Online Resources
Below you will find some resources that might help you with your research.
Public MHS Databases
Maine Historical Society Research Library's collection records are in Minerva — a statewide integrated library system created by the Maine Info Net Project, in association with the Maine State Library. The database holds records of books, handwritten, and printed material. At this time, the majority of our library holdings are electronically cataloged.
MHS MUSEUM COLLECTIONS CATALOG
Maine Historical Society Museum collection records are in PastPerfect — collections management software approved by the American Association of State and Local History (AASLH). The database holds records of our museum objects, photographs, autograph letters, some architectural drawings, and newspapers. This is a work in progress; please contact MHS collections staff at collections@mainehistory.org for the most complete and accurate research.
Our online digital museum, the Maine Memory Network, provides access to selected images and documents from the Maine Historical Society and over 160 of Maine's collecting organizations. Also explore online exhibits and a timeline of selected events in Maine's history.
MAINE HISTORY INDEX – 1969–2006 (PDF)
Maine History, the only periodical devoted to scholarship on Maine history, is published by the Maine Historical Society in cooperation with the Department of History at the University of Maine. Download the index of articles in Vol. 9 through 42. Order copies of articles
Collaborate with fellow genealogists by posting Surname Queries and other questions. You will need to register for a username and password so you can receive email notification when someone has answered your questions.
Members Only Databases
You must be an active member of Maine Historical Society to use the Members Only databases. If you are not a member, join by purchasing a membership. As a current member, you may create an online account or use an account you have previously created to access these materials. You will only be asked for your membership ID number the first time you log in, and your privilege will continue as long as your membership remains current.
You do not need to be a member or register for an account to browse the public databases.
NOTE: ProQuest stopped remote access to HeritageQuest Online or Sanborn Digital Maps of Maine to our members. We still, however, offer these resources within our library.
City of Portland, Record of Naturalization Papers, 1850 – 1910
The information in this database come from Book 27 in Manuscript Collection 4 (Portland Voter Registry Collection) in the Maine Historical Society, Portland, Maine. It is a listing of naturalized citizens from 1855 to 1911.
Portland Voter Registrations 1891–1902
This database is from Manuscript Collection 4 in the Maine Historical Society. It lists voter registrations from all the wards in the city of Portland between 1891 and 1902. Find name, address, occupation, date of birth and other valuable information. This data is from the first 11 volumes of Collection 4. Access this remotely through the Members Only section.
Town of Deering, Record of Naturalization Papers, 1873-1898
This database is also from Manuscript Collection 4 in the Maine Historical Society. It lists those who filed naturalization record papers in the town of Deering from 1873 to 1898. Find name, date on which the papers were filed, and in what court. This data is from Volume 82 of Collection 4. Access this remotely through the Members Only section.
Partnership Discounts for Members
HistoricMapWorks.com is a Maine–based business specializing in Residential Genealogy. Their website houses an enormous collection of 19th and early 20th century American city, town, and county maps. This site gives family historians a way to discover the history of their favorite places, buildings, or neighborhoods.
HistoricMapWorks.com charges $29.99 to access their website. MHS members can subscribe for a greatly reduced rate of $10 per year ! Go to our Members Only area to obtain the special discount code.
Forms & Charts (PDF files)
Pedigree Chart – List four generations of direct ancestors.
Family Group Chart – List one family group per sheet.
Research Log – Keep track of sources and information you find.
Correspondence Log – Keep track of genealogy requests that you send by email or letters.
Research Request Form – Let us do the research for you. Find out more.
Guide to genealogical resources at MHS – Ten page document listing many of our Library holdings, specific to genealogy.