Maine Memory Network

A Snapshot of Portland, 1924: The Taxman Cometh

In 1924, with Portland was on the verge of profound changes, the Tax Assessors Office undertook a project to document every building in the city -- with photographs and detailed information that provide a unique view into Portland's architecture, neighborhoods, industries, and businesses.

People, Pets & Portraits

Informal family photos often include family pets -- but formal, studio portraits and paintings also often feature one person and one pet, in formal attire and pose.

Margaret Chase Smith: A Historic Candidacy

When she announced her candidacy for President in January 1964, three-term Republican Senator Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman to seek the nomination of one of the two major political parties.

Maine and the Civil War - Offer for war battle images, Houlton, ca. 1862

"… the most recent battle, which is Pittsburg Landing (Shilo) in 1862. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Poster seeking cavalry horses, Aroostook County, 1861

"… for the Union cavalry in various communities in Aroostook County. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Letter from Daniel Lord to his wife, July 21, 1861

"He sends greetings to his children, also. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - B-flat fife, ca. 1860

"Six smaller holes tone towards end and larger blow hole opposite. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drumsticks, 1861

"… were normally made from rosewood, and were 16 to 17 inches long. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Headstone, unknown Confederate soldier, Gray, 1979

"For more information, please contact Getty Images Customer Support. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Bluehill Academy Journal, 1863

"There are 13 stars above the drawing and arrows in the eagles claw. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Maine and the Civil War - Togus Veterans' Hospital view, 1885

"… Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Togus, Me." View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drum, Portland, ca. 1854

"… Theodore Ingalls King (1854-1906) of Portland and Washington D.C. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… knew that without the drum, commanders lost contact with their troops. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Kimball Drum, ca. 1860

"He was mustered out on July 27, 1864. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Music in Maine - Drum, Stockton Springs, ca. 1840

"… from 1820 to 1844, specializing in bass drums for militia units. View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network."

Evergreens and a Jolly Old Elf

Santa Claus and evergreens have been common December additions to homes, schools, businesses, and other public places to America since the mid nineteenth century. They are two symbols of the Christian holiday of Christmas whose origins are unrelated to the religious meaning of the day.

Protests

Throughout the history of the state, residents have protested, on paper or in the streets, to increase rights for various groups, to effect social change, to prevent social change, or to let their feelings be known about important issues.

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

"… Longfellow house provide examples of the type of information available. 335 Congress Street, Portland, 1924City of Portland - Planning &…"

Presidents and Campaigns

Several Mainers have run for president or vice president, a number of presidents, past presidents, and future presidents have had ties to the state or visited here, and, during campaign season, many presidential candidates and their family members have brought their campaigns to Maine.

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.

A Focus on Trees

Maine has some 17 million acres of forest land. But even on a smaller, more local scale, trees have been an important part of the landscape. In many communities, tree-lined commercial and residential streets are a dominant feature of photographs of the communities.

Women, War, and the Homefront

When America entered the Great War in 1917, the government sent out pleas for help from American women, many of whom responded at the battle front and on the home front.

Away at School: Letters Home

Young men and women in the 19th century often went away from home -- sometimes for a few months, sometimes for longer periods -- to attend academies, seminaries, or schools run by individuals. While there, they wrote letters home, reporting on boarding arrangements and coursework undertaken, and inquired about the family at home.

Northern Threads: Early Republic era Fashion dolls

A themed exhibit vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring Early Repulic-era (ca.1780-1820) fashion dolls.