PORTLAND — Dr. Eric Collins Brown has been named the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s new executive director. Brown, the former provost for University of Maine at Farmington, assumed his new role in Portland effective Dec. 1.

“We are pleased to announce that our board’s search has led to the right person for an exciting time,” Board Chair James McClay said in a news release. “Dr. Brown brings the academic and leadership credentials so important to further the goals of the Maine Irish Heritage Center. These include developing our genealogy program, expanding our library, which includes the archives of former Governor Joseph Brennan, and growing our unique arts and cultural offerings, such as the annual Best Of All Things Irish in Maine, John Ford Film Festival, and numerous author, concert, and theater events.”

The Maine Irish Heritage Center was established in 2002 in the former St. Dominic’s Church on Gray Street in Portland. The Center was recently awarded a $3 million federal appropriation to help restore the historic landmark, built brick-by-brick by immigrants in the late 1800s.

“We are a vital community center, in addition to being a unique artistic and cultural resource for the Irish community. It is my honor and privilege to lead the center at this pivotal time in its storied history, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to build upon so many longstanding traditions and collaborations while deepening our connections throughout Portland and across the state,” Brown said.

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