Unearth Maine’s early history and the work of the State Historian in one authoritative volume.
This nonfiction collection traces how Maine’s earliest records are preserved, examined, and shared with the public, highlighting efforts to safeguard venerable documents and the people who champion their care.
From the handling and transfer of York County records to the creation of public and library access, this book reveals the ongoing work of conserving Maine’s earliest history. It covers key moments in archival care, the role of the State Librarian, and the broader push to publish and distribute important sources tied to Maine’s beginnings.
Readers will also encounter notes on Maine’s participation in the Louisburg expedition of 1745, the Baxter manuscripts, and a look at private collectors and gifts that enrich the state’s historical holdings. The narrative includes discussions of historical commissions, the role of lawmakers in preserving sites, and the people who shaped Maine’s archival landscape.
- Insights into how fragile records are cataloged, organized, and safeguarded.
- Examples of historical materials the state acquired or published for study.
- Background on key Maine sources and the care they require.
- Context for Maine’s early history and its recorded memory in public institutions.
Ideal for readers of Maine history, state archives, and anyone curious about how a young state preserves its past.