Maine Memory Network

Michael J. Cady, Portland, ca. 1890

Contributed by: Maine Irish Heritage Center Date: circa 1890 Location: Portland Media: Photographic print

Patrick H. Flaherty, Portland, ca. 1890, ca. 1890

Contributed by: Maine Irish Heritage Center Date: circa 1890 Location: Portland Media: Photographic print

Irish Immigrants in Nineteenth Century Maine

With the popularity of all things Irish in modern America, many people have forgotten the difficulties faced by nineteenth century Irish immigrants.

The Irish on the Docks of Portland

Many of the dockworkers -- longshoremen -- in Portland were Irish or of Irish descent. The Irish language was spoken on the docks and Irish traditions followed, including that of giving nicknames to the workers, many of whose given names were similar.

Mercy Hospital - Sisters of Mercy

"… as the daughter of a middle class Irish Catholic family. (In British-ruled Ireland at the time, Protestants dominated the upper classes and…"

Biddeford History & Heritage Project - The Civil War/Reconstruction Era as Experienced in Biddeford & Saco - Page 9 of 17

"The animosity resulted in the founding of Saint Joseph’s Church in 1870 for French-Canadian Roman Catholics."

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.

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