BANGOR – A new exhibit will open May 15 at the Bangor Museum and Center for History at 6 State St.

Titled “Images of New England – Visions of Bangor: Photography and the Human Experience,” the exhibit will examine aspects of life in the Bangor region from the late 19th and early 20th century as seen through the lens of a camera.

The “Images of New England” portion of the exhibit is borrowed from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities in Boston.

Images are arranged thematically and portray family groups and relationships, media and news events, technological and scientific advances and intangible experiences including nature, poetry and music.

Further enhancing these topics, the “Visions of Bangor” portion is drawn from the outstanding photographic collection of the Bangor Historical Society.

Two themes from the exhibition are further interpreted by three-dimensional displays.

A history of the N.H. Bragg Co. enlarges on the themes of science and technology, and a 1905 photo of the funeral of a young boy leads to a fascinating examination of mourning rituals in Bangor’s different cultural communities.

Continuing the museum’s research on ethnic diversity in Bangor, the exhibit will chronicle the physical, spiritual and cultural customs of the Irish, Jewish and Greek communities.

Very important historic material, including mourning jewelry and clothing, will be on display. A timeline traces the development of photography along with an exhibit of historic cameras and equipment.

The opening celebration will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the museum. It will include refreshments and carriage rides through downtown Bangor and treats for children.