Maine Memory Network

Student Exhibit: Rebecca Sophie Clarke

Sophie May, whose real name was Rebecca Clarke, was the author of over 40 books between 1861 and 1903. She wrote the "Little Prudy Series" based on the little town of Norridgewock.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"… back to the Puritans continued in very specific ways. In spite of prohibitions against dancing, cards, billiards, etc., increased leisure time and…"

Gluskap of the Wabanaki

Creation and other cultural tales are important to framing a culture's beliefs and values -- and passing those on. The Wabanaki -- Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot -- Indians of Maine and Nova Scotia tell stories of a cultural hero/creator, a giant who lived among them and who promised to return.

Student Exhibit: Logging on Kennebec River

I became interested in the Kennebec River log drive when my grandfather would tell me stories. He remembers watching the logs flow down the river from his home in Fairfield, a small town along the Kennebec River.

Student Exhibit: Somerset Railroad

The Somerset Railroad was completed in 1872. It started out as a dream to link the Maine Coast with Canadian businesses to the north. It ran from the North Woods around Moosehead Lake down to Southern Maine and back again for 56 years.

Student Exhibit: The Great By-Pass

The debate over a proposed bridge and bypass in Skowhegan in 2005.

Northern Threads: Early Republic era Fashion dolls

A themed exhibit vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring Early Repulic-era (ca.1780-1820) fashion dolls.

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - Streetscape, 1790-1930

"… house, was demolished in 1858 to make way for the Preble House hotel. The new four-story building had a Mansard roof, which originally included…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"The majority no doubt, obeyed the laws, but many found ingenious ways to drink, hide, transport, and sell spirits."

Music in Maine - Country Music

"… told (some true, some as if they were true), the way they rhymed, and the way the music—often simple—enhanced those stories."

Most Inconvenient Storm

A Portland newspaper wrote about an ice storm of January 28, 1886 saying, "The city of Portland was visited yesterday by the most inconvenient storm of the season."

George W. Hinckley and Needy Boys and Girls

George W. Hinckley wanted to help needy boys. The farm, school and home he ran for nearly sixty nears near Fairfield stressed home, religion, education, discipline, industry, and recreation.

Trolley Travel

Trolleys were the cleanest and most efficient means of mass transit Maine has ever known.

Belfast During the Civil War: The Home Front

Belfast residents responded to the Civil War by enlisting in large numbers, providing relief from the home front to soldiers, defending Maine's shoreline, and closely following the news from soldiers and from various battles.

Student Exhibit: Save the Skowhegan Grange & Granges in General

A brief history of the Grange in Skowhegan, its importance to community history, and a plea to save it from destruction.

Northern Threads: Outerwear, Militia & Cadet uniforms

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

Cooks and Cookees: Lumber Camp Legends

Stories and tall tales abound concerning cooks and cookees -- important persons in any lumber camp, large or small.

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - Researching Your Home

"… who built your community, and to discover new ways to understand the past. Do you live in Portland? Was your house built before 1924? If so, you…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… temperance groups presented entertainment as a way of introducing their ideas to new followers. X Bowdoinham Sons of Temperance Regalia…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"As the harsh views of the Puritans gave way, Protestants came to believe that it was possible for anyone to achieve perfection in their lives and…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Society Copes

"… "For Family and Medicinal Purposes," the only way alcohol could be legally sold during Prohibition."

Music in Maine - HEAR

"… introduction of television, further expanding the ways people experienced music. WBLM 107.5 t-shirt, ca."

Liberty Threatened: Maine in 1775

At Lexington and Concord, on April 19, 1775, British troops attempted to destroy munitions stored by American colonists. The battles were the opening salvos of the American Revolution. Shortly, the conflict would erupt in Maine.

Women, War, and the Homefront

When America entered the Great War in 1917, the government sent out pleas for help from American women, many of whom responded at the battle front and on the home front.