Maine Memory Network

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow homes in Portland, ca. 1938

Contributed by: Boston Public Library Date: circa 1938 Location: Portland Media: Linen texture postcard

Replica of the Nevin home in Venice at the Ethelbert Nevin estate in Blue Hill, 1937

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1937-10-03 Location: Blue Hill Media: Photographic print

Jordan property, Island Avenue East End, Long Island, Portland, 1924

Owner in 1924: Edward C. Jordan Use: Dwelling

Longfellow's Birthplace on corner of Fore and Hancock, Portland, 1950

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1950-04-26 Location: Portland Client: unknown Architect: John Howard Stevens and John Calvin Stevens II Architects

Stone House Farm, Bath, 1922

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1922 Location: Bath; Phippsburg Client: William D Sewall Architect: John Calvin Stevens and John Howard Stevens Architects

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.

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.

John Martin: Expert Observer - John Martin Sr. home, Ellsworth, 1823

"… as an adult, with his mother, and re-created the home that she lost after her husband died. The illustration appears at the beginning of "John…"

John Martin: Expert Observer - Ezekiel Hopkins house and grounds, Hampden, 1840

"… on page 130 of the 650-page journal, show the home of Ezekiel Hopkins as it appears in 1840. Martin wrote, "The above premices presents the only…"

Josiah Parsons Home Westport Island Maine
by Deborah G. Greenleaf

Westport Island historical information

A Loon's World
by Norma Salway

Loons on Songo Pond

Portland History: "My Lost Youth" - Longfellow's Portland, Then and Now

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12 Content Area: English Language Arts, Social Studies
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow loved his boyhood home of Portland, Maine. Born on Fore Street, the family moved to his maternal grandparents' home on Congress Street when Henry was eight months old. While he would go on to Bowdoin College and travel extensively abroad, ultimately living most of his adult years in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he never forgot his beloved Portland. Years after his childhood, in 1855, he wrote "My Lost Youth" about his undiminished love for and memories of growing up in Portland. This exhibit, using the poem as its focus, will present the Portland of Longfellow's boyhood. In many cases the old photos will be followed by contemporary images of what that site looked like 2004. Following the exhibit of 68 slides are five suggested lessons that can be adapted for any grade level, 3–12.