Icons & Influencers
A look back at iconic photographs from one of Maine’s nationally recognized newspapers
Newspaper photojournalism got its start in the early 1920s. Newspapers began to feature paparazzi-style candid photographs of celebrities, politicians, athletes, and local icons alike to help bolster sales and target new audiences. Maine’s Portland Evening Express began to publish such images within its own pages. When Guy Gannett took ownership of the Evening Express in 1925, he capitalized on his love of photographs, and the newspaper became nationally known for its photography. According to a press release, the newspaper featured photos of celebrity outings, public events, celebrations, and “everyday people.” The Evening Express’s commitment to photojournalism lead to consistent local interest and support until the paper shuttered in 1971. Icons and Influencers revisits these images in an exhibition of photographs from the Portland Press Herald’s Glass Negative Collection, on view at the Maine State Historical Society until January 31, 2020.