Maine Memory Network

Northern Threads: Two centuries of dress at Maine Historical

Organized by themed vignettes, Northern Threads shares stories about Maine people, while exploring how the clothing they wore reveals social, economic, and environmental histories. This re-examination of Maine Historical Society's permanent collection is an opportunity to consider the relevance of historic clothing in museums, the ebb and flow of fashion styles, and the complexities of diverse representation spanning 200 years of collecting.

World War I and the Maine Experience

With a long history of patriotism and service, Maine experienced the war in a truly distinct way. Its individual experiences tell the story of not only what it means to be an American, but what it means to be from Maine during the war to end all wars.

From French Canadians to Franco-Americans

French Canadians who emigrated to the Lewiston-Auburn area faced discrimination as children and adults -- such as living in "Little Canada" tenements and being ridiculed for speaking French -- but also adapted to their new lives and sustained many cultural traditions.

Student Exhibit: Rebecca Sophie Clarke

Sophie May, whose real name was Rebecca Clarke, was the author of over 40 books between 1861 and 1903. She wrote the "Little Prudy Series" based on the little town of Norridgewock.

World Alpine Ski Racing in Maine

Sugarloaf -- a small ski area by European standards -- entered ski racing history in 1971 by hosting an event that was part of the World Cup Alpine Ski Championships. The "Tall Timber Classic," as the event was known, had a decidedly Maine flavor.

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

"In this era, women became leaders of the fight against liquor. The most prominent prohibition organization, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union…"

Northern Threads: Mourning Fashions

A themed exhibit vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring 18th and 19th century mourning jewelry and fashions.

Drawing Together: Art of the Longfellows

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is best know as a poet, but he also was accomplished in drawing and music. He shared his love of drawing with most of his siblings. They all shared the frequent activity of drawing and painting with their children. The extended family included many professional as well as amateur artists, and several architects.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Temperance Membership

"Women, like the the young women pictured in "Daughters of Temperance", wore sashes or collars over their simple silk "everyday" dresses."

Rebecca Usher: 'To Succor the Suffering Soldiers'

Rebecca Usher of Hollis was 41 and single when she joined the Union nursing service at the U.S. General Hospital at Chester, Pennsylvania. Her time there and later at City Point, Virginia, were defining experiences of her life.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Why Study the History of Drinking?

"For women, the fight against alcohol abuse and other social ills in the later 19th and early 20th centuries led to a growing political, and…"

Northern Threads: Civil War-era clothing

An exhibit vignette within "Northern Threads, Part 1," featuring American Civil War civilian and military clothing, 1860 to 1869.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - 1620 to 1820: New England's Great Secret

"… which was annexed by Massachusetts in the 1650s, women made beer at home and the wealthy imported wine from the Portuguese and Spanish islands."

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

"Abolition of slavery, the fight for women's suffrage, and efforts to care for those less fortunate are all rooted in this era."

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

"Many men and women of the 1920s, appalled by the carnage of World War I, were anxious to experiment and enjoy themselves after the war ended."

Northern Threads: Outerwear, Militia & Cadet uniforms

A themed vignette within "Northern Threads Part I," featuring 19th century outerwear, bonnets, militia and cadet uniforms.

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Overview & Introduction

"… the fight to abolish slavery and the struggle for women's suffrage, engaged the nation's full attention."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Influential & Interesting Documents

"Men and women with solid reputations were granted licenses to run taverns, but as populations grew this social control weakened."

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Reform and Repeal

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

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Taverns, People, and Scenes

"… licensed house was one of the few trades open to women and the tough-minded Mrs. Greele achieved legendary status by extinguishing her burning…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Quenching the Thirst

"… as these were popular cure-alls, especially with women. Many of the mixtures were alcohol-based. X X X Wine Press Kendall &…"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Business as Usual

"GALLERIES: Politics and Enforcement | Women Leaders and Temperance | Quenching the Thirst | Business as Usual"

Rum, Riot, and Reform - Politics and Enforcement

"GALLERIES: Politics and Enforcement | Women Leaders and Temperance | Quenching the Thirst | Business as Usual"

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.