Maine Memory Network

Constitution, Social and Humane Society, 1814

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1814-01-01 Location: Paris Media: Ink on paper

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Rosemary Cottage, Eliot, ca. 1888

Contributed by: Eliot Baha'i Archives Date: circa 1888 Location: Eliot Media: Photographic print

Fashion for the People: Maine's Graphic Tees

From their humble beginnings as undergarments to today's fashion runways, t-shirts have evolved into universally worn wardrobe staples. Original graphic t-shirts, graphic t-shirt quilts, and photographs trace the 102-year history of the garment, demonstrating how, through the act of wearing graphic tees, people own a part of history relating to politics, social justice, economics, and commemorative events in Maine.

Slavery's Defenders and Foes

Mainers, like residents of other states, had differing views about slavery and abolition in the early to mid decades of the 19th century. Religion and economic factors were among the considerations in determining people's leanings.

Life on a Tidal River - Bangor and Social Reform Movements of the 1800s-1900s

"… History of Colby College: Activism and Social Justice Since 1813 » Frederick Douglass Visits Maine.” A Peoples History of Colby College Activism…"

Malaga Island: a story best left untold - Maine State documents and Proclamations

"… were done in the name of the greater good and social improvement. Click here to read the State of Maine Reports of the Committees of the Council…"

A Case for Restorative Justice
by anonymous

The writer reflects on the impacts of incarceration on their father and their friend.

Who do you want living next door?
by anonymous

The writer reflects on the lack of mental health services for Maine's incarcerated individuals.

Maine Statehood

Grade Level: 9-12 Content Area: Social Studies
Maine's quest for statehood began in the years immediately following the American Revolution. Though the state of Massachusetts consented to the separation in 1819 and Maine would ultimately achieve statehood in 1820, Maine’s split from Massachusetts was not without controversy and was not universally supported by people living in Maine. Using primary sources, students will explore the arguments for and against Maine statehood. Students will gather evidence and arguments to debate the statement: It is in the best interests of the people of Maine for Maine to become its own state.

LGBTQ+ History in Maine

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12, Postsecondary Content Area: Social Studies
This lesson presents an overview of the history of the LGBTQ community in Maine and the U.S., including the ways in which attitudes towards the LGBTQ community have changed over time, some of the ways LGBTQ people have faced discrimination and unfair treatment, and some of the moments in Maine and U.S. history that inspired LGBTQ people and their allies to fight for equality and LGBTQ rights.