Maine Memory Network

John French letter to his family, July 1861

Contributed by: Fifth Maine Regiment Museum Date: 1861-07-25 Location: Albion Media: Ink on paper

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Ladies to the Soldiers, Stillwater, 1861

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1861 Location: Stillwater Media: Ink on paper

Brewster House Bed & Breakfast elevations, Freeport, 1993-1994

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1993–1994 Location: Freeport Clients: Matt Cartmell; Amy Cartmell Architect: Carol A. Wilson; Carol A. Wilson, Architect

Emery house, Ellsworth, ca. 1895

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: circa 1895 Location: Ellsworth; Hancock Client: L. A. Emery Architect: John Calvin Stevens

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.

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 - Drumsticks, 1861

"Drumsticks, 1861 Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Franklin C. Kimball (1844-1912) used these drumsticks while serving…"

Music in Maine - Civil War drum, ca. 1861

"Civil War drum, ca. 1861 Contributed by Maine Historical Society Description Henry Green (1832-1901) of Portland carried this military…"

Civil War Soldier comes home after 158 years
by Jamison McAlister

Civil War Soldier comes home after 158 years

Rev James Wells Appointment as Chaplain for Maine in Civil War
by David Woodward

Certificate for Rev. Wells commissioned by Gov. Israel Washburn Jr. to serve in Maine 11th Regiment

Primary Sources: Maine Women's Causes and Influence before 1920

Grade Level: 6-8 Content Area: Social Studies
This lesson plan will give students the opportunity to read and analyze letters, literature, and other primary documents and articles of material culture from the MHS collections relating to the women of Maine between the end of the Revolutionary War through the national vote for women’s suffrage in 1920. Students will discuss issues including war relief (Civil War and World War I), suffrage, abolition, and temperance, and how the women of Maine mobilized for or in some cases helped to lead these movements.