are the doors from Just-In-Time Recreation, which now form the threshold into this space, and a light fixture from Schemengee’s Bar and Grille that still bears bullet holes from that night.

Because of the tragedy’s proximity to Halloween, nearly 1,000 carved pumpkins lined the streets outside Just-in-Time. Created by community members, they became beautiful symbols of remembrance, resilience, and care. To preserve their memory, Auburn artist Tanja Hollander worked with Michael Vickery of STEAMfruit to 3D-scan
several pumpkins. Maine MILL then partnered with the University of Maie’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) to create the 3D-printed replicas on view. The surfaces were hand-painted by ASCC Office Administrator Celena Powell using photographs of the originals. Their innovative design reflects both the power of
technology and the enduring human need to come together in moments of grief, reflection, and hope.

Maine MILL continues to preserve both the tangible and intangible history of this tragedy, working with survivors, first responders, and community members. The installation in this room rotates annually. This work helps ensure that future generations understand not only what happened, but also the ways a community came together in
the face of unimaginable loss.

Background Information about Maine MILL’s Memorial Work

As our local history and culture museum, we believe it is important to preserve the community’s response to the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston on October 25, 2023. We are leading the cultural response to help memorialize the victims and honor the community, as we all seek to help people heal and become stronger together.

The one-year commemoration exhibit was created by local artists Tanja Hollander and Miia Zellner using all 261 plastic flower sleeves saved from the sites. The work was on view October 16, 2024 – September 13, 2025 in the museum’s previous location in Bates Mill #1. The two-year commemoration exhibit, entitled “Familiar Faces,” was conceived by artist Ian Trask using the bowling balls and pool balls saved from the sites.

Photos courtesy of Tanja Hollander, Russ Dillingham, and Bret Woodard.