Maine Memory Network
Maine's Online Museum

Title: Everett Staples store parade float, Biddeford, 1916

Contributed by: McArthur Public Library

Date: 1916-09-16

Location: Biddeford

Media: photograph

Title: Christmas decorations, Presque Isle, ca. 1950

Contributed by: Presque Isle Fire Department

Date: circa 1950

Location: Presque Isle

Media: Photoprint

Title: Tancrel House, Lewiston, 1895

Contributed by: Franco-American Collection

Date: 1895-06-24

Location: Lewiston

Media: Photograph

Art of the People: Folk Art in Maine

For many different reasons people saved and carefully preserved the objects in this exhibit. Eventually, along with the memories they hold, the objects were passed to the Maine Historical Society. Object and memory, serve as a powerful way to explore history and to connect to the lives of people in the past.

A Celebration of Skilled Artisans

The Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, an organization formed to promote and support skilled craftsmen, celebrated civic pride and members' trades with a parade through Portland on Oct. 8, 1841 at which they displayed 17 painted linen banners with graphic and textual representations of the artisans' skills.

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.