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Digital History: Stories from Maine Memory Network
Online Exhibit: We Used to be "Normal"
A History of Farmington State Normal School
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Farmington State Normal School, ca. 1880 MMN# 64331
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The Western Maine State Normal School was established by Maine Legislature on October 9, 1863. It was one of two normal schools to be established in the state at the time, and its purpose was to train teachers to provide a quality education to Maine children. The school opened on August 24, 1864, and from the beginning was referred to as the Farmington State Normal School, although that did not become its official name until 1889. F.S.N.S. was renamed the Farmington State Teachers College in 1945, and became the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) in 1971. It continues to offer teacher education, among other courses of study.
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Playschool, F.S.N.S., ca. 1940 MMN# 69554
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Students in the History Department and librarians at the Mantor Library UMF collaborated to research and produce an online exhibit on the history of the college when it was known as the F.S.N.S. Eight online exhibits comprise We Used to be "Normal". They focus on the early history of the institution by highlighting significant contributions by early presidents and female faculty, and explain some of the traditions, events, and programs that helped build the school. More than 150 images have been culled from photo albums and scrapbooks of F.S.N.S. graduates to illustrate the social life and customs typical of the late 1910s - 1930s, as well as a history of the well-loved Home Economics program and its "Cottage babies," a significant part of the school's past.
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The Soda Pops, F.S.N.S., 1930 MMN# 72751
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Visit the main exhibit page to learn more about F.S.N.S, or choose from the eight topical exhibits by clicking these links: Cottage Babies, Home Ec/ Household Arts, Faces and Places of F.S.N.S, Off to College, Off to War, More Darn Fun, Mottoes and Memories, Athletics, and Acting Normal: Theater and Music. You can also visit our Maine Community Heritage Project blog and read the post about this contributing partner: From "Normal" School to Notable University.
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Ongoing Program
Daily Tours of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Join us for a historical tour of the boyhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
- LEARN about Henry, his family, and his career.
- SEE the meticulously renovated home and its furnishings.
- EXPERIENCE life in Portland in the 1850s.
- RELAX in the exquisite Longfellow Garden; stroll through various plant and flower species, and have your lunch by the lion head fountain after your tour.
We offer tours daily; call 207-774-1822 for times, ticket information, and details.
Upcoming Programs
Saturday June 30, 11am-3pm
19th century vintage baseball games with the Essex Base Ball Organization
Summer programs are now online! Visit our website for information about our Independence Day celebration, Junior Docent History Camp (July 9-13), and exciting Book Events.
We're pleased to offer Old Port Walking Tours and Longfellow Trail Tours in July and August.
To see a full list of upcoming programs, please click here.
Public programs at MHS are sponsored, in part, by the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust.
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This Week at MHS is your online source for exhibits, programs, and events.
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