Maine Memory Network

San Life: the Western Maine Sanatorium, 1928-1929

Merle Wadleigh of Portland, who was in his mid 20s, took and saved photographs that provide a glimpse into the life of a tuberculosis patient at the Western Maine Sanatorium in Hebron in 1928-1929.

A Day for Remembering

Most societies have had rituals or times set aside to honor ancestors, those who have died and have paved the way for the living. Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is the day Americans have set aside for such remembrances.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Bootleggers vs. Police

"… Illegal whiskey being removed from a vessel in Portland Harbor Portland, ca. 1920 Collections off Maine Historical Society/Maine Today Media Booze…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"X Rum Cart in Gorham's Corner Portland, ca. 1900 Collections of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission Portland's Gorham's Corner (the…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"X Portland Riot Broadsides, Portland, 1849 Courtesy of a Private Collection These broadsides commemorate the famous bawdyhouse gunfights in…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Neal Dow

"… Pamphlet 2541 Ramrod Jubilee broadside, Portland, 1854 X Ramrod Jubilee, Portland, 1854 Broadside 487 Collections of Maine Historical…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Drinking Implements

"… Boston Silver Courtesy of the The First Parish in Portland, Maine Unitarian Universalist This mug was presented to Reverend Deane of First Parish…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"Portland City Hall Rum Room, ca. 1907Maine Historical Society Portland City Hall Rum Room ca. 1900 Postcard Collections of Maine Historical…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"… Village Peabody Essex Museum Pingree Family Portland Museum of Art Portland Public Library Madelyn Provancher Rumford Historical Society Saint…"

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

"Plan of Ann (now Park) Street, Portland, ca. 1802Maine Historical Society Plan of Ann Street, Portland, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"X X X Wine Press Kendall & Whitney, Portland, early 20th century Courtesy of Doris Stockly This press belonged to Antonio Potenza…"

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

"1840Maine Historical Society Portland Watch or Cracking Notes, ca. 1836 Joseph T. Harris (active 1828-1852) pen on parchment Collections of Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"X Permit for Nathaniel Deering of Portland to sell liquor, 4 February 1788 Collections of Maine Historical Society Coll. 951, vol."

Capt. Grenville F. Sparrow, 17th Maine

Grenville F. Sparrow of Portland was 25 when he answered Lincoln's call for more troops to fight the Confederates. He enlisted in Co. A of Maine's 17th Volunteer Infantry regiment. He fought in 30 battles between 1862 and the war's end in 1865.

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

"The Napoleon of Temperance By mid-century, Portland's Neal Dow (1804-1897) changed the tactics of the battle against alcohol by adopting a…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"Home of Mrs. Lillian M.W. Stevens, Portland, ca. 1910Greater Portland Landmarks Home of Lillian M. N. Stevens Postcard, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"… a series of award-winning articles in the Portland Press Herald last year, and the state's well-publicized tough drunk-driving laws also keep the…"

We Saw Lindbergh!

Following his historic flight across the Atlantic in May 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh commenced a tour across America, greeted by cheering crowds at every stop. He was a day late for his speaking engagement in Portland, due to foggy conditions. Elise Fellows White wrote in her diary about seeing Lindbergh and his plane.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"Riggers and Sail Makers banner, Portland, 1841Maine Historical Society Parade Banner for the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, Pump and Block…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition

"… Disappointment Confiscated liquor bottles, Portland, 1927Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media The dream of outlawing the manufacture…"

CODE RED: Climate, Justice & Natural History Collections

Explore topics around climate change by reuniting collections from one of the nation's earliest natural history museums, the Portland Society of Natural History. The exhibition focuses on how museums collect, and the role of humans in creating changes in society, climate, and biodiversity.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"Overview & Introduction Cache of liquor, Portland, 1920Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media Maine played a central role in the United…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"… 20th century Courtesy of The Great Lost Bear, Portland This impassioned sign summarizes the attitude and goals of the Prohibition movement."

Drawing Together: Art of the Longfellows

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is best know as a poet, but he also was accomplished in drawing and music. He shared his love of drawing with most of his siblings. They all shared the frequent activity of drawing and painting with their children. The extended family included many professional as well as amateur artists, and several architects.