Maine Memory Network

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.

The Washburns of Livermore

Members of the Washburn family of Livermore participated in the Civil War in a variety of ways -- from Caroline at the homefront, to Samuel at sea, Elihu, as a Congressman from Illinois, and Israel governor of Maine. The family had considerable influence politically on several fronts.

Music in Maine - Community Music

"Granges throughout the United States used the same song books during meetings, creating a solidarity between farmers across the nation."

The Schooner Bowdoin: Ninety Years of Seagoing History

After traveling to the Arctic with Robert E. Peary, Donald B. MacMillan (1874-1970), an explorer, researcher, and lecturer, helped design his own vessel for Arctic exploration, the schooner <em>Bowdoin,</em> which he named after his alma mater. The schooner remains on the seas.

The Advent of Green Acre, A Baha'i Center of Learning

The Green Acre Baha'i School began as Green Acre Conferences, established by Sarah Jane Farmer in Eliot. She later became part of the Baha'i Faith and hosted speakers and programs that promoted peace. In 1912, the leader of the Baha'i Faith, 'Abdu'l-Baha, visited Green Acre, where hundreds saw him speak.

Music in Maine - MAKE

"… Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki Nations, connects to storytelling, history, spirituality, dance, healing, and artistic traditions."

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… drummers provided a visual location for the unit, helping to keep soldiers close together. Drumming at war was dangerous, because the enemy knew…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"… Society X Members of the Penobscot Nation toured the country as The Penobscot Band. During this time period, Indigenous bands often performed…"

The Life and Legacy of the George Tate Family

Captain George Tate, mast agent for the King of England from 1751 to the Revolutionary War, and his descendants helped shape the development of Portland (first known as Falmouth) through activities such as commerce, shipping, and real estate.

Music in Maine - Music stores

"Bull Moose is now one of the nation's largest sellers of music, movies, games, and books with eleven retail locations in Maine and New Hampshire and…"

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"… State Museum The earliest marching bands in the United States were part of military units, used during drills and troop movements."

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."

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.

Navy Firefighting School, Little Chebeague Island

Little Chebeague Island in Casco Bay was home to recreational facilities and a firefighting school for WWII sailors. The school was part of a Navy effort to have non-firefighting personnel knowledgeable in dealing with shipboard fires.

Fallen Heroes: Maine's Jewish Sailors and Soldiers

Thirty-four young Jewish men from Maine died in the service of their country in the two World Wars. This project, including a Maine Memory Network exhibit, is meant to say a little something about some of them. More than just names on a public memorial marker or grave stone, these men were getting started in adult life. They had newly acquired high school and college diplomas, they had friends, families and communities who loved and valued them, and felt the losses of their deaths.

Music in Maine - Music and Television

"Inspired by national tv shows featuring teens and music like American Bandstand, Astor’s performance skits included music, dance, and comedy routines."

Fallen Heroes: Those Who Gave Their Lives: World War II

At least twenty-three Jewish men from Maine died in the military during World War II. Photographs and other memorabilia are available for fewer than half of them. Read more about them.

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

"… other than these rock and roll concerts? The national acts that played in southern Maine had a very local impact."

Fallen Heroes: Jewish Soldiers and Sailors, The Great War

Thirty-four young Jewish men from Maine died in the service of their country in the two World Wars. This project, including a Maine Memory Network exhibit, is meant to say a little something about some of them. More than just names on a public memorial marker or grave stone, these men were getting started in adult life. They had newly acquired high school and college diplomas, they had friends, families and communities who loved and valued them, and felt the losses of their deaths.

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

"Today, one of the buildings is on the National Historic Register. The full title of this view is, "Eastern Branch, National Home for Disabled…"

Music in Maine - HEAR

"Dwayne Tomah, a member of the Passamaquoddy Nation from Sipayik (Pleasant Point), discussed the importance of wax cylinder recordings made in 1890 by…"

Music in Maine - Opera, Orchestras and Stages

"… extended Federal suffrage to the Penobscot Nation in 1955, where Lucy cast the first ballot. Lucy and Bruce Poolaw were partners in life and…"

Music in Maine - Music Education

"… experiences to young people from the Eastern United States from 1931 to 1934, until the camp went bankrupt during the Great Depression."

Northern Threads: Outerwear, Militia & Cadet uniforms

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