First published in 1984, Island Journal, Island Institute’s annual print and digital publication, tells stories of life in Maine’s island and coastal communities, the character and livelihoods of the people who call the state of Maine their home, the history of how we got here, and the interactions between humans and nature.
Monhegan's Tara Hire: Be Creative, Work Hard
Island life is not as romantic and idyllic as some would believe
On a Following Sea
The Illustrator's Island
Peaks Island is sanctuary for narrative art
When the Irish Invaded Canada
Fenian Brotherhood, with members from Vinalhaven, planned to seize Campobello
What We Mean When We Say 'From Away'
That proud inferiority as expressed in Maine literature
A Century Ago, Children Were Seafood Processors
Crusading photographer Lewis Wickes Hine changed public perception
Louis Wellington Cabot—An Example for the Ages
Warmth, wisdom, and gentle touch kept the Island Institute on track
The Unique Environment of Island Forests
Sea, salt, cool fog, and wind shape the wooded areas of islands
The Misunderstood Shark
Several species of this ancient creature make their home in the Gulf of Maine
An Old Salt, An Old Way of Life
Pulling a living from the cold, unforgiving sea
About Island Journal
Life in Maine’s Island and Coastal Communities
Island Journal was first published in 1984 by Island Institute founder Philip Conkling, a writer, and co-founder Peter Ralston, a photojournalist. An early and key supporter, the late Betsy Wyeth, urged the two to produce a publication that stood out from the field of nonprofit reports and newsletters. More than 40 years later, Island Journal continues to meet that standard, gathering stories, photographs, and art that illuminate the rich culture of life on Maine islands and in its coastal communities.
The annual publication features the stories of those who live and work on the coast and islands, and reflects our history, the lessons learned, and continually looks toward our shared future. Today, many Mainers and Island Institute supporters keep a bookshelf in their home for their Island Journal archives, which collectively, contain the larger story of the beautiful, rugged, independent, and precious way of life in our island and coastal communities.
“It is, at the very least, bad manners to care about any aspect of an island and its phenomena, without caring also about its people—past, present, and future.” – George Putz, editor Island Journal (1984-1991)
Browse by Issue
Browse each digital issue of Island Journal, dating back to the first issue published in 1984.
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