Thank you to the Maine Genealogical Society and the Maine Historical Society

A great big thank you to everyone who attended yesterday's Maine Genealogical Society Spring Conference held in Augusta. I have a new appreciation for that part of the state.  It was my first trip to the state capitol and I hope to get back there at some point. The Maine Historical Society was a co-sponsor of the day.

I spent Friday at an antique mall and picked up a few stereographs for future projects.  Here's a homemade one.

These folks were clowning for the camera--drinking and dozing.  It's from the late 1890s.  Don't you love the portrait on the wall?  This was on the back of a image of snowy owls.  The family photographer re-purposed a purchase stereo card.

Dinner at The Senator with MGC Board members was outstanding. Good food and great company.  I have a lot of food allergies so it's always a bonus when a restaurant has a dessert that's wheat, dairy and nut-free. Take a look at this!

It was a good as it looks. Raspberry sorbet in a meringue shell. 

Saturday's weather started out cloudy and rainy, but the atmosphere at the Elks Club was cheery. There was no confusion about where the event was going to be held.  This sign was on the main road.

The four lectures of the day were: Photo Detecting 101 (with a special emphasis on Civil War images), Photo Preservation, The Last Muster, and Hairsteria/Mad as a Hatter.   The hats and hair lecture kept everyone laughing after lunch.

Thank you again!  Can't wait to go back to Maine.  It was a very relaxing train ride from Boston.

Weekend at the Museum: Maine in the Civil War

The Maine Memory Network is a collaborative venture between the Maine Historical Society and other smaller historical societies in the state.  I don't have Maine ancestry, yet I've subscribed to their newsletter several years ago.  It arrives in my email inbox and I immediately open it.  Why?  The editors always feature a great photo from a collection. It's not just pretty to look at. Each issue delivers quality content and interesting tidbits on Maine history. 

One of the things that the Maine Memory Network does is present online versions of exhibits being held at the Maine Historical Society. Even if you don't have connections to New England's largest state, you'll enjoy browsing their current exhibit:  This Rebellion: Maine and the Civil War. 

It's just like viewing an exhibit. There is the introductory panel followed by focused displays.  You can see enlistment posters, look at the photographic portraits of soldiers and read their stories, learn about medical care during the war or musicians who served. 

When you click on a heading such as Prisoners; Medicine you'll see a screen like this

Select either slideshow view or list view.  You'll see a medium size photo and an exhibit label.  To enlarge the photo and information click the info link in the photo caption.

While you're on the site, check out some of their other exhibits and sign up for their e-connection newsletter.   The sign-up is on the left side of the screen.

Ambrotype Case

The rich history of photography means that I see all types of photographs.  Your family collection is similar to your next door neighbor's but is also very different. Here's an example.  Today a client showed me this really sturdy looking case for a ambrotype.

It's a pretty standard ninth plate wood and leather case (2 1/4 by 3 in) decorated with a floral design.  What makes this case unique are the modifications.  It's encased in a metal outer edge to protect the fragile glass ambrotype.  I suspect this was done for traveling.  One of the potential owners of the case is a Confederate soldier.  The image on the inside depicts a young woman.