Maine Memory Network

Maine Medical Center, Bramhall Campus

Maine Medical Center, founded as Maine General Hospital, has dominated Portland’s West End since its construction in 1871 on Bramhall Hill. As the medical field grew in both technological and social practice, the facility of the hospital also changed. This exhibit tracks the expansion and additions to that original building as the hospital adapted to its patients’ needs.

Jameson & Wotton Wharf, Friendship

Since 1897, the Jameson & Wotton Wharf in Friendship has been an important addition to the community on Muscongus Bay. The wharf, which is accessible at all tides, was a steamboat stop for many years, as well as important to the lobster business.

Maine's 20th Regiment

The War was not going well for the Union and in the summer of 1862, when President Lincoln called for an additional 300,000 troops, it was not a surprise to see so many men enlist in an attempt to bring proper leadership into the Army.

Maine Sweets: Confections and Confectioners

From chocolate to taffy, Mainers are inventive with our sweet treats. In addition to feeding our sweet tooth, it's also an economic driver for the state.

Prisoners of War

Mainers have been held prisoners in conflicts fought on Maine and American soil and in those fought overseas. In addition, enemy prisoners from several wars have been brought to Maine soil for the duration of the war.

Evergreens and a Jolly Old Elf

Santa Claus and evergreens have been common December additions to homes, schools, businesses, and other public places to America since the mid nineteenth century. They are two symbols of the Christian holiday of Christmas whose origins are unrelated to the religious meaning of the day.

Maine and the Civil War - Offer for war battle images, Houlton, ca. 1862

"… the most recent battle, which is Pittsburg Landing (Shilo) in 1862. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Poster seeking cavalry horses, Aroostook County, 1861

"… for the Union cavalry in various communities in Aroostook County. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Letter from Daniel Lord to his wife, July 21, 1861

"He sends greetings to his children, also. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - B-flat fife, ca. 1860

"Six smaller holes tone towards end and larger blow hole opposite. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drumsticks, 1861

"… were normally made from rosewood, and were 16 to 17 inches long. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Bluehill Academy Journal, 1863

"There are 13 stars above the drawing and arrows in the eagles claw. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Togus Veterans' Hospital view, 1885

"… Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Togus, Me." View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drum, Portland, ca. 1854

"… Theodore Ingalls King (1854-1906) of Portland and Washington D.C. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… knew that without the drum, commanders lost contact with their troops. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Kimball Drum, ca. 1860

"He was mustered out on July 27, 1864. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Headstone, unknown Confederate soldier, Gray, 1979

"For more information, please contact Getty Images Customer Support. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drum, Stockton Springs, ca. 1840

"… from 1820 to 1844, specializing in bass drums for militia units. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

A Tale of Two Sailmakers

Camden has been home to generations of fishermen, shipbuilders, sailmakers, and others who make their living through the sea. The lives of two Camden sailmakers, who were born nearly a century apart, became entwined at a small house on Limerock Street.

The Barns of the St. John River Valley: Maine's Crowning Jewels

Maine's St. John River Valley boasts a unique architectural landscape. A number of historical factors led to the proliferation of a local architectural style, the Madawaska twin barn, as well as a number of building techniques rarely seen elsewhere. Today, these are in danger of being lost to time.

Surgeon General Alonzo Garcelon

Alonzo Garcelon of Lewiston was a physician, politician, businessman, and civic leader when he became Maine's surgeon general during the Civil War, responsible for ensuring regiments had surgeons, for setting up a regimental hospital in Portland, and generally concerned with the well-being of Maine soldiers.

Monuments to Civil War Soldiers

Maine supplied a huge number of soldiers to the Union Army during the Civil War -- some 70,000 -- and responded after the war by building monuments to soldiers who had served and soldiers who had died in the epic American struggle.

South Portland's Wartime Shipbuilding

Two shipyards in South Portland, built quickly in 1941 to construct cargo ships for the British and Americans, produced nearly 270 ships in two and a half years. Many of those vessels bore the names of notable Mainers.

Eastern Fine Paper

The paper mill on the Penobscot River in South Brewer, which became known as Eastern Fine Paper Co., began as a sawmill in 1884 and grew over the years as an important part of the economy of the region and a large presence in the landscape. Its closing in 2005 affected more than the men and women who lost their jobs.