Maine Memory Network

J.A. Poor and the Portland-Montreal Connection

John A. Poor's determination in 1845 to bring rail service to Maine and to make Portland the winter port for Montreal, along with the steel foundry he started to build locomotives and many other products, helped boost the economy of Portland the state.

Enemies at Sea, Companions in Death

Lt. William Burrows and Commander Samuel Blyth, commanders of the USS Enterprise and the HMS Boxer, led their ships and crews in Battle in Muscongus Bay on Sept. 5, 1813. The American ship was victorious, but both captains were killed. Portland staged a large and regal joint burial.

Land Claims, Economic Opportunities?

The landmark 1980 Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act provided $81.6 million to Maine Indians for economic development, land purchase and other purposes. The money and increased land holdings, however, have not solved economic and employment issues for Maine Indians.

Sugar and Spice: Our Vintage Recipes

Sugar and Spice: Our Vintage Recipes showcases historic recipes, dating from the 18th century to the 1950s, like sweet treats, traditional favorites, promotional printings, medicinal concoctions, curious libations, and recipes that have fallen out of favor.

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.

Lt. Charles A. Garcelon, 16th Maine

The son of Maine's surgeon general and nephew of a captain in the 16th Maine, Charles A. Garcelon of Lewiston served in Co. I of the 16th Maine. His letters home in the first 17 months of his service express his reflections on war and his place in it.

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.

Maine Politicians, National Leaders

From the early days of Maine statehood to the present, countless Maine politicians have made names for themselves on the national stage.

Capturing Arts and Artists in the 1930s

Emmie Bailey Whitney of the Lewiston Journal Saturday Magazine and her husband, noted amateur photographer G. Herbert Whitney, captured in words and photographs the richness of Maine's arts scene during the Great Depression.

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.

The Devil and the Wilderness

Anglo-Americans in northern New England sometimes interpreted their own anxieties about the Wilderness, their faith, and their conflicts with Native Americans as signs that the Devil and his handmaidens, witches, were active in their midst.

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

"For many people, exploring the history of their home provides a personal and direct connection to the past."

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

"This site explores the history of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families who, from 1785 to 1901, inhabited the the house Peleg Wadsworth built, and…"

Surgeon General Alonzo Garcelon

Alonzo Garcelon of Lewiston was a physician, politician, businessman, and civic leader when he became Maine's surgeon general during the Civil War, responsible for ensuring regiments had surgeons, for setting up a regimental hospital in Portland, and generally concerned with the well-being of Maine soldiers.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… Temperance Membership Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law "The results of our agitation will be the expulsion from all the…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"Politics and Enforcement Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Going Where it Will Do the Most Good The Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"Influential & Interesting Documents Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X The Drunkard's Looking Glass, ca."

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

"Taverns, People, and Scenes Back to: 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret X Darby and Joan, ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"The Continuing Debate Exhibition promotional poster, 1998 X Excessive drinking, once New England's secret, is now a recognized public issue."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret

"1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret Tavern sign, Raymond, ca. 1850Maine Historical Society The Coming of Drink to New England (1620–1820)…"

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

"1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law Temperance Watchman Club No. 1 banner, ca. 1848Maine Historical Society An Era of Reform By 1820…"

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

"1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition Triumph and Disappointment Confiscated liquor bottles, Portland, 1927Maine Historical…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"Reform and Repeal Back to: 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition X Franco-American Temperance Workers Westbrook, ca."