Dugan Murphy

When I see someone in town who looks a little lost, I am a Portland local of the sort who rubs his hands together excitedly before running over to help. I've been obsessed with Portland and her history since my first pair of Chuck Taylor’s—and I can’t wait to tell you about it! I'm a local historian, a graduate of Greater Portland Landmarks’ History Docent Program, and a curious and enthusiastic tour guide. After several years as the most requested tour guide at another local tour company, in 2021 I decided to offer walking tours of his own in order to create even more intimate, surprising, and delightful experiences. Well over 26,000 people have taken guided tours with me. If all of those people lived in one spot in Maine, that city would be the fifth largest in the state! People call me nerdy and I've earned acclaim as a performer whose ability to emanate joy and entertain crowds has earned international praise. As a Maine humorist and storyteller, I continue a Downeast tradition of oral history and wry comedy, and as a New England folk dance leader, I teach a living tradition to folks of all ages throughout North America. I've also got a Master’s in Community Planning and certificates in geographic information science and historic preservation. On the side, I lead a statewide organization supporting museums and archives in Maine and am working on a book about his John Neal, the most interesting man from the 19th century you've never heard of. I like to edit Wikipedia, too—you know, for fun. Outside of tours, you’re likely to catch me riding my bike around town—say hi!