Maine Memory Network

Strike Up the Band

Before the era of recorded music and radio, nearly every community had a band that played at parades and other civic events. Fire departments had bands, military units had bands, theaters had bands. Band music was everywhere.

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"… Chandler's Band Click to explore more about Chandler's Band Chandler’s Band is the second oldest continuously operating professional band in…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"… Marching Bands Click to explore community bands in Maine Community bands, historically comprised of male musicians, embraced diverse…"

Prohibition in Maine in the 1920s

Federal Prohibition took hold of America in 1920 with the passing of the Volstead Act that banned the sale and consumption of all alcohol in the US. However, Maine had the Temperance movement long before anyone was prohibited from taking part in one of America's most popular past times. Starting in 1851, the struggles between the "drys" and the "wets" of Maine lasted for 82 years, a period of time that was everything but dry and rife with nothing but illegal activity.

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

"… Click to learn more about the $ame Band The Same Band By Mike Laskey The Same Band formed in 1977 when John Etnier opened his Brunswick recording…"

Music in Maine - Bluegrass Music

"Their band, Allerton & Alton: Cumberland Ridge Runners, broadcast over radio station WLAM in Lewiston, and listeners throughout the Northeast and…"

Music in Maine - Longfellow Family Music

"… published sheet music, and founded the Portland Band—later called Chandler’s Band. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's flute, Portland, ca."

Music in Maine - Country Music

"… Mountaineers, regarded as the first country band in New England, included Black and White musicians from Yarmouth and the Portland region."

Music in Maine - Music Makers

"He played clarinet with the American Cadet Band, and violin with the American Cadet Band Orchestra. Soren Bruns' Violin, ca."

Music in Maine - Music and Television

"… including Schooner Fare’s Steve Romanoff and big band musician Tony Boffa. Dave Astor Show "Regulars" Suzanne Svenson on Dave Astor, 1964Maine…"

Music in Maine - Community Music

"It was important for us to showcase the local bands and a way for us to give back to the City of Rockland for their support."

Music in Maine - Music Education

"Family and school bands and encouraged children to learn how to play a musical instrument and to perform in front of audiences."

Music in Maine - Radio Cowboys and Country Music

"… and recorded music on RCA records with a band called the Lone Pine Mountaineers—paying homage to Maine as the Pine Tree State and the Appalachian…"

Music in Maine - Sacred Music

"… books in place for musicians while marching in a band. Jewish Cantors Small communities of Jewish people lived in Maine during colonial times."

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.

State of Mind: Becoming Maine

The history of the region now known as Maine did not begin at statehood in 1820. What was Maine before it was a state? How did Maine separate from Massachusetts? How has the Maine we experience today been shaped by thousands of years of history?

From Sewers to Skylines: William S. Edwards's 1887 Photo Album

William S. Edwards (1830-1918) was a civil engineer who worked for the City of Portland from 1876-1906. Serving as First Assistant to Chief Engineer William A. Goodwin, then to Commissioner George N. Fernald, Edwards was a fixture in City Hall for 30 consecutive years, proving indispensable throughout the terms of 15 Mayors of Portland, including all six of those held by James Phineas Baxter. Edwards made significant contributions to Portland, was an outstanding mapmaker and planner, and his works continue to benefit historians.

Maine Eats: the food revolution starts here

From Maine's iconic lobsters, blueberries, potatoes, apples, and maple syrup, to local favorites like poutine, baked beans, red hot dogs, Italian sandwiches, and Whoopie Pies, Maine's identity and economy are inextricably linked to food. Sourcing food, preparing food, and eating food are all part of the heartbeat of Maine's culture and economy. Now, a food revolution is taking us back to our roots in Maine: to the traditional sources, preparation, and pleasures of eating food that have sustained Mainers for millennia.