Maine Memory Network

Captain Black Hawk Putnam, Houlton, ca. 1890

Contributed by: Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum Date: circa 1890 Location: Houlton Media: Photographic print

Black Hawk and Jursha Snell Putnam, Houlton, ca. 1885

Contributed by: Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum Date: circa 1885 Location: Houlton Media: Oil painting

A Convenient Soldier: The Black Guards of Maine

The Black Guards were African American Army soldiers, members of the segregated Second Battalion of the 366th Infantry sent to guard the railways of Maine during World War II, from 1941 to 1945. The purpose of the Black Guards' deployment to Maine was to prevent terrorist attacks along the railways, and to keep Maine citizens safe during the war.

CODE RED: Climate, Justice & Natural History Collections

Explore topics around climate change by reuniting collections from one of the nation's earliest natural history museums, the Portland Society of Natural History. The exhibition focuses on how museums collect, and the role of humans in creating changes in society, climate, and biodiversity.

Surry by the Bay - History of Surry

"History of Surry Surry Historical Society Text written by Lynn Bonsey, with sections adapted from Surry, Maine: An informal History by Osmond…"

Skowhegan Community History - A Brief History of the Skowhegan Area

"Hanson Black Robe on the Kennebec by Mary Calvert Skowhegan Community In partnership with the Maine Memory Network | Project of Maine Historical…"

History of Forest Gardens
by Gary Libby

This is a history of one of Portland's oldest local bars

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.

Black History and the History of Slavery in Maine

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12, Postsecondary Content Area: Social Studies
This lesson presents an overview of the history of the Black community in Maine and the U.S., including Black people who were enslaved in Maine, Maine’s connections to slavery and the slave trade, a look into the racism and discrimination many Black people in Maine have experienced, and highlights selected histories of Black people, demonstrating the longevity of their experiences and contributions to the community and culture in Maine.