Maine Maritime Museum Library Ephemera Collection | Maine Maritime Museum Manuscript Collection Online Catalog

The ephemera in this collection were received by the Museum from many sources over the years, usually as individual items.  It seemed logical to try to group them together into a single collection to simplify both cataloging and storage.  Some are accessioned and many are not.  As new single pieces are received, they are added to the collection and the container list is amended accordingly.  At this time no attempt has been made to index the names of the vessels represented in the collection; the researcher may have to ask for help in identifying which company a particular ship sailed for in order to find specific information.

            The materials are almost entirely original and date from the early part of the nineteenth century through to the present.  No attempt has been made to try to date the undated items.  While much of the collection represents Maine places or activities, there is additional material from the Northeast and even from abroad.  In a few instances a particular piece is fragile, but all are still usable.

            The ephemera are divided into three series: I, Places; II, Transportation; and III, Subjects.  More than half of the collection falls into the second series and includes broadsides and timetables for steamers, and brochures for windjammers and other cruises.  Another sizable chunk of material relates to ephemera of the city of Bath, ME.  Included here are numerous business pieces, some church material, and many items relating to clubs or organizations and their functions, especially social functions such as dances.  It is a rich collection.