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.
- 2022
The 'Undeclared War' on the Reviled Cormorant
Research dispels myths about their threat to sea life
- 2022
Objectively Caring for Her Community
Chebeague’s Susan Stranahan drops reporter notebook for activism
- 2022
On the Runway and the Gangplank
Miss Maine bridges two disparate walks of life
- 2022
Climate Activism’s Next Generation
At 19, Riley Stevenson has already built working organizations
- 2022
Monhegan's Tara Hire: Be Creative, Work Hard
Island life is not as romantic and idyllic as some would believe
- 2022
On a Following Sea
- 2022
The Illustrator's Island
Peaks Island is sanctuary for narrative art
- 2022
When the Irish Invaded Canada
Fenian Brotherhood, with members from Vinalhaven, planned to seize Campobello
- 2022
What We Mean When We Say 'From Away'
That proud inferiority as expressed in Maine literature
- 2022
A Century Ago, Children Were Seafood Processors
Crusading photographer Lewis Wickes Hine changed public perception
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.
Browse By IssueMore Stories from Island Institute
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