Maine Arts Commission News

Maine loses longtime Champion for the arts, Maurine Rothschild

The Maine arts community is saddened to learn of the death, February 20, 2004, of longtime advocate and friend of the arts in Maine, Maurine Rothschild.

Rothschild served two terms on the Maine Arts Commission from 1983 to 1989. During that time, she traveled to the far corners of the state to inform herself about the level of availability of the visual and performing arts. "Maurine was a shining example of a member who actively addressed the responsibilities of her membership. She always sought ways to support and encourage the greatest range of Maine artists, within the state and beyond," said longtime friend and fellow advocate Frances Frost.

Indeed, Rothschild's advocacy was not limited to the arts. At the age of 74, she made her first visit to Africa to help women and children overcome violence and discrimination. Over the next seven years, she would travel to the African continent seven more times. Additionally, she served on numerous boards, including the board of the Bunting Institute of Advanced Study at Harvard, her alma mater (Rothschild graduated from Radcliffe College, cum laude in 1940; Radcliffe officially became a part of Harvard in 2001).

Rothschild was a member of the Farnsworth Museum's board of directors, serving as its president from 1985-1988. She was also chair of its national advisory committee.

Alden C. Wilson, director of the Maine Arts Commission, summed up the feelings of many who knew Rothschild. "I am deeply saddened with Maurine's passing. She brought vast experience to the Maine Arts Commission's deliberations during her tenure from 1983 to 1989. She always balanced the best in the arts with the need for them to be accessible to the public. We shall miss her insight, generosity, good will and abiding sense of humor."

Rothschild, 84, was at her winter home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, at the time of her death. When not in Florida, Rothschild and her husband split their time between New York City and their home in Dark Harbor, Maine. She is survived by her husband Robert, a daughter, Katherine Rothschild Jackson, of Somerville, Massachusetts, and a son Peter of New York City, as well as three grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for the late spring in New York City.

Related Article: Letter from Frances Frost