This section lists the societies of Maine, giving details about each one and what resources and publications they offer.
Statewide and Regional Societies
County Societies
Statewide and Regional Societies
Maine Genealogical Society
The association was established in 1976, its aims being to collect, preserve and publish genealogical records and information, and to promote and encourage interest in family history and genealogy, especially in Maine.
They are in the process of compiling an index to families living in Maine in 1790. So far Volumes 1-11 have been published and an Every Name Index is available through Picton Press.
The names of contributors to the index are included so researchers can contact people working on the same families to share research and help each other.
A quarterly newsletter is published by the society, and an Index of Tables of Contents is available on the site covering 2005-2011.
Many publications are available for sale, which include Vital Records of Alna. If you are not a member of the association you have to order this publication through Picton Press, or you can become a member at the same time as ordering the book.
Website:
County Societies
Cushing Historical Society
Many books are available in Cushing Library and an on-line catalogue of these is available on the site, which include books relating to Marriages, Cushing History, Genealogy, Miscellaneous papers from the organisation and School Records.
Books relating to Town History, which include 1790, 1800, 1801 and 1811 Census Returns and Settlers Lists, can also be accessed in Cushing library.
A Burial Index for Cushing Cemeteries is accessible on the site, along with a list of Cemeteries in the area.
Website:
http://cushingmainehistoricalsociety.org/
Fryeburg Historical Society
The association was established in 1974 and now has over 300 members. Many resources are accessible in their Genealogical Research Facility, which incorporate:
- Across the Ocean Research Books
- Cemetery Inscriptions
- Downeast Ancestry
- Maine Families in 1790
- Marriages Index 1743-1891
- Maryland Genealogies
- Mayflower Books
- Military Information
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Oxford County Census
- Town Histories
- Town Registers
- Town reports of Fryeburg and area towns
- Vital Records for towns in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York
In addition, books relating to Maine and further afield, such as England and Wales, are also accessible.
Some additional information is accessible, which incorporates:
- Boston Gold Post Cane Recipients
- History of Veterans Honour Rolls in Fryeburg, Maine
Details of descendants of Major James Warren and William Jones is also available.
Some publications are sold by the Society, including:
- Everything Happened Around The Switchboard – Hathaway
- Fryeburg Fire Department History Booklets
- Fryeburg: An Historical Sketch – Barrows
- History of Sweden, Maine – Gilman and Wheaton
- Maps
- Molly Ocklet Booklets
- North Fryeburg Fire Department History Booklets
- Notepaper w/envelopes
- Our House – Davene Mitchell
- Samuel Wiley Reminisces
- Town Meeting Poems – by Mills
Website:
http://www.fryeburghistorical.org/
Gorham Historical Society
The association was established in 1968 and has an archive located at 28 School Street, Gorham.
Some images can be viewed on their site.
Website:
http://gorhamhs.mainememory.net/page/2978/display.html
Harrison Historical Society
The association has a Museum located on Haskell Hill Road where an extensive collection of resources are available, which incorporate:
- Area Town Histories
- Genealogy
- Harrison Cemetery Records
- House Albums
- Maps
- News Clippings
- Obituaries
- School Pictures
- School Yearbooks
- Vital Statistics
The Society has published a bicentennial history of Harrison, which can be purchased from the Town Office or by mail.
Website:
http://www.harrisonmaine.org/index.asp?SEC=B0DE84B9-46F3-40B5-9D2D-669319D20960&Type=B_BASIC
Oakland (ME) Area Historical Society
Many databases are available on the site, which incorporate:
- Census Images, Transcripts and Indexes
- Deaths 1873-1997
- Families of Oakland
- Maine Bride’s Index 1892-1955
- Marriages 1864-1955(Incomplete)
- Marriages 1977-1996 from Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney
- Oakland Births (incomplete)
Databases also incorporate:
- Oakland Chronicle, 1932
- Oakland Civil War Pensioners, 1883
- Oakland Directories
- Rome Cemetery Inscriptions
- Smithfield Cemetery Inscriptions
- Transcript of the Civil War Journal kept by Abner R. Small
- Waterville Marriages 1830-1870
- West Waterville First Baptist Church – Admissions, Dismissions, Deaths 1847-1880
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mecoakla/
Pejepscot Historical Society
The association was established in 1888. Numerous resources are accessible in their library, including:
- Brunswick, Topsham and Harpswell Cemetery Indexes
- Brunswick Town Records
- Brunswick Veteran Service Records
- Church Records
- Directories 1878-1996
- Family and Group Scrapbooks
- Family Bibles
- Genealogies
- Harpswell Birth and Death Records (1766-68, 1765-1822, 1829-1831)
- Maps
- Marriage Announcements taken from Newspapers
- Newspapers
- Obituaries taken from Newspapers
- Topsham Birth and Death Records
Many publications are available for sale, which include books relating to Joshua L. Chamberlain. These books incorporate:
- Gods and Generals
- Joshua Chamberlain: A Life in Letters
- Joshua Chamberlain and the Civil War: At Every Hazard
- Joshua L. Chamberlain: a Concise Biography of the Iconic Hero
- Passing of the Armies
- These Honoured Dead
- The Twentieth Maine
Numerous other books relating to Joshua Chamberlain can also be purchased from the Society.
They also sell apparel, toys and gift items, some of which include:
- Chamberlain Figurine
- Harmonica
- Hold at all Costs Magnet
- Pejepscot Historical Society 2017 Coffee Mug
- Soldier Scholar Statesman Blueray
- Tin Whistle
- Treasury of Civil War Songs CD
- Union Army Youth T-Shirts
- Union Kepi
A full list of items for sale is accessible on their site.
Website:
https://pejepscothistorical.org
Readfield Historical Society
As records for the town of Readfield are complete back to the town’s incorporation in 1791, members of the association have compiled Card Indexes for each resident of Readfield up to 1900.
These Card Indexes include School District # residents lived in, Church affiliation, Town Offices held, Burial Place and Vital Statistics. Information regarding Readfield Early Settlers is also accessible.
The Society also has news articles and obituaries in indexed scrapbooks that contain information going back to the early 20th century.
Old pictures covering Readfield schools, businesses, families and organisations can also be accessed.
The society’s old newsletters, covering 1999-2003, are also available on their site.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mecreadf/rdfldrhs.htm
Scarborough Historical Society and Museum
The association was established in 1961, its aim being to collect, preserve and exhibit items relating to Scarborough.
Information regarding Interesting Scarborough people is on their site, which include Marguerite Lary(Teacher and Scarborough Legend), Albin Angell(Fisherman), Elbridge Oliver(1849-1930) and Noah Pillsbury’s Horse and Wagon(1903).
Some publications are also available for sale, which include:
- Gems of Prouts Neck History
- Grandfather Tales of Scarborough
- History of Scarborough 1633-1783
- Images of America: Scarborough in the Twentieth Century
- Scarborough at 350, Linking the Past to the Present
- Scarborough Fare, recipes from members and friends of the Historical Society
- York Deeds Index
Website:
http://scarborohs.mainememory.net
Woolwich Historical Society
Their aim is to preserve the Woolwich’s history. They also preserve the 1810 farmhouse which houses the Woolwich History Museum. This museum contains items that date from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries.
Information regarding some families in the area and a list of these families is available on the site.
Some publications are sold by the society, which incorporate:
- History of Woolwich
- The Mystery of Sir William Phips – Ann Pierson
- Native American Cornhusk Doll Kit – used to make a doll from corn husks
- Nequasset Cemetery Book: Gone But Not Forgotten