Published: October 20, 2025
Hosted by the Maine Association of the Deaf (MEAD), the annual Deaf Culture Festival is one of the largest gatherings of the Maine Deaf community each year. More than just a celebration, this gathering of culture and community is not only an opportunity to showcase talent, but it’s also an inclusive space for diversity and connection.
What many people may not know, is that just off the coast in Falmouth, Maine is a small bridge that leads to the quaint island of Mackworth Island State Park. Not only is this a popular spot for enjoying the beach and bird watching, but it is also home to the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf/Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. A museum devoted to the history of Governor Baxter and details on how the island has become what it is today, is also located on the island. The Deaf community heavily relies on the island to host events, big and small. From family playgroups, to basketball clinics, to community art nights.
Early on Saturday, September 27th, volunteers began making pancakes and coffee to prepare for the annual fundraiser breakfast preceding the festival. These proceeds go towards supporting the Maine Deaf History Museum, which is important in showcasing the advancements in Deaf education and culture in Maine.
At the festival itself, many Deaf artists sold their work – including crocheted goods, artwork centered around the Deaf experience, keychains, various handmade wooden utensils, and even a reiki station. Additionally, there were also a number of resource tables, including various interpreting services, Disability Rights Maine, GBSD/MECDHH, and USM’s ASL Club.
Keep an eye out on deafmaine.org, MEAD’s website, where they post all of the upcoming community events.
