Mainely History

Maine's Liberal Republicans with James Melcher

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:13:18 -0400

James Melcher returns to the show to discuss the Pine Tree State's history of electing liberal Republicans, and the 20th century political coalitions making that not only possible, but common.

Maine's Great Awakening with Douglas Winiarski

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:28:14 -0500

Renowned historian of the Great Awakening Douglas Winiarski discusses the major role southern Maine played in the origins of American Evangelical Protestantism.

The 12 Dogs of Christmas with Vaughn Joy

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:53:12 -0500

Tis the season for our Christmas bonus episode, featuring returning film historian Vaughn Joy and a discussion of The 12 Dogs of Christmas, a movie about a fictional Maine town that outlawed dogs during the Great Depression.

Death by Lightning with Gideon Cohn-Postar

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:39:53 -0500

Gilded Age historian Gideon Cohn-Postar returns to the show to discuss the Netflix Series Death by Lightning, which dramatizes the election and assassination of James A. Garfield, and includes a major focus on Maine's own James G. Blaine.

Civil War Hauntings with Amy Fluker

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:48:25 -0400

Amy Fluker is the guest for this Halloween discussion of Civil War hauntings, the marketing and reception of ghost stories, and which states are the most haunted.

The International Appalachian Trail with Don Hudson

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:02:11 -0400

Tiffany and Ian discuss the founding of the International Appalachian Trail, which now extends from Maine to Morocco, with one of its early architects, Don Hudson.

Descendants Walk in York with Meadow Dibble, Danny Bottino and James Kences

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:29:53 -0400

Three organizers of the November 2024 Descendants Walk in York discuss the practice of public history and commemoration of tragic local history, in this case York's role in the 1724 massacre at Norridgewock.

Dogsledding in Maine with Jonathan Hayes

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:35:56 -0400

Jonathan Hayes, a breeder, musher, and historian of Seppala sled dogs discusses the history of Maine's own breed of Siberian Husky, descended from Togo, a famous canine participant in the 1925 Serum Run to Nome, Alaska.

It's Pronounced "Jail": an Old York Live Show!

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:35:54 -0400

Joel Lefever and Erin Tewksbury join Tiffany, Ian, and a live audience at the Old York Historical Society to talk about the history of the Old York Gaol, and how it transformed from a prison to an icon of local history and, eventually, tourism.

Pejepscot Portage Mapping Project with Joe Hall- A Live Show in Auburn!

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:18:44 -0400

Joe Hall joined Tiffany, Ian, and a live audience at the Auburn Public Library for a conversation about the project to map and commemorate the Wabanaki Pejepscot Portage.

Agnes the Spy with Elizabeth DeWolfe

Fri, 30 May 2025 19:01:03 -0400

Elizabeth DeWolfe returns to talk about the life of Jane Tucker "alias Agnes," an undercover detective hired to spy on a Kentucky congressman's mistress caught up in one of the most notorious scandals of the Gilded Age.

Remembering Lovewell's Fight with Robert Cray

Thu, 22 May 2025 17:42:37 -0400

Robert Cray, historian of war and memory, discusses the history and commemoration of the locally famous "Lovewell's Fight" of 1725 with Tiffany and Ian.

Logging the Maine Woods With Jason Newton

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:12:51 -0400

Jason Newton starts off Season 3 by discussing the era of industrial scale logging in Maine's northern forests.

A John Ford Christmas Western? with Vaughn Joy

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:10:57 -0500

Film historian Vaughn Joy triumphantly returns for another end of year bonus episode, this time assessing a genre-mixing Christmas Western directed by Maine's own John Ford.

Return of the Right Whales with Gina Lonati

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 13:03:11 -0500

Marine Biologist Gina Lonati returns to the pod to discuss Maine's most endangered marine mammal.

Stephen King's Maine

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 12:59:38 -0400

Author Sharon Kitchens discusses the Maine places that shaped the career of the "King of Horror" Stephen King, and his influence on the Pine Tree State.

Maine's First (and next?) State Flag with Shenna Bellows

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:51:36 -0400

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joins the show to discuss the history of Maine's state flags as voters decide whether to bring back the old "Pine Tree" flag.

Hannibal Hamlin, Lincoln's First Vice President with Jack Furniss

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 15:12:17 -0400

Jack Furniss, historian of Civil War era party politics, discusses why Maine Republican Hannibal Hamlin made an attractive vice president for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, why he was dropped from the ticket in 1864, and what a Hamlin administration might have looked like.

Frances Perkins with Rebecca Brenner Graham

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 12:21:52 -0400

Rebecca Brenner Graham returns to the pod to discuss Frances Perkins's little-known work aiding refugees from Nazi Germany.

Constitution Redacted with Catherine Burns

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 14:10:08 -0400

Catherine Burns discusses the history behind Maine's 1875 redaction of parts of the state constitution dealing with public lands and obligations to Wabanaki nations.

Polar Exploration with Genevieve LeMoine

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:18:11 -0400

Genevieve LeMoine of Bowdoin College's Peary MacMillan Arctic Museum discusses the controversial contest to reach the North Pole.

Murder in a Mill Town with Elizabeth DeWolfe

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:51:01 -0500

Elizabeth DeWolfe discusses the tragedy, trial, and media sensation surrounding the death of a young Biddeford mill worker named Berengera Caswell in 1849.

Diet & Riot: Vegetarianism in Maine with Avery Yale Kamila

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 15:04:48 -0500

Food writer and historian of vegetarianism Avery Yale Kamila speaks with Tiffany and Ian about dietary reformer Sylvester Graham's controversial Maine speaking tour, which drew both fans and riotous critics in the 1830s.

Behind the Music with Bryan Den Hartog

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 22:06:06 -0500

Ian chats with composer Bryan Den Hartog about how he created the music of Mainely History.

Patrick Dempseymas! with Vaughn Joy

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 23:46:35 -0500

Film historian Vaughn Joy returns to discuss the baffling 1988 Christmas movie "Some Girls," starring Lewiston's own Patrick Dempsey in this bonus episode.

The Proclamation of 1763 with Alexandra Montgomery

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:41:24 -0500

Alexandra Montgomery returns to the pod for a discussion on the significance and complicated legacy of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 for Mainers and their neighbors on both sides of the US-Canadian border.

The Clotilda’s Last Voyage with Jeremy Ellis

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 23:36:22 -0500

Jeremy Ellis, president of the Clotilda Descendants Association, speaks with Tiffany and Ian about the final ship of enslaved Africans illegally brought to the United States in 1860, and their ties to Maine-born slave trader Timothy Meaher.

Henry Wadsworth Longfelloween!

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:58:20 -0400

Meg North and John Babin discuss the haunted past and present of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Portland home with Tiffany and Ian.

Meet the Cohosts!

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 23:21:52 -0400

New Mainely History co-host Tiffany Link joins Ian to talk about day jobs, side-gigs, historical dinner guests, and what to expect for Season 2!

Gathering of the Damned: A Mainely History Live Show!

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:48:56 -0400

In this live show at the Maine Historical Society, Hannah Peterson and Daniel Bottino spoke with Ian about the 1735 trial, incarceration, conversion, and execution of Patience Boston, a Nauset indentured servant.

Revolutionary Women In Dependence With Jacqueline Beatty

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 22:07:05 -0400

Jacqueline Beatty discusses how New England women navigated life a new American republic that assumed their dependent status, while equating true citizenship with independence.

The Quebec Expedition Part 2 with Tiffany Link

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:33:53 -0400

Part Two of Tiffany Link's discussion of the failed Quebec Expedition of 1775-1776.

The Quebec Expedition with Tiffany Link

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:15:55 -0400

Tiffany Link discusses Benedict Arnold's doomed expedition through Maine to seize Quebec during the American Revolutionary War.

Maine’s Mythical Vikings with John Sexton

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:14:42 -0400

Medievalist John Sexton discusses why so many 19th century Mainers were looking for lost Viking settlements, and what we know today about the actual exploits of Norse seafarers in the North Atlantic long ago.

Doing History with Dan Mandell and Alden Vaughan

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:51:34 -0400

Dan Mandell and Alden Vaughan talk about the work that goes into finding and preparing historical sources for publication, and changes in the craft of history in this wide-ranging discussion.

Eastport’s Sardine Boom and Bust with Brian Payne

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:34:28 -0400

Brian Payne discusses how ecological, commercial, and cultural transformations caused the decline of independent herring fishermen in Downeast Maine a century ago.

Laughing at Work with Hanji Chang and Andy O’Brien

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:21:16 -0500

The creators of Temp Tales discuss the origins and reception of their cult classic animated series with Ian, including the aspects of Maine's history that influence their work.

Masters of the House with Gideon Cohn-Postar

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 21:33:40 -0500

Gideon Cohn-Postar discusses the important legacy of Maine's two Gilded Age Speakers of the House with Ian, while making time to bash newly relevant President Grover Cleveland.

AnnaKendriChristmas! withVaughn Joy

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:25:14 -0500

Vaughn Joy returns to the pod to discuss the Yuletide cinematic contributions of Maine's best-loved 21st century cultural export- Anna Kendrick- in this special end of year Bonus episode.

Lydia Maria Child with Lydia Moland

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:34:06 -0500

Lydia Moland speaks with Ian about the pivotal career of a 19th century radical activist whose best known work today is a children's song about visiting grandmother on Thanksgiving.

The Klan in Maine with Ashley Johnson Bavery and Thomas MacMillan

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:29:57 -0500

Ashley Johnson Bavery and Thomas MacMillan discuss the extensive--even mainstream--influence of the Klan in 1920s Maine and the nation.

Planchettes, séances, and spiritualism with Larissa Vigue Picard

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 22:43:47 -0400

Larissa Vigue Picard speaks with Ian about a planchette held in the Pejepscot History Center, and the role of devices like these in the world of 19th century séances, mediums, and spiritualists.

The Portland Observatory with James Risk

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 19:14:14 -0400

James Risk and Ian discuss the construction of the iconic Portland Observatory in Munjoy Hill, and its role in the network of maritime signal stations in the early American republic.

Potato Country with Kim Smith and Craig Green

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:24:18 -0400

Kim Smith and Craig Green of the Presque Isle Historical Society discuss the rich history of potato farming in Aroostook County, including its impact on the region's culture and economy.

Beer in Colonial Maine with Emerson Baker

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 17:09:33 -0400

Ian joins Emerson Baker on a special on the road episode featuring discussion of beer and other alcoholic drinks in colonial Maine, as well as tasting some modern "heritage" brews.

Northern Threads with Jamie Rice

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:24:23 -0400

Jamie Rice and Ian discuss fashion from centuries past in this special episode recorded at the Maine Historical Society

Indigenous Sovereignty with Darren Ranco

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:58:43 -0400

Darren Ranco talks about Indigenous nations' status in federal and Maine law, major cases shaping the current landscape, and how these issues impact ongoing legal and environmental questions in Maine and around the world.

Building the Border with John Morton

Tue, 24 May 2022 12:22:56 -0400

John Morton discusses how different religious networks among Wabanakis, American citizens, and British subjects created and gave meaning to the Maine-New Brunswick border after the American Revolution.

Being Catholic in Colonial Maine with Laura Chmielewski

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 23:59:12 -0400

Laura Chmielewski talks about colonial Maine's earliest Catholics, including Indigenous converts, secret faithful in English towns, and loud, proud Jesuit missionaries.

First In our Hearts, Third in the Polls: Ross Perot’s 1992 Presidential Campaign with Amy Fried

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:33:25 -0500

Amy Fried discusses Ross Perot's history making independent bid for the presidency in 1992, and why Mainers were so receptive to the Texas billionaire's message.

The Maine Law and Rum Riot with Kyle Volk

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:59:40 -0500

Kyle Volk discusses Maine's pioneering foray into prohibition in the 19th century.

Christmas Movies and Maine with Vaughn Joy

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 02:02:38 -0500

Vaughn Joy stops by to talk about the emergence of Christmas films as a genre, and to analyze several notable movies with a Maine connection.

The Plymouth Colonists in Maine with David Silverman

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:07:33 -0500

David Silverman talks with Ian about what the Plymouth Colonists of Thanksgiving fame were doing in Maine during the 17th Century.

George Burroughs, the Condemned Minister of Salem with Emerson Baker: Part 2

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:56:06 -0400

The conclusion of Emerson Baker's discussion of George Burroughs and the Salem Witch Trials

George Burroughs, Condemned Minister of Salem with Emerson Baker: Part 1

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:53:31 -0400

Emerson Baker discusses the curious case of George Burroughs, a Harvard educated minister on the Maine frontier who found himself among the accused--and executed--in the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Part One

John Adams, Attorney at Law with Sara Georgini

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 18:37:35 -0400

Sara Georgini discusses John Adams's formative years as a young attorney, including his experiences riding the circuit through Maine, and how the legal system operated in the years just before the American Revolution.

John Neal and Writing New England Identity with Keri Holt

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 15:06:23 -0400

Keri Holt discusses John Neal, an 19th century writer, activist, and literary influencer, who helped shape an emerging New England "Yankee" character, even while trying to challenge it.

Right Whales with Gina Lonati

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 01:52:59 -0400

Gina Lonati spouts off about North Atlantic Right Whales, answering Ian's questions about whale sounds and personalities, while explaining scientists' role in efforts to save this critically endangered species.

Veterans and the Making of Vacationland with Ian Stevenson

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:51:13 -0400

Ian Stevenson stops by to discuss Civil War veteran organizations and the rise of the modern summer vacation in Maine.

Pageant of Corruption: A Live Show Spectacular!

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:49:29 -0400

Kristalyn Shefveland, Alexandra Montgomery, and Ian present their chosen candidates before a live audience in a contest to determine the most petty, corrupt figure in colonial North America.

The Bombardment of Falmouth with Tiffany Link

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 19:10:15 -0400

Tiffany Link joins Ian to discuss why the British singled out Falmouth (future Portland) for destruction in 1775, the course of the attack, and the legacy of that day.

Adelbert Ames and Black Reconstruction with Shennette Garrett-Scott

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 22:53:18 -0400

Shennette Garrett-Scott discusses the significance of Maine-born Adelbert Ames' tumultuous time as governor of Mississippi after the Civil War.

Itinerant Painters with Diana Greenwold

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 14:23:44 -0400

Diana Greenwold and Ian discuss Maine's 19th century traveling painters, their customers, and what they hoped to capture on the canvas.

Women's Rights and Citizenship in Revolutionary America with Rosemarie Zagarri

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:01:16 -0400

Rosemarie Zagarri discusses the meaning and extent of women's rights in Revolutionary America.

Smallpox Inoculation with Andrew Wehrman

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:29:54 -0400

Andrew Wehrman discusses how the revolutionary generation thought about the role of government in public health during a continent-wide smallpox pandemic.

Preserving and Revitalizing the Penobscot Language with Carol Dana

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:16:45 -0400

Carol Dana shares her experiences learning, teaching, preserving, and revitalizing the Penobscot language in Maine.

Quilting in Maine: Uncovering Women's History with Laurie LaBar

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:59:40 -0500

Laurie LaBar speaks with Ian about the often overlooked history of Maine communities as told by generations of women quilters.

Remembering Maine's Paper Mills with Michael Hillard

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:40:33 -0500

Michael Hillard discusses the life of mill workers during the paper industry's height, and how they experienced--and now remember--its fall.

Pirates! with Jamie Goodall

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:01:00 -0500

Jamie Goodall discusses the "Golden Age of Piracy" in Maine and the wider Atlantic, including the reality, the legend, and where the historical evidence is buried.

The Hartford Convention with Matthew Mason

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 12:37:40 -0500

Matthew Mason and Ian discuss the hopes and fears driving the controversial Hartford Convention of 1814 and its lasting consequences down to the present day.

Christmas is Cancelled! with Stephen Nissenbaum

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 18:41:26 -0500

Stephen Nissenbaum discusses the Puritan anti-Christmas campaigns in both New and Old England

Dirty (Land) Deeds Done Dirt Cheap with Alexanda Montgomery

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 22:45:21 -0500

Alexandra Montgomery and Ian compare how British colonists and distant officials tried to make their vision of empire a reality in Nova Scotia and Maine

Fight for the Secret Ballot with Gideon Cohn-Postar

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:01:00 -0400

Gideon Cohn-Postar discusses how a disputed election in late 19th-century Maine encouraged reformers to argue that voting in secret was a vital part of fair elections

Building the Funeral Business with Kelly Brennan Arehart

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:02:14 -0400

Kelly Brennan Arehart discusses the intrepid pioneers who built the funeral industry in this special Halloween episode

Electoral Reforms in Maine with James Melcher

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 00:01:00 -0400

Ian and James Melcher discuss why Maine and Nebraska insist on distributing their electoral votes differently than the other 48 states, along with the rest of Maine's other electoral quirks.

Winning Women's Suffrage with Allison Lange

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:01:00 -0400

Allison Lange speaks with Ian about the visual imagery of the campaign for women's suffrage, common misconceptions about the struggle, and New England's surprising role as a bastion for anti-suffragists.

You've Got No Mail (on Sunday) with Rebecca Brenner Graham

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:14:33 -0400

Rebecca Brenner Graham talks with Ian about the surprisingly fierce 19th century battle over whether the US Postal Service should deliver on Sunday.

The World of Vintage Base Ball with Jacob Newcomb

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 22:37:36 -0400

Ian talks with the captain of Dirigo Vintage Base Ball Club about your neighbors who play ball like it's 1860

Introducing Mainely History!

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 22:15:55 -0400

Introducing Mainely History, a podcast of unscripted conversations about mainly history and mostly Maine, previewing upcoming episodes