My Maine Stories
General Maine Stories
Added September 19, 2024
The Year We Had Two Thanksgiving Days
by John Brooks Howard
The story is about a 1939 trip to Grand Lake Stream and Thanksgiving with Geo W MacArthur and family
Added August 6, 2024
Sam Smithwick:From Southern rock star to local community builder
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Sam found his home in Maine and dedicates his talents to the growth of our evolving community.
Added July 24, 2024
Don Bisson - Living his convictions
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Returning after a career in New York City, Don has dedicated his life to addressing food insecurity.
Added April 17, 2024
Bonita Pothier-the definition of a trailblazer
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Overcoming the challenges of being Biddeford’s first female mayor is but a part of her contributions
Added March 20, 2024
Jim Murphy-living a multi-dimensional life
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Life influences: Irish/Quebec ancestry, seminary, Navy, community businesses and organizations.
Added March 20, 2024
Bert Gagne-from star athlete to community barber
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Bert’s personal account of his lifelong non-stop approach including his 60+ years as a barber.
Added March 20, 2024
Biddeford City Hall: an in-depth tour of this iconic building
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Visual tour and unique insights of Biddeford’s historical landmark
Added March 18, 2024
The Oakfield Inn
by Rodney Duplisea
This is a summarized article about the opening of the Oakfield Inn. It appeared in the Bangor Daily
Added December 29, 2023
Ron Cote - Lessons from a star athlete and legendary coach
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
A local sports legend's life and how he applied his passion to help others pursue their own dreams.
Added December 29, 2023
Senator Susan Deschambault: not afraid to take on challenges
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project
Honoring her family's small business roots and community service through her own unconventional path
Added December 20, 2023
Eighteen and Out!
by Peter and Rebecca Merrill
How we found our way back to Maine.
Added December 20, 2023
Timberland Legacy, My Family's History in Maine
by Lisa Huber
A long connection to the forestry industry and conservation movement in Maine
Added December 19, 2023
My Peace on Earth
by Dana Eidsness
She left Maine for school and vowed she'd never move back.
Added December 19, 2023
Bunkers and Lodges
by Bob Martin & Emily Holdtman Martin
Growing up in Maine, summering in Maine, and how it's changed.
Added December 19, 2023
Backup Captain
by Shannon & Asa Richards
Our family’s deep connections to the maritime and fishing communities
Added December 19, 2023
Summers on Peaks
by Anna Greenfield
Memories of being a summer visitor and visiting Peaks Island
Added December 19, 2023
Lift the Boats for Everybody
by Andrea Cianchette Maker
The story of her immigrant great grandfather and her nonprofit organization Focus Maine.
Added June 15, 2023
Jim Paquette - preserving his Franco-American and musical roots
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Lead singer of the iconic Black Hart Band shares insights of his life journey.
Added June 14, 2023
Jennie Aranovitch - honoring family legacy and Jewish identity
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Her great-grandparents journey from Belarus through current day Jewish experience in Biddeford.
Added June 14, 2023
Lloyd LaFountain III family legacy and creating own path
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Lloyd followed in his family’s footsteps of serving Biddeford and the State of Maine.
Added May 4, 2023
Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary Birth
by Anonymous
My birth at the Portland Eye & Ear Infirmary/ Children's Hospital in 1951
Added April 5, 2023
Minik Wallace 1891-1918
by Genevieve LeMoine, The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum
The life of Minik, an Inuit person from Greenland who grew up in New York City.
Added April 3, 2023
Warming Oceans
by David Reidmiller, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
The rate of warming in the Gulf of Maine is faster than that of more than 95% of the world’s oceans
Added March 30, 2023
Importance of Insects in Maine
by Charlene Donahue
Doing Insect surveys with the Maine Entomological Society
Added March 30, 2023
Lifelong Lepidopterist
by E. Christopher Livesay
Chris Livesay collects and studies butterflies.
Added March 23, 2023
Ivory-billed Woodpeckers
by Doug Hitchcox, Staff Naturalist at Maine Audubon
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the Portland Society of Natural History Collections
Added March 12, 2023
From Naturalists to Environmentalists
by Andy Beahm
The beginnings of Maine Audubon in the Portland Society of Natural History
Added February 23, 2023
What does a warming climate mean for Maine?
by David Reidmiller
Climate change affects all aspects of life. What does this mean for Maine?
Added January 26, 2023
The man who dedicated 52 years to Biddeford's iconic Alex Pizza
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A work ethic learned from his parents and passion for the employees and customers of Alex Pizza.
Added January 26, 2023
Biddeford and Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame Award recipient
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
With options to be a college French professor, became a lawyer, mayor, DA & District Court Judge
Added July 18, 2022
Mike Remillard shares his in-depth knowledge of our community
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
You will learn a lot from Mike's fascination with many topics from church organs to submarines.
Added July 18, 2022
A tour of unique features at St. Andre's Catholic Church
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A tour of unique features at St. Andre's Catholic Church
Added June 28, 2022
Born in Bangor 1936
by Priscilla M. Naile
Spending time at the Bangor Children's Home
Added April 25, 2022
My career as a wildlife biologist
by Ron Joseph
Rural Maine provided the foundation of a rewarding career as a wildlife biologist.
Added April 24, 2022
Josiah Parsons Home Westport Island Maine
by Deborah G. Greenleaf
Westport Island historical information
Added April 24, 2022
Saturday Evening Dances at the Westport Town Hall
by Deborah G. Greenleaf
Fond Memories of Westport Island
Added March 15, 2022
Rachel Tourigny: Richness of growing up in a big, "poor" family
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A most vivid and heartwarming account of life during a simpler time
Added March 15, 2022
Charles "Chuck" Tsomides: devoted to family and local sports
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A life influenced by Greek ancestry, love of music and appreciation for local community sports
Added March 14, 2022
Ted Truman (Throumoulos): A treasure trove of stories
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A son of Greek immigrants’ insight into his entrepreneurial family, culture and life experiences
Added March 14, 2022
Cantor Beth & Dr David Strassler: personal insights on life
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
The journey of a couple devoted to each other, their family, their community and their religion
Added March 14, 2022
Elizabeth Mantis Spiliopoulos: passion for life & Greek heritage
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A spunky 99-year-old shares her crystal-clear recollections of all the changes in her lifetime
Added March 14, 2022
Norman Sevigny: history of a neighborhood grocery store
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Growing up in a Franco-American community and working in the family business, Sevigny’s Market
Added March 3, 2022
Michael Reilly: preserving an iconic family business
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
The story behind Reilly's Bakery, at the heart of Biddeford’s Main Street for 100+ years
Added February 23, 2022
Valeda Couture: a mother’s view on immigration of her children
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Quebec farm life and a mother’s experience when 7 of her 12 children move to Biddeford.
Added February 22, 2022
Geraldine Litalien: painting a picture of life in Biddeford
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Impact on everyday life from events occurring from the late 1920s through 2018
Added February 22, 2022
Alex Mouzas: Passionate about sharing his Greek-American roots
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A personal, in-depth look into the life and contributions of area Greek-Americans
Added February 17, 2022
Father Renald Labarre: the life of a Catholic priest
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A Biddeford native provides insights on his Franco-American roots and life as a Catholic priest.
Added February 17, 2022
Dr Michael Guignard: Passion for research & Franco-American root
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A personal journey of life in a Franco-American community with unique insights on adoption
Added February 16, 2022
Sister Viola Lausier: Finance Director with a big heart
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A life dedicated to applying financial and leadership expertise in the service of others.
Added February 15, 2022
Paul Gagne: Living a life fully engaged in his community
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A man with a wide range of skills and talents shares them for the benefit of his community
Added February 11, 2022
Spiros Droggitis: From Biddeford to Washington DC and back
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
A Greek family's impact: from the iconic Wonderbar Restaurant to Washington DC
Added February 9, 2022
Sister Madeleine D’Anjou: Many detours lead to a rewarding life
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
What a journey! Sister Maddie says that "God writes straight on crooked lines."
Added February 8, 2022
Annette Addorio: 100+ years of memories from full life
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
From 1914 to 2018, highlights from my life in Biddeford
Added February 8, 2022
John Conroy: proud heir of a 4-generation business
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
The evolution of a family business providing funeral services
Added February 8, 2022
Sister Therese Bouthot:Life of service as a Good Shepherd sister
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
From humble beginnings to playing a leadership role in the service of others
Added February 2, 2022
Alice Bertrand shares highlights from her 100+ years
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
What is it like to live through all the events that have occurred in the past 100+ years?
Added January 28, 2022
Saga of a Sub Chaser S.C. 268 along Maine Coast
by DANIEL R CHRISTOPHER
A look back at a Sub Chaser Crew on duty along the Maine coastline near the end of World War I
Added December 10, 2021
A first encounter with Bath and its wonderful history
by John Decker
Visiting the Maine Maritime Museum as part of a conference
Added November 2, 2021
An enjoyable conference, Portland 2021
by John C. Decker, Danville, Pennsylvania
Some snippets from a 4-day conference by transportation historians in Portland, September 7-11, 2021
Added August 2, 2021
Peace in Maine
by Rebekah Tower
My story is about my family vacations to Maine when I was growing up.
Added June 22, 2021
Harold's Garage, Rome Hollow, Maine
by Mimi C
Story about Harold Hawes, owner of Harold's garage and self-styled auctioneer in Rome Hollow, Maine
Added June 11, 2021
My family and Malaga Island
by Charmagne Tripp
The state of Maine evicted all residents of Malaga Island in 1912.
Added June 2, 2021
Dancing through barriers
by Garrett Stewart
My Dad performed on the Dave Astor Show in Portland during the civil rights era.
Added June 1, 2021
Reverend Thomas Smith of First Parish Portland
by Kristina Minister, Ph.D.
Pastor, Physician, Real Estate Speculator, and Agent for Wabanaki Genocide
Added May 12, 2021
Monument Square 1967
by C. Michael Lewis
The background story and research behind a commissioned painting of Monument Square.
Added January 12, 2021
How roses became a big part of my life
by Clarence Rhodes
Clarence Rhodes's experiences growing, exhibiting, and judging roses in Maine and around the world.
Added June 2, 2020
63 year Presque Isle High School Class Reunion
by Kathryn E Joy
What happens when there are no more reunions planned.
Added April 25, 2020
History of Forest Gardens
by Gary Libby
This is a history of one of Portland's oldest local bars
Added April 9, 2020
A Note from a Maine-American
by William Dow Turner
With 7 generations before statehood, and 5 generations since, Maine DNA carries on.
Added November 6, 2019
Movie Theaters in Portland Maine in the 1940s
by Ralph Bolduc
Ralph Bolduc shared his memories growing up in the movie theaters of Portland Maine in the 1940s.
Added November 6, 2019
Orphanage on Revere Street
by anonymous
An orphanage operated by a Mrs. Oliver on 54 Revere Street in Portland, Maine in 1930.
Added May 14, 2019
Maine family across the USA
by James Burton Wengler (Robinson)
A Maine family scattered across the USA
Added December 31, 2018
Documenting Portland's Neighborhood Bars
by David Read
Peanut House, Sportsman's Grill and a proposal to document Portland's Neighborhood Bars
Added December 31, 2018
Portland Bars: Carlo's and Boothby Square
by anonymous
Carlo Giobbi on his family's Portland Bars: Carlo's and Boothby Square
Added October 9, 2018
Carrabassett Village and the Red Stallion Inn circa 1960
by David Rollins
The creation of Carrabassett Village and the Red Stallion Inn at Sugarloaf USA
Added August 24, 2018
A Smart Horse
by Lynn Peasley Sanborn
The horse brings the hay home while the boys are swimming.
Added August 8, 2018
How Mom caught Dad
by Jane E. Woodman
How Ruth and Piney met in Wilton and started a life together
Added August 6, 2018
Portland in the 1940s
by Carol Norton Hall
As a young woman in Portland during WWII, the presence of servicemen was life changing.
Added June 21, 2018
Picture This: Life on Hancock St, Bangor Maine
by anonymous
A conversation with Jay Millet, who grew up on Hancock St in Bangor Maine during the depression.
Added June 21, 2018
Stories from Eastport
by Ruth McInnis
My memories of growing up in Eastport, WWII, camping, and history on the border
Added April 27, 2018
I'm fortunate to live in Livermore Falls
by Kenny Jacques
I've seen a lot of changes in Livermore Falls, and hope we will reinvent again soon.
Added January 31, 2018
Why I came to Maine and what's kept me here
by Kate Webber
I came to Maine for college but then got involved in contradance and museums.
Added November 14, 2017
Baxter State Park and Burton W. Howe
by Jason Howe
Formation of Baxter State Park and the involvement of Burton W. Howe of Patten
Added November 14, 2017
Memories of working at the Criterion Theatre
by Vernon L. Cox
Working as a teenager with projectionest Roy Blake at the Criterion Theater
Added November 14, 2017
A case of mistaken animal identity
by Judy Loeven
The time my neighbor's dog Tyson got away, or so I thought.
Added November 14, 2017
Growing up in Lewiston
by Kathy Becvar
Growing up in Lewiston in the 1960s and 1970s.
Added October 13, 2017
Working as a telephone operator in the 1940s
by Doris Tardy
Working as a telephone operator in 1946 was new and exciting, and challenging.
Added June 7, 2017
Langdon Burton and the Cold, Wet Tourists
by Phil Tedrick
A father and son have their vacation experience totally changed by an encounter with a fisherman
Added March 22, 2017
My father's world - the old farm in Richmond, Maine
by Donald C. Cunningham
A story about my father and our family.
Added March 14, 2017
A Lifelong Romance with Retail
by George A Smith
Maine's once plentiful small retail stores.
Added January 30, 2017
Story of the "little nun"
by Felicia Garant
My grandmother made a nun's outfit for me
Added December 7, 2016
What Maine Means to Me
by Nicolette B. Meister
How a friendship created a lifelong love of Maine.
Added December 7, 2016
Ogunquit Beach Sonnet
by Shannon Schooley
Sonnet written for school when I was 12 years old.
© 2000-2017 Maine Historical Society, All Rights Reserved.
My Maine Stories is a part of the Maine Memory Network, a project of the Maine Historical Society.
Except for classroom educational use, images and content may not be reproduced without permission.