Maine Memory Network

A Parade, an Airplane and Two Weddings

Two couples, a parade from downtown Caribou to the airfield, and two airplane flights were the scene in 1930 when the couples each took off in a single-engine plane to tie the knot high over Aroostook County.

George W. Hinckley and Needy Boys and Girls

George W. Hinckley wanted to help needy boys. The farm, school and home he ran for nearly sixty nears near Fairfield stressed home, religion, education, discipline, industry, and recreation.

La Basilique Lewiston

Like many cities in France, Lewiston and Auburn's skylines are dominated by a cathedral-like structure, St. Peter and Paul Church. Now designated a basilica by the Vatican, it stands as a symbol of French Catholic contributions to the State of Maine.

Horace W. Shaylor: Portland Penman

Horace W. Shaylor, a native of Ohio, settled in Portland and turned his focus to handwriting, developing several unique books of handwriting instruction. He also was a talented artist.

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.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Women Leaders and Temperance

"… Reminiscences of Neal Dow, 1898 X Frances E. Willard and her Mother Evanston, Illinois, ca."

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.

Wired! How Electricity Came to Maine

As early as 1633, entrepreneurs along the Piscataqua River in southern Maine utilized the force of the river to power a sawmill, recognizing the potential of the area's natural power sources, but it was not until the 1890s that technology made widespread electricity a reality -- and even then, consumers had to be urged to use it.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Acknowledgements

"Smith Janet and Ray Verrier Victoria Mansion Frances Willard House Museum and Archives (added items in 2023) York Institute Museum, Saco We would…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"1920 Collections of Frances Willard House Museum and WCTU ArchivesMaine Historical Society Union Leaflets: Cider as an Alcoholic Drink W.C.T.U., ca."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders

"… of Stroudwater was the right hand of President Frances Willard and succeeded her as national leader. Near the outset of the First World War, Mrs."

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.

Passing the Time: Artwork by World War II German POWs

In 1944, the US Government established Camp Houlton, a prisoner of war (POW) internment camp for captured German soldiers during World War II. Many of the prisoners worked on local farms planting and harvesting potatoes. Some created artwork and handicrafts they sold or gave to camp guards. Camp Houlton processed and held about 3500 prisoners and operated until May 1946.

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 - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"Why Study the History of Drinking? The history of drinking in Maine and America is rich and complex."

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 - 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 - Business as Usual

"Business as Usual Back to: 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders X Hayner Whiskey Advertisement The New England Magazine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - A Call to Temperance

"A Call to Temperance Back to: 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law X Prohibition vs. License Early 19th century Collections of Maine…"

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…"