Maine Memory Network

Yarmouth: Leader in Soda Pulp

Yarmouth's "Third Falls" provided the perfect location for papermaking -- and, soon, for producing soda pulp for making paper. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, Yarmouth was an international leader in soda pulp production.

Maine Sweets: Confections and Confectioners

From chocolate to taffy, Mainers are inventive with our sweet treats. In addition to feeding our sweet tooth, it's also an economic driver for the state.

Field & Homefront: Bethel during the Civil War

Like many towns, Bethel responded to the Civil War by sending many soldiers and those at the homefront sent aid and supported families. The town grew during the war, but suffered after its end.

Elise Fellows White: World Traveling Violin Prodigy

Elise Fellows White was a violinist from Skowhegan who traveled all over the world to share her music.

Educating Oneself: Carnegie Libraries

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie gave grants for 20 libraries in Maine between 1897 and 1912, specifying that the town own the land, set aside funds for maintenance, have room to expand -- and offer library services at no charge.

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"… (1810-1856) founded the first organized band in Portland around 1833, named “The Portland Band.” By 1843, members recruited New Hampshire musician…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"1940 Watch high school bands including Portland, Deering, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Berwick Academy, and Sanford parade down Park Avenue in…"

Guarding Maine Rail Lines

Black soldiers served in Maine during World War II, assigned in small numbers throughout the state to guard Grand Trunk rail lines from a possible German attack. The soldiers, who lived in railroad cars near their posts often interacted with local residents.

Poland Spring: Summering in Fashion

During the Gilded Age at the end of the nineteenth century, Americans sought to leave increasing urban, industrialized lives for the health and relaxation of the country. The Poland Spring resort, which offered a beautiful setting, healing waters, and many amenities, was one popular destination.

Music in Maine - Longfellow Family Music

"… Historical Society Receipt for piano forte, Portland, 1836Maine Historical Society Stephen Longfellow’s (1776-1849) estate paid J.S."

West Baldwin Methodist Church

The West Baldwin Methodist Church, founded in 1826, was one of three original churches in Baldwin. While its location has remained the same, the church has undergone numerous changes to serve the changing community.

Scarborough: They Answered the Call

Scarborough met every quota set by the state for supplying Civil War soldiers for Union regiments. Some of those who responded became prominent citizens of the town.

The Shape of Maine

The boundaries of Maine are the product of international conflict, economic competition, political fights, and contested development. The boundaries are expressions of human values; people determined the shape of Maine.

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… Description Henry Green (1832-1901) of Portland carried this military style side drum in the 10th and 17th Maine Regiments from October 4, 1861 to…"

Music in Maine - Kimball Drum, ca. 1860

"Kimball of Portland was 17 when he enlisted on June 24, 1861. He was mustered out on July 27, 1864. View additional information about this item on…"

John Bapst High School

John Bapst High School was dedicated in September 1928 to meet the expanding needs of Roman Catholic education in the Bangor area. The co-educational school operated until 1980, when the diocese closed it due to decreasing enrollment. Since then, it has been a private school known as John Bapst Memorial High School.

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.

Music in Maine - Music and Television

"… Dave Astor (1919-2011) produced a variety show in Portland from 1956 to 1971. Beginning as For Teenagers Only on WGAN-13, the show moved to WCSH-6…"

Jay & Livermore Falls, Pioneers in Paper Making

Alvin Record and Hugh J. Chisholm were instrumental in building paper mills in Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls. The two industrialists helped make the towns prosperous.

We Used to be "Normal": A History of F.S.N.S.

Farmington's Normal School -- a teacher-training facility -- opened in 1863 and, over the decades, offered academic programs that included such unique features as domestic and child-care training, and extra-curricular activities from athletics to music and theater.

Good Will-Hinckley: Building a Landscape

The landscape at the Good Will-Hinckley campus in Fairfield was designed to help educate and influence the orphans and other needy children at the school and home.

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.

Music in Maine - HEAR

"… Society Volunteers, Maine Medical Center, Portland, 1965Maine Historical Society Radios Montgomery Ward radio, Mapleton, 1929Haystack…"

Music in Maine - Sacred Music

"The Zimel Brothers sing Chassidic Melodies, Portland, ca. 1966Maine Historical Society From Generation to Generation: Cantor Samuel Zimelman A…"