Maine Memory Network

Rum, Riot, and Reform - The Continuing Debate

"Organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, D.A.R.E., and the W.C.T.U. still work to resolve some of its problems."

Fallen Heroes: Maine's Jewish Sailors and Soldiers

Thirty-four young Jewish men from Maine died in the service of their country in the two World Wars. This project, including a Maine Memory Network exhibit, is meant to say a little something about some of them. More than just names on a public memorial marker or grave stone, these men were getting started in adult life. They had newly acquired high school and college diplomas, they had friends, families and communities who loved and valued them, and felt the losses of their deaths.

Le Théâtre

Lewiston, Maine's second largest city, was long looked upon by many as a mill town with grimy smoke stacks, crowded tenements, low-paying jobs, sleazy clubs and little by way of refinement, except for Bates College. Yet, a noted Québec historian, Robert Rumilly, described it as "the French Athens of New England."

Music in Maine - Music in Maine

"… content from eighteen collaborators, and is organized by the themes of MAKE, HEAR, and PLAY, exploring musical experiences over thousands of years…"

Music in Maine - Music Makers

"Emma played piano, their daughter Pearl the pump organ, and Pearl’s husband Nathan Noble, accompanied Dunham on bass fiddle."

Music in Maine - Bluegrass Music

"By 1972, Kentucky transplant Jimmy Cox organized the first bluegrass festival in Maine in Phippsburg."

Cosmopolitan stylings of Mildred and Madeleine Burrage

Born in Portland, sisters Mildred Giddings Burrage (1890-1983) and Madeleine Burrage (1891-1976) were renowned artists and world travelers. Mildred's experiences studying painting in Paris and Italy, and the sisters' trips to Mexico and Guatemala inspired their artwork and shared passions for cosmopolitan and stylish attire. Housed at Maine Historical Society, The Burrage Papers include selections of original advertising drawings called "line sheets" from Parisian fashion houses dating from 1928 to 1936. Images of Madeleine's gemstone jewelry and Mildred's artwork accompany intimate family photographs of the sisters.

Doing Good: Medical Stories of Maine

Throughout Maine’s history, individuals have worked to improve and expand medical care, not only for the health of those living in Maine, but for many around the world who need care and help.

A Craze for Cycling

Success at riding a bike mirrored success in life. Bicycling could bring families together. Bicycling was good for one's health. Bicycling was fun. Bicycles could go fast. Such were some of the arguments made to induce many thousands of people around Maine and the nation to take up the new pastime at the end of the nineteenth century.

Capt. Grenville F. Sparrow, 17th Maine

Grenville F. Sparrow of Portland was 25 when he answered Lincoln's call for more troops to fight the Confederates. He enlisted in Co. A of Maine's 17th Volunteer Infantry regiment. He fought in 30 battles between 1862 and the war's end in 1865.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

"… Led by New York's Pauline Sabin, the Womens Organization for National Prohibition Reform became an effective anti-prohibition group."

William King

Maine's first governor, William King, was arguably the most influential figure in Maine's achieving statehood in 1820. Although he served just one year as the Governor of Maine, he was instrumental in establishing the new state's constitution and setting up its governmental infrastructure.

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.

Music in Maine - Sacred Music

"… and less expensive than pianos, with a loud organ sound. Parishioners carried this fold-up melodeon to West Cumberland Methodist Church each Sunday…"

Power of Potential

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC) held their seventh annual convention in Portland during July 12 to July 18, 1925. Over 2,000 working women from around the country visited the city.

Blueberries to Potatoes: Farming in Maine

Not part of the American "farm belt," Maine nonetheless has been known over the years for a few agricultural items, especially blueberries, sweet corn, potatoes, apples, chickens and dairy products.

Belfast During the Civil War: The Home Front

Belfast residents responded to the Civil War by enlisting in large numbers, providing relief from the home front to soldiers, defending Maine's shoreline, and closely following the news from soldiers and from various battles.

Home: The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Portland - Researching Your Home

"… help verify -- through the "reverse" directories organized by street address -- who lived in particular neighborhoods."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1820 to 1865: Temperance and the Maine Law

"… with recovering alcoholics in creating a loosely organized, grass roots temperance movement. Groups like the Temperance Watchman of Durham, Maine…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1919 to 1934: The Nation Follows Maine Into Prohibition

"… York native Pauline Sabin, leader of the Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform, represented the new ideal for the modern woman."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1865 to 1919: The Drys Gain New Adherents and Leaders

"The most prominent prohibition organization, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.), was founded in 1874."

Music in Maine - Military Marching Bands

"Jacob S. Paine (1810-1856) founded the first organized band in Portland around 1833, named “The Portland Band.” By 1843, members recruited New…"

Music in Maine - Music Education

"… of Waterville and other educators formed an organization that purchased 190 acres on Lake Messalonskee in Sidney for a summer music camp."

Music in Maine - Community and School Marching Bands

"… Indian School in Pennsylvania from 1902 to 1904, organized to assimilate Indigenous youth with a mission to “Kill the Indian in him, and save the…"