The Nelson Family Story: 2025 Maine History Maker Documentary

On June 13, 2025 the Maine Historical Society honored the Nelson Family with its annual Maine History Maker award at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. The award recognizes Mainers shaping the state through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.

The Nelson family’s contributions have shaped Maine's arts, business, educational, and civic landscape for more than a century. Beginning in the 1930s, Harold and Millie Nelson made a lasting impact as beloved civic leaders in Portland and helped to build some of Maine's most important Jewish institutions. They raised sons Lenny, Bruce, Kenny, and Andrew with like values and a deep sense of commitment to community, and to Maine. The Nelson sons, their spouses Merle (Lenny), Patricia (Bruce), and Mary (Kenny), and children have expanded the family's legacy in countless directions.

Maine Historical Society produced this four-part documentary as part of the 2025 Maine History Maker evening program. The video explores the family’s origins beginning in Belarus, early 20th century anti-semitism in Maine, Harold and Millie Nelson’s business and community accomplishments, and the next generation’s inspiring civic leadership in Portland. It includes hundreds of archival images, historic audio and video footage, and touching interviews with friends, colleagues, and family.