Press Release | For Immediate Release
First-Ever Event of Its Kind at Poland Spring
“A Weekend for Collectors” – Inaugural Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale
Poland Spring, Maine – (April 9, 2026): The Poland Spring Preservation Society is proud to announce the inaugural Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale and Collectors Weekend, a new event celebrating the rich history of bottles, collectibles, and the iconic legacy of Poland Spring.
Held during the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s 50th anniversary year, this exciting weekend invites collectors, historians, and enthusiasts from across New England and beyond to gather for a one-of-a-kind experience. Laura Brown, Director of Operations, shares, “We have envisioned this event for several years, and seeing it come together during our milestone anniversary makes it especially meaningful. With a variety of unique presentations and experiences planned, this promises to be a weekend no collector will want to miss.”
Designed as “A Weekend for Collectors,” the event will showcase a wide array of Poland Spring bottles, memorabilia, and regional treasures – highlighting Maine’s deep connection to the bottling industry. While the show is hosted at Poland Spring and will feature Poland Spring memorabilia, the Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale is open to all bottles, memorabilia and related collectibles, regardless of brand, welcoming a diverse range of collectors and interests. Exhibitors are expected from across Maine and New England, as well as from farther away, with participants already confirmed from Massachusetts and South Carolina. From early glass artifacts to rare finds, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship and stories behind these historic pieces.
Maine has long been home to notable bottling traditions, Poland Spring Water, one of the nation’s oldest spring water brands established originally right here on the property of Poland Spring Resort by Hiram Ricker. This shared heritage adds depth and context to the weekend’s celebration of bottle collecting and preservation.
Weekend Highlights Include:
- Rare and historic Poland Spring bottles and memorabilia
- Buy, sell, and trade opportunities with collectors and vendors
- Expert-led presentations on bottle history, digging, and preservation
- On-site bottle identification with experienced collectors
- Exclusive Collector’s Soirée with special unveiling and reception
Bottle Show & Sale Highlights
Sunday, June 14 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Early Bird admission at 8:00 AM)
Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale
Poland Spring Water Museum
115 Preservation Way, Poland Spring, Maine
The centerpiece of the weekend is the Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale, where vendors and collectors will display, buy, sell and trade unique items. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning, the show offers something for everyone and aims to foster a growing community of enthusiasts.
General admission is $5.00; Early Bird admission is $15.00. Children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at the door.
Weekend Presentations & Events
A series of engaging presentations and interactive experiences will take place throughout the weekend:
Friday, June 12 | 5:00 PM
From 1794 to Today: 230+ Years of Poland Spring Resort History
Maine Inn Dining Room
22 Robbins Way, Poland Spring, Maine
Join Cyndi Robbins, celebrating 55 years as Innkeeper of Poland Spring Resort and Vice President of the Poland Spring Preservation Society, as she shares insights into the storied past of the resort and its enduring legacy. This complimentary event is open to all.
Saturday, June 13 | 11:00 AM
The Art of Bottle Digging and Diving
All Souls Chapel
37 Preservation Way, Poland Spring, Maine
Join Justin Petelle, the Maine Bottle Hunter, for a hands-on presentation exploring the art of digging and diving for antique bottles – where to look, how to uncover them, and how to restore them. This complimentary event is open to all.
Saturday, June 13 | 1:30–3:30 PM
Identify Your Poland Spring Bottles
Maine State Building
37 Preservation Way, Poland Spring, Maine
Not sure what you have? Bring your bottles and let knowledgeable collectors help identify and share information about your pieces. This complimentary event is open to all.
Saturday, June 13 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Poland Spring Collector’s Soirée
Maine State Building
37 Preservation Way, Poland Spring, Maine
Join us for a curated experience featuring a presentation of historic Poland Spring bottles by Laura Brown, Director of Operations, along with the special unveiling of a commemorative decanter celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Poland Spring Preservation Society. The decanter will be raffled exclusively among attendees of the soirée. Guests will also enjoy a wine and cheese reception, creating a sophisticated finale to a day of collecting and discovery.
This is a ticketed event, with admission priced at $30.00 per person. Each ticket includes a complimentary beverage, a selection of wine and cheese, and one raffle entry for the commemorative decanter, along with an engaging evening celebrating the history of Poland Spring bottles. Tickets may be purchased at polandspringmuseums.org or by contacting Laura Brown at 207-998-4142.
Make It a Weekend
Guests are invited to enhance their experience by staying onsite at the historic Poland Spring Resort. Those who mention the Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale at the time of booking or use promo code BOTTLE will receive a 10% discount on accommodations, offering a convenient and inviting way to enjoy the full weekend of activities.
Additionally, guests can enjoy dining at Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant throughout the weekend. The restaurant will feature special menu items created in celebration of the weekend long events, including the “Ricker Reserve Burger,” topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, spicy grain mustard, and sautéed onions on a pretzel bun. For beverages, guests can enjoy the “Bottle Hunter’s Elixir,” a specialty cocktail crafted with Poland Spring Gin – perfect for toasting a weekend of collecting and history.
This inaugural event not only celebrates the passion of collectors but also honors the history and heritage preserved by the Poland Spring Preservation Society over the past 50 years. Whether you’re bringing a prized collection or simply a curiosity for history, the Poland Spring Bottle & Memorabilia Show and Sale promises a memorable and meaningful weekend.
For more information, tickets, vendor inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Laura Brown, Director of Operations at the Poland Spring Preservation Society, at 207-998-4142 or laura@polandspringmuseums.org
Connect With Poland Spring Preservation Society:
Online | Facebook | YouTube Channel | Instagram
About Poland Spring Preservation Society:
Founded in 1976, The Poland Spring Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the unique historical architecture of the Maine State Building and the All Souls Chapel, one-of-a-kind structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Maine State Building was constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago and returned to Maine by the Ricker family of Poland Spring, who had won an award for the purity of their Poland Water at the Exposition. It is one of only five buildings that remain and the only state building remaining from the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. The All Souls Chapel opened in 1912 under the vision of Sadie Ricker for the guests and staff at Poland Spring.
The museum buildings are available to book for private parties, weddings and events.
For more information please contact the Poland Spring Preservation Society at PO Box 444, Poland Spring, Maine 04274, call (207) 998-4142, or email at contact@polandspringmuseums.org
About Justin Petelle:
Justin Petelle, was inspired by his grandmother’s passion for bottle digging in the 1960s and 70s. He began his own collecting journey at the age of ten. What started with a childhood fascination for Coca-Cola bottles has evolved into a lifelong expertise in rare Maine and New England medicines, bitters and inks.
Thirty years later, he digs and dives across New England and travels the East Coast for major bottle shows. Beyond his personal collection, he is a passionate educator who delivers presentations at local historical societies. His mission is to preserve history and inspire the younger generation to discover the thrill of this unique hobby.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kimberly J. Poland | Poland Media Group
(401) 743-7272 | kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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