Maine Memory Network

Gifts From Gluskabe: Maine Indian Artforms

According to legend, the Great Spirit created Gluskabe, who shaped the world of the Native People of Maine, and taught them how to use and respect the land and the resources around them. This exhibit celebrates the gifts of Gluskabe with Maine Indian art works from the early nineteenth to mid twentieth centuries.

Lock of George Washington's Hair

Correspondence between Elizabeth Wadsworth, her father Peleg Wadsworth and Martha Washington's secretary about the gift of a lock of George Washington's hair to Eliza.

Summer Folk: The Postcard View

Vacationers, "rusticators," or tourists began flooding into Maine in the last quarter of the 19th century. Many arrived by train or steamer. Eventually, automobiles expanded and changed the tourist trade, and some vacationers bought their own "cottages."

Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In

Adorning oneself to look one's "best" has varied over time, gender, economic class, and by event. Adornments suggest one's sense of identity and one's intent to stand out or fit in.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"2093, B2F6 X Shall We have a State Liquor Store in our Town (or City)?, 1936 Waterville Collections of Maine Historical Society, a gift from…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"… wood Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Dorothy Plummer, 1985 A86-886 This quizzical sign came from Samuel Witham's Tavern in…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"1885 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Madelyn Provancher, 1998 1998.189.2 X The Home vs. the Saloon W.C.T.U., ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Neal Dow

"1880 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Nathan Goold X The Portland Herald, March 20, 1894 Collections of Maine Historical…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking: Elegance and Debauchery

"… Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Philip Isaacson This remarkable cartoon recalls one of many late night affrays between troubadours…"

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.

The Public Face of Christmas

Christmas, a Christian holiday observed by many Mainers, has a very public, seasonal face that makes it visible to those of all beliefs.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"… 1886 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Mark Skinner, 1997 The agency sold ardent spirits for medicinal and mechanical purposes."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"1920 Collections of Maine Historical Society, gift of Geraldine Tidd Scott Isaac Simpson made hundreds of photographs of logging crews and rural…"

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - The Wadsworth Era: 1786-1807

"… Stephen's miniatures were painted, probably as gifts for one another. Eliza, however, had begun the decline from tubercular consumption that caused…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… silk Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Orie Louise Knight, 1916 149* The Washingtonian Anti-Drinking movement of the 1840s, which…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"… 1896 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of William B. Jordan, Jr., 1998 This ubiquitous barroom image of the late 19th century was a…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Society Copes

"… Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of William David Barry, 1998 Coll. 2093, B1F2 This popular song marked the beginning of national…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"… century Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Marian Bucholtz, 1965 Broadside 282 This verse summarizes the hope of moral improvement…"

One Hundred Years of Caring -- EMMC

In 1892 five physicians -- William H. Simmons, William C. Mason, Walter H. Hunt, Everett T. Nealey, and William E. Baxter -- realized the need for a hospital in the city of Bangor had become urgent and they set about providing one.

Art of the People: Folk Art in Maine

For many different reasons people saved and carefully preserved the objects in this exhibit. Eventually, along with the memories they hold, the objects were passed to the Maine Historical Society. Object and memory, serve as a powerful way to explore history and to connect to the lives of people in the past.

In Time and Eternity: Shakers in the Industrial Age

"In Time and Eternity: Maine Shakers in the Industrial Age 1872-1918" is a series of images that depict in detail the Shakers in Maine during a little explored time period of expansion and change.

Popham Colony

George Popham and a group of fellow Englishmen arrived at the mouth of the Kennebec River, hoping to trade with Native Americans, find gold and other valuable minerals, and discover a Northwest passage. In 18 months, the fledgling colony was gone.

Northern Threads: The rise and fall of the gigot sleeve

A themed exhibit vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring the balloon-like gigot sleeve of the 1830s.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"… 1920 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Harland H. Eastman, 1998 Sheet music 25 The United States boundary ended three miles away…"