The York Town Hall Mural was created in 2025 by artist Gordon Carlisle of Eliot, Maine. The Town Hall Historic Display Subcommittee was originally charged with developing a historical exhibit for the lobby and display cabinet on the first floor of Town Hall. As discussions progressed, the Committee recognized an opportunity to broaden this vision by commissioning a mural that would showcase the richness of York’s past.

After receiving approval from the Select Board, Committee members—Town Historian James Kences, Wayne Martin, Kevin McKinney, and Kevin Freeman—began researching significant events, themes, and places to be featured in the mural panels.

From a pool of four candidates, the Committee selected Gordon Carlisle to bring the project to life. Over many months, the Committee worked closely with Gordon to develop a design that would capture 400 years of York’s history while resonating with both town officials and residents. As public feedback was gathered and considered, the mural evolved into its final form, and Gordon began the detailed work of painting each panel. The Committee made a sincere effort to represent the town’s history and diversity as broadly and accurately as possible—no small endeavor when spanning four centuries.

The Committee hopes that the mural will engage the curiosity of casual visitors and meet the expectations of the most dedicated historians. Ideally, it will inspire all residents—from schoolchildren to lifelong townies. History is an ever-evolving narrative, and while a mural may appear definitive, it is not beyond question. The Committee welcomes dialogue, interpretation, and the sharing of additional insights, and invites viewers to explore the panels as a gateway to York’s ongoing historical discovery.