October 14, 2013

DIGITAL HISTORY

Stories from Maine Memory Network

Historical Images: The Brady Gang

Letter from J. Edgar Hoover, MMN #31416; Brady Gang found in Maine, MMN #31827

On October 12, 1937, Central Street in Bangor was the scene of major national attention--the infamous "Brady Gang" bank robbers were apprehended in an FBI sting operation that left two gang members dead in the street. The hero behind it all was local businessman Everett "Shep" Hurd, owner of Dakin's Sporting Goods.

Days before, gang members had come into the store looking for machine guns, supposedly for the purposes of hunting. Skeptical, but stymied by local police, Hurd went straight to the FBI, who responded immediately. Two weeks later, J. Edgar Hoover himself sent this letter to Hurd enclosing a $1,500 reward for his help.

For more on the story, check out "Bangor Man Rats Out the Brady Gang," an online exhibit created by Bangor middle school students in 2009.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, October 16, 12:00pm

Intro to MHS: Museum Collections: Recent Acquisitions and PastPerfect Online

MHS Registrar Holly Hurd-Forsyth provides a show-and-tell of recent or topical museum collection items, discusses how accessions are researched and processed, and trains participants how to search and use the PastPerfect Online database. Free, but registration is required in advance. Call 207-774-1822.

Thursday, October 17, 7:00pm

Book Event: Another City Upon A Hill

Speaker: Joseph Conforti, Distinguished Professor of American and New England Studies Emeritus, University of Southern Maine

Conforti joins us to give his first talk in Maine about his recently published memoir, Another City Upon a Hill. The book is both a personal story and a portrait of a distinctive New England place--Fall River, Massachusetts, once the cotton cloth capital of America. He shares the multi-generational story of immigrant groups making their way in a once mighty textile city that had, by the 1920s, fallen on hard times. A book sale and signing will follow the talk.

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, October 22, 12:00pm

Book Event: The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods

In partnership with Maine Audubon

Speaker: Andrew Barton, Professor of Biology, University of Maine at Farmington

Using a diverse range of historical and ecological evidence, Barton discusses the past, present, and future of the Maine Woods. He will read selections from his recent book, The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods, and highlight the natural and human-caused changes over the past 15,000 years.

October 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, tours from 6-7:30pm

Longfellow's Haunted House: An Evening Based on the Poem Haunted Houses

Don't miss this unique evening tour of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House in the week leading up to Halloween! Based on Longfellow's poem, Haunted Houses -- "All houses wherein men have lived and died are haunted houses" -- the 90-minute tour will be led by seasoned guide James Horrigan. It will highlight the various family members that died in the house over its long history. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Tour times, admission, and details online.

Fall Programs

Click here for a listing of events

REGISTER NOW

Join us for this great fall workshop.
Register now and save your spot by calling 207-774-1822.

Saturday, November 2, 9am-3pm

Preservation Issues for Small Museums and Family Custodians

Presented in partnership with the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) and Maine Archives and Museums, this one-day workshop is designed for small historical organizations, small museums, and local historical societies, as well as individuals who are the custodians of important family papers and heirlooms.

Registration is required. Cost: $55 MHS members / $65 non-members. Visit us online for details.

SUPPORT YOUR HISTORY

Making Maine's History Count
Your participation and support of Maine Historical Society makes a meaningful difference in the kinds of exhibits and educational programming we can offer our members, friends, and communities across the state.

Item #6121

Here's how you can help:
Become a Member
Give to the Annual Fund
Leave a legacy through Planned Giving
Join the Friends of the Collections
Make a Tribute Gift

For more ways to give, or to become a corporate sponsor, call us at 207-774-1822 ext. 206.

MHS WEBSITES

Maine Historical Society	Museum Store
Maine Memory Network	Museum Catalog
Vintage Maine Images	Library Catalog
Maine History Online	Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

STAY CONNECTED

MAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

207-774-1822

This Week at MHS is your online source for exhibits, programs, and events.