Maine Memory Network

Umbazooksus & Beyond

Visitors to the Maine woods in the early twentieth century often recorded their adventures in private diaries or journals and in photographs. Their remembrances of canoeing, camping, hunting and fishing helped equate Maine with wilderness.

Aroostook County Railroads

Construction of the Bangor and Aroostook rail lines into northern Aroostook County in the early twentieth century opened the region to tourism and commerce from the south.

In Time and Eternity: Shakers in the Industrial Age

"In Time and Eternity: Maine Shakers in the Industrial Age 1872-1918" is a series of images that depict in detail the Shakers in Maine during a little explored time period of expansion and change.

Otisfield's One-Room Schoolhouses

Many of the one-room schoolhouses in Otisfield, constructed from 1839 through the early twentieth century, are featured here. The photos, most of which also show teachers and children, were taken between 1898 and 1998.

Summer Camps

Maine is home to dozens of summer-long youth camps and untold numbers of day camps that take advantage of water, woods, and fresh air. While the children, counselors, and other staff come to Maine in the summer, the camps live on throughout the year and throughout the lives of many of the campers.

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

"… County Historical and Art Museum Description A poster advertises the Pierce Brothers' Civil War stereoscopticon images depicting scenes…"

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

"… County Historical and Art Museum Description A Civil War poster announcing the desire of the army to purchase of horses for the Union…"

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

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Daniel Lord wrote to his second wife, Lydia Patterson Lord of Kennebunkport, from…"

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

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description This fife was used by John Robbins when he was a drummer in the Civil War."

Music in Maine - Drumsticks, 1861

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Franklin C. Kimball (1844-1912) used these drumsticks while serving in the Civil War…"

Maine and the Civil War - Bluehill Academy Journal, 1863

"… Contributed by Blue Hill Public Library Description Written during the Civil War by students at Bluehill Academy in Blue Hill, this…"

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

"… Contributed by Boston Public Library Description This bird's-eye view shows the Togus home for veterans."

Music in Maine - Drum, Portland, ca. 1854

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Noble and Cooley of East Granville, Massachusetts started manufacturing drums in 1854."

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Henry Green (1832-1901) of Portland carried this military style side drum in the 10th…"

Music in Maine - Kimball Drum, ca. 1860

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Written on the top of the head of this drum is, "Frank C."

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

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description In 1862 a grieving Gray family opened a coffin that was supposed to contain the body…"

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

"… Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Colonel Freeman McGilvery (1823-1864) of Stockton commanded the Artillery at…"

Student Exhibit: The Story of the Heywood Tavern

The story of the Heywood Tavern in Skowhegan.

Meshach P. Larry: Civil War Letters

Meshach P. Larry, a Windham blacksmith, joined Maine's 17th Regiment Company H on August 18, 1862. Larry and his sister, Phebe, wrote to each other frequently during the Civil War, and his letters paint a vivid picture of the life of a soldier.

Elise Fellows White: World Traveling Violin Prodigy

Elise Fellows White was a violinist from Skowhegan who traveled all over the world to share her music.

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.

Unlocking the Declaration's Secrets

Fewer than 30 copies of the first printing of the Declaration of Independence are known to exist. John Dunlap hurriedly printed copies for distribution to assemblies, conventions, committees and military officers. Authenticating authenticity of the document requires examination of numerous details of the broadside.

Independence and Challenges: The Life of Hannah Pierce

Hannah Pierce (1788-1873) of West Baldwin, who remained single, was the educated daughter of a moderately wealthy landowner and businessman. She stayed at the family farm throughout her life, operating the farm and her various investments -- always in close touch with her siblings.

Memorializing Civil War Veterans: Portland & Westbrook

Three cemeteries -- all of which were in Westbrook during the Civil War -- contain headstones of Civil War soldiers. The inscriptions and embellishments on the stones offer insight into sentiments of the eras when the soldiers died.