BIDDEFORD – Maine Preservation’s 32nd annual statewide conference, “Industrial Heritage: Powering the Past into the Future,” will be held on Friday, Sept. 17.

The doors will open at 8 a.m. for registration and refreshments. The welcome and plenary presentations will begin at 8:30 a.m. Conference venues will include Biddeford’s historic City Theater, 205 Main St. (all morning sessions), lunch and mill tours at Lincoln Mill and concurrent educational sessions at the University of Southern Maine on Saco’s Mill Island (afternoon).

Author and historical Bruce Clouette will take a look at Maine’s industrial heritage. He will cover the story of industrialization.

Dr. John R. Mullin, dean of the Graduate School at the University of Massachusetts and director of the Center for Economic Development, will present “The Once and Future New England Town.” He will focus on the value of these special places as they are once again on the rebound.

Four concurrent afternoon sessions are scheduled featuring statewide leaders. A reception and tour of historic Saco Lowell Mill on Mill Island will conclude the conference.

Advance registrations are required. A special member rate of $50 is offered for Maine Preservation members; all others pay $65, which includes a one-year membership in Maine Preservation. For information and to register on line visit www.mainepreservation.org or phone 775-3652.