Working Waterfront

Winter in a Tourist Town

In our latest photo essay from The Working Waterfront, photographer Michelle Stapleton captures the quiet time in Old Orchard Beach. SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The island wave is part of self-governing

Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. As I drove down Main Street on Vinalhaven for the first time, admiring the dozens of lobster boats moored in Carver’s… SEE MORE

This photo was taken at the 1936 Warren Bicentennial Celebration. From left are: Frank Peters, Rosa Peters, William Peters, Olivia Peters, Sydney Peters, and Grace Carter Peters. PHOTO: COURTESY WARREN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Working Waterfront

Former slaves founded community in the Midcoast

About a mile off Route 1 in the woods of Warren is an off-the-beaten track cemetery. It is the only physical remnant accessible to the public of Peterborough, a once-thriving interracial community that had a major impact on building the economy of coastal Maine. The community was the subject of… SEE MORE

Community

Working Waterfront

In tough year, Maine seafood landings top $500 million

Despite unprecedented market losses, Maine fishermen earned over a half billion dollars for their catch in 2020. Valued at $516,796,614, the ex-vessel value of Maine’s commercially harvested marine resources was the ninth highest on record. “Maine fishermen and seafood dealers weathered one of the most difficult years in memory, but… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Healthcare access challenges older island, rural Mainers

The difficulties that Maine island and rural residents face in accessing healthcare is even more challenging for older residents. While many choose to “age in place” in their homes and communities, their need for health and supportive services often increases with age and the barriers can be overwhelming. A few… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Restoring Hindu

What could be better than a vessel that encapsulates the timelessness of a love story, the enchantment of a fairy tale, and the mystical allure of a legend? Well, how about one with the spirit of Maine in its every fiber. [caption id="attachment_24228" align="alignright" width="700"] Josh Rowan and Erin Desmond.… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Penobscot Marine Museum digitizes Maynard Bray collection

The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, known for its extensive and growing collection of vintage maritime and New England photos, has begun a campaign to digitize images made by marine photographer Maynard Bray. Museum archivist Matt Wheeler will speak about Bray and the work at the Camden Public Library at… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

A history of Maine, wrapped in a warm quilt

Quilting has been a favorite pastime in Maine for centuries, first to provide warm coverings on cold winter nights, then rapidly evolving into a popular hobby for individuals and community groups. Women (and sometimes men) gathered for quilting bees to work on projects. Quilting bees also provided opportunities for socialization… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Making the case for ‘reverse take-out’

One of the first things I do in January is to pull out the new “Maine Tide and Every Day Calendar” and mark the dates for anniversaries and birthdays from the past year. When I get to July and August of the previous year, it’s sometimes hard to find the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

From virus to vaccine, island-specific works best

As a resident of Vinalhaven, I have had family and friends from across the country and world reach out during the last nine months to ask about my island’s experience with COVID-19. People were curious: What is the “island experience”? When is an island the best place to be? Can… SEE MORE