Mechanics’ Hall receives second NEA Big Read grant
Children's book specialist Melia Coletta leads a Big Reads nature walk and book talk for families at the Wolfe's Neck Center in March 2026. (Photo courtesy of Mechanics' Hall).
Mechanics’ Hall has been awarded its second consecutive Big Read grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, one of just 71 organizations nationwide, to lead a year of public literacy programming. The grant will focus on Nathaniel Philbrick’s book “In the Heart of the Sea,” the harrowing true story behind Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.”
Mechanics’ Hall, an organization that grew out of a shared desire to preserve a historic landmark and maintain its lending library, is now also a hub of creative and cultural life.
The nonprofit’s Big Read programming will include a public kick-off, book discussions, panels and an immersive youth program staged inside a 43-foot inflatable whale.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine literature, marine science, history, and hands-on art-making in a way that invites young people into the story,” said Annie Leahy, executive director of Mechanics’ Hall.
The Big Read program is a matching grant, meaning that Mechanics’ Hall will receive $20,000 for the programming from the NEA, provided that they fundraise an additional $20,000 to match
Organizations that won the NEA Big Read grant were given a list of books to choose from. This year’s titles are tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
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Book cover of “In the Heart of the Sea.”
“America’s 250th anniversary invites communities to look closely at the stories that have shaped both place and nation,” said Leahy. “‘In the Heart of the Sea’ gives us a powerful way into that conversation through a true story rooted in maritime life, risk, and industry.”
For Mechanics’ Hall in particular, “In the Heart of the Sea” was the obvious choice.
“Mechanics’ Hall was founded by tradespeople – shipbuilders, sailmakers, craftsmen, and mechanics – who believed that access to knowledge was essential to a thriving community. Since our founding in 1815, a library has always been at the heart of this institution,” said Leahy.
The book, based on the real-life whaleship The Essex, presents questions about leadership under pressure, morality, technological change, and how communities remember disasters.
Mechanics’ Hall will be collaborating with the Maine Maritime Museum to hold discussions around these questions and will also lead a 250th-anniversary program that relates the Essex to the sunk 1898 steamship the Portland, known as “The Titanic of New England,” and to the civic ambition of Mechanics’ Hall former president and steamship engineer Captain John B. Coyle.
Leahy said that receiving the grant was very exciting.
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“We took a moment to celebrate together, and then got right back to planning, because a year of community programming doesn’t build itself!” said Leahy.
Amy Hausmann, executive director of the Maine Arts Commission, said that she was thrilled to hear about Mechanics’ Hall receiving the NEA Big Read grant, emphasizing that it was especially significant that this is the nonprofit’s second consecutive year receiving this grant.
“I think it’s a testament to Mechanics Halls’ vision and leadership and the collaborative spirit and community-building spirit that they represent,” said Hausmann.
Child holding a copy of Daniel Mason’s “North Woods” at the Wolfe’s Neck Center in March 2026. Free copies of the book were given to event participants. (Photo courtesy of Mechanics’ Hall).
For Hausmann, arts funding, at both a state and federal level, is essential.
“Creativity helps to build vibrant, healthy individuals and vibrant, healthy communities,” said Hausmann.
For more on Mechanics’ Hall’s Big Read programming or to support its matching funds goal, call (207) 773-8396, email [email protected] or go to mechanicshallmaine.org.
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Tagged: books, grants, literacy, mechanics hall
Chloe Swedberg, a graduate of Bowdoin College, is pursuing a master of journalism degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She is working with the Press Herald's features team. More by Chloe Swedberg
