Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Federal Tax ID #74-3175428

Support History in Motion

Become a Member. Donate. Make an Impact.

Be a part of Rufus Porter’s legacy by joining our vibrant community of supporters. Your membership and donations help sustain the museum’s daily operations, fund captivating exhibits, and spark new programs that keep art, invention, and heritage alive in Bridgton and beyond. Take pride in preserving local history and culture for future generations

Membership has its Perks

  • Free admission year-round

  • Guest passes for friends and family

  • Our exclusive e-newsletter and annual print edition

  • Reduced rates on select events and programs

  • 10% discount in Ginny’s Gift Shop (in-person & online)

Circle of Friends

Building a foundation of seed and bridge support

The Circle of Friends is a distinguished group of donors who make a long-term, high-impact commitment to the Rufus Porter Museum through gifts of $1,000 or more over 3 to 5 years. Their generosity helps seed innovation, sustain operations, and expand community programming, while also directly supporting the growth of the museum’s collections through an annual contribution to the Collections/Acquisitions Fund. By partnering with these visionary supporters, the museum builds a reliable foundation for future growth and cultural enrichment. Together, we can ensure the legacy of Rufus Porter continues to inspire generations to come.

Circle of Friends Impact:

  • Funds new exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach

  • Builds a dependable financial base for the museum’s long-term stability

  • Directly supports artifact preservation and collection development

  • Fosters meaningful cultural experiences through strategic partnerships and museum promotion

Planned Giving

Planning a gift through your will or trust is a powerful way to invest in the future of the Rufus Porter Museum, helping to sustain its mission of celebrating creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage for generations to come. These legacy contributions provide long-term stability, support daily operations, expand endowments, and fund new exhibits, collection development, and educational programming for all ages. Thoughtful estate gifts also ensure Rufus Porter’s legacy remains a vibrant source of inspiration, keeping the arts and sciences alive through immersive experiences, inventive storytelling, and community engagement.

Types of Assets You Can Give:

  • Stocks, bonds, and retirement funds

  • Bank and CD accounts

  • Life insurance policies

  • Other appreciated assets

For more information about our planned giving program, please contact Daniel Dinsmore, Executive Director, at (207) 647-2828 or director[at]rufusportermuseum.org

Camp Invention Scholorship Fund

The Camp Invention Fund provides scholarships to low-income, Bridgton children in grades K-6th to attend the weekend long camp. Children will experience:

  • Innovation
  • Persistence
  • Problem Solving
  • Creativity