Maine Memory Network
Maine's Online Museum

Title: Dyar rural school building, Strong, ca. 1910

Contributed by: Strong Historical Society

Date: circa 1910

Location: Strong

Media: Black & white cabinet card photograph

Title: Rural electrification brochure, ca. 1935

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society

Date: circa 1935

Media: Ink on paper

Title: Laughton School, Hallowell, ca. 1930

Contributed by: Hubbard Free Library

Date: circa 1930

Location: Hallowell

Media: photograph

Back to School

Public education has been a part of Maine since Euro-American settlement began to stabilize in the early eighteenth century. But not until the end of the nineteenth century was public education really compulsory in Maine.

Reading, Writing and 'Rithmetic: Brooklin Schools

When Brooklin, located on the Blue Hill Peninsula, was incorporated in 1849, there were ten school districts and nine one-room school houses. As the years went by, population changes affected the location and number of schools in the area. State requirements began to determine ways that student's education would be handled. Regardless, education of the Brooklin students always remained a high priority for the town.

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.

Strong, a Mussul Unsquit village

The history of a small western Maine community north of Farmington as told by a team consisting of Strong Historical Society, Strong Elementary School, and Strong Public Library. Exhibit topics include Strong's prominence in the wood products industry (it was once the "Toothpick Capital of the World"), the "Bridge that Changed the Map," schools and educational history, clubs and organizations, "Fly Rod" Crosby, the first Maine guide, and a rich student section related to the Civil War and post-Civil War era in the town.

Scarborough: They Called It Owascoag

The history of a 350+-year-old city south of Portland, the Scarborough site was constructed by representatives from Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough Middle School, and Scarborough Public Library. Exhibits include the marsh, transportation and roads, shipyards and shipwrecks, clamming and lobstering, famous residents, and education.