Maine Memory Network

Sylvan Site: A Model Development

Frederick Wheeler Hinckley, a Portland lawyer and politician, had grand visions of a 200-home development when he began the Sylvan Site in South Portland in 1917. The stock market crash in 1929 put a halt to his plans, but by then he had built 37, no two of which were alike.

Northern Threads: Two centuries of dress at Maine Historical

Organized by themed vignettes, Northern Threads shares stories about Maine people, while exploring how the clothing they wore reveals social, economic, and environmental histories. This re-examination of Maine Historical Society's permanent collection is an opportunity to consider the relevance of historic clothing in museums, the ebb and flow of fashion styles, and the complexities of diverse representation spanning 200 years of collecting.

Holding up the Sky: Wabanaki people, culture, history, and art

Learn about Native diplomacy and obligation by exploring 13,000 years of Wabanaki residence in Maine through 17th century treaties, historic items, and contemporary artworks—from ash baskets to high fashion. Wabanaki voices contextualize present-day relevance and repercussions of 400 years of shared histories between Wabanakis and settlers to their region.

Home: The Longfellow House & the Emergence of Portland

The Wadsworth-Longfellow house is the oldest building on the Portland peninsula, the first historic site in Maine, a National Historic Landmark, home to three generations of Wadsworth and Longfellow family members -- including the boyhood home of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The history of the house and its inhabitants provide a unique view of the growth and changes of Portland -- as well as of the immediate surroundings of the home.

Drawing Together: Art of the Longfellows

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is best know as a poet, but he also was accomplished in drawing and music. He shared his love of drawing with most of his siblings. They all shared the frequent activity of drawing and painting with their children. The extended family included many professional as well as amateur artists, and several architects.

Student Exhibit: Historic Buildings on Madison Ave in Skowhegan

Take a tour and see some of the beautiful old buildings that used to be on Madison Avenue, Skowhegan? A few still remain, but most have been torn down.

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

"This site explores the history of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families who, from 1785 to 1901, inhabited the the house Peleg Wadsworth built, and…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"This web site is a reproduction of the exhibition that documented these events and was on display at the Maine Historical Society during the Summer…"

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

"… as 1850 the house was recognized as a historic site. Over the years many people have described the house and left a record of their experiences."

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - The Longfellow Era: 1807-1901

"… House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site A lawyer, he added a brick side entrance to the house during renovations following a…"

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - The Wadsworth Era: 1786-1807

"… like many in the era, the home was also the site of his work. Immediately next to the house Peleg built a warehouse he used to store and sell…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"1875 Collections of Maine Historical Society; gift of Gertrude Ford, 1996 Not all Mainers in the middle and upper classes opposed drinking."

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - Streetscape, 1790-1930

"While the house itself did not change, the site did -- with the addition in 1907 of the Maine Historical Society headquarters."

Popham Colony

George Popham and a group of fellow Englishmen arrived at the mouth of the Kennebec River, hoping to trade with Native Americans, find gold and other valuable minerals, and discover a Northwest passage. In 18 months, the fledgling colony was gone.

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.

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - Census, Timeline

"… Society 1860 census, PortlandMaine Historical Society 1880 census page, PortlandMaine Historical Society 1900 census page…"

A City Awakes: Arts and Artisans of Early 19th Century Portland

Portland's growth from 1786 to 1860 spawned a unique social and cultural environment and fostered artistic opportunity and creative expression in a broad range of the arts, which flowered with the increasing wealth and opportunity in the city.

Maine and the Civil War - Communities and the War

"Communities and the War In nine communities, historical organizations, libraries and schools worked together between 2013 and 2015 to study what…"

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - People of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House

"1880Maine Historical Society Only two families occupied the house – the family of Elizabeth Bartlett and Peleg Wadsworth who lived here between 1785…"

Music in Maine - Kimball Drum, ca. 1860

"Kimball Drum, ca. 1860 Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Written on the top of the head of this drum is, "Frank C."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"… for John Gunnelsen, Hallowell, 1848Maine Historical Society Certificate of Sons of Temperance Hallowell, 1848 Collections of Maine Historical…"

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

"1862 Contributed by Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum Description A poster advertises the Pierce Brothers' Civil War…"

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

"… County, 1861 Contributed by Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum Description A Civil War poster announcing the desire of the army…"

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

"… to his wife, July 21, 1861 Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Daniel Lord wrote to his second wife, Lydia Patterson…"