Maine Memory Network

Home Ties: Sebago During the Civil War

Letters to and from Sebago soldiers who served in the Civil War show concern on both sides about farms and other issues at home as well as concern from the home front about soldiers' well-being.

Hiking, Art and Science: Portland's White Mountain Club

In 1873, a group of men, mostly from Portland, formed the second known hiking club in the U.S., the White Mountain Club of Portland, to carry out their scientific interests, their love of hiking and camaraderie, and their artistic interests in painting and drawing the features of several of the White Mountains.

Northern Threads: Outerwear, Militia & Cadet uniforms

A themed vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring 19th century outerwear, bonnets, militia and cadet uniforms.

Presidents and Campaigns

Several Mainers have run for president or vice president, a number of presidents, past presidents, and future presidents have had ties to the state or visited here, and, during campaign season, many presidential candidates and their family members have brought their campaigns to Maine.

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

"It is made of brown spun wood with brass rings attached at the ends. Six smaller holes tone towards end and larger blow hole opposite."

Music in Maine - Music stores

"Bull Moose Music By Chris Brown, CFO Bull Moose Bull Moose Click to learn more Bowdoin College junior Brett Wickard founded Bull Moose Music in…"

Music in Maine - Music in Maine

"… Denny Breau, Jane Brooks, Ken Brooks, Chris Brown, Jason Brown, Joe Kennedy, Nellie Kennedy, Cindy Larock, Mike Laskey, Jessi Mallory, Jason…"

George F. Shepley: Lawyer, Soldier, Administrator

George F. Shepley of Portland had achieved renown as a lawyer and as U.S. Attorney for Maine when, at age 42 he formed the 12th Maine Infantry and went off to war. Shepley became military governor of Louisiana early in 1862 and remained in the military for the duration of the war.

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.

Music in Maine - Opera, Orchestras and Stages

"… Society militakwat By Firefly / Jason Brown militakwat Click to explore Firefly's story militakwat (pronounced mill-e-duh-kwut) is…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"John Susep at the Maine Centennial, Portland, 1920Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media John Francis Susep (1880-1964) was a member of the…"

Music in Maine - Rock and Roll, Punk, and Elvis

"… of punk music, they did so with satire. With John Etnier’s graphic design and doodle drawings by Mike Laskey, The Same Band produced humorous…"

Music in Maine - Sacred Music

"John Parker of London, England made this bassoon. Parker was an oboist, bass singer and bassoon player who made bassoons for the Goulding music…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"In Portland, J.B. Brown's Falmouth Hotel reportedly practiced the same method. GALLERIES: Politics and Enforcement | Women Leaders and Temperance…"

Music in Maine - Community Music

"John River in Maine’s Acadian heartland. When she passed away in 1998, I inherited her cherished notebook of old Acadian folksongs, making me the…"

Civil War Soldiers Impact Pittsfield

Although not everyone in town supported the war effort, more than 200 Pittsfield men served in Civil War regiments. Several reminders of their service remain in the town.

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

"… went with my father to a funeral in Beaver (now Brown) Street, and a decanter of liquor and glasses were set on the coffin" Reverend Elijah Kellog…"

The Sanitary Commission: Meeting Needs of Soldiers, Families

The Sanitary Commission, formed soon after the Civil War began in the spring of 1861, dealt with the health, relief needs, and morale of soldiers and their families. The Maine Agency helped families and soldiers with everything from furloughs to getting new socks.

Port of Portland's Custom House and Collectors of Customs

The collector of Portland was the key to federal patronage in Maine, though other ports and towns had collectors. Through the 19th century, the revenue was the major source of Federal Government income. As in Colonial times, the person appointed to head the custom House in Casco Bay was almost always a leading community figure, or a well-connected political personage.

Patriotic Imagery: 1861-1880

Imagery on letterhead soldiers used, on soldiers' memorials produced after the war, and on many other items captured the themes of the American Civil War: union, liberty, and freedom.

Music in Maine - MAKE

"MAKE Music makers include musicians, artists, and craftspeople who make instruments, write songs, and make music in the home and community settings."

Music in Maine - Longfellow Family Music

"Longfellow Family Music “Music is the universal language of humankind.” --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Outre Mer, 1835 Henry Wadsworth…"

Music in Maine - Country Music

"Country Music Don Doane Katahdin Mountaineers, 1925 Courtesy of Bob Greene X Don Doane Sr.’s Katahdin Mountaineers, regarded as the first…"

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"Military Marching Bands View of Portland Light Infantry Muster, ca. 1803 The Portland Light Infantry Muster with a drummer and a horn player in…"