Maine Memory Network

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"Veteran musicians created civilian bands, often replicating their former military service in music choices and uniform styles."

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.

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.

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.

Music in Maine - PLAY

"PLAY Watching musicians sing and play music in public is an important communal experience for the performer and the audience."

This Rebellion: Maine and the Civil War

For Mainers like many other people in both the North and the South, the Civil War, which lasted from 1861-1865, had a profound effect on their lives. Letters, artifacts, relics, and other items saved by participants at home and on the battlefield help illuminate the nature of the Civil War experience for Mainers.

World War I and the Maine Experience

With a long history of patriotism and service, Maine experienced the war in a truly distinct way. Its individual experiences tell the story of not only what it means to be an American, but what it means to be from Maine during the war to end all wars.

Music in Maine - Music stores

"Many Maine musicians who went on to regional or national success sold their first CD at Bull Moose. Many prominent musicians and celebrities have…"

Music in Maine - Bluegrass Music

"… spread north via radio, and when some bluegrass musicians migrated to Maine, they brought the music with them, including the Lilly Brothers from…"

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"… Community bands, historically comprised of male musicians, embraced diverse heritages, different languages,, and culture-specific instruments, such…"

Rumford's Notable Citizens in the Civil War

A number of Rumford area residents played important roles during the Civil War -- and in the community afterwards. Among these are William King Kimball, who commanded the 12th Maine for much of the war.

Music in Maine - Radio Cowboys and Country Music

"… on records and radio broadcasts, influencing musicians nationwide. In Maine, French ballad traditions added unique sounds to the music."

The Sanitary Commission: Meeting Needs of Soldiers, Families

The Sanitary Commission, formed soon after the Civil War began in the spring of 1861, dealt with the health, relief needs, and morale of soldiers and their families. The Maine Agency helped families and soldiers with everything from furloughs to getting new socks.

Music in Maine - MAKE

"MAKE Music makers include musicians, artists, and craftspeople who make instruments, write songs, and make music in the home and community settings."

Music in Maine - Music Education

"… praising him as "one of the talented young musicians of this town, possessing a very strong and sweet singing voice." Starting in the 1920s, cowboy…"

Music in Maine - Sacred Music

"… use reeds and airflow to create sounds, but the musician pumps the instrument by foot rather than using their arms."

Music in Maine - Music and Television

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

Music in Maine - Country Music

"… band in New England, included Black and White musicians from Yarmouth and the Portland region. Later called the Katahdin Mountaineers, they played…"

Music in Maine - Community Music

"… with Quebecois master stepdancer, caller, and musician Benoit Bourque through the Maine Arts Commission’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program."

Music in Maine - Music Makers

"Soren Bruns, Musician Soren Bruns’ clarinet, Portland, ca. 1897Maine Historical Society Born in Rapsted Field, Denmark, Soren Hansen Bruns…"

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

"When these touring rock and roll musicians were making stops in places like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York, Washington and Boston, what was it about…"

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.

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.

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… Henry Green (1832-1901) of Portland carried this military style side drum in the 10th and 17th Maine Regiments from October 4, 1861 to March 11…"