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Welcome to the Local History and Special Collections section of the Bangor Public Library.
Local History
The Bangor Room houses information on various aspects of "local history." These historical sources provide information on Bangor, the Penobscot valley, the state of Maine, and the entire region of New England.
Local history sources include historical accounts of Maine pioneers, who populated this area while Maine was still part of the state of Massachusetts. Our collection includes relevant legislative materials beginning in this period.
Special Collections
Materials deemed rare, unique, and of high value are kept secure in the library's Special Collections area. Because these items are irreplaceable, they require additional security, and special handling to preserve them as a community resource for future generations. For this reason, numerous books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and other items are marked for "library use only."
Patrons may gain access to these items by coming to the Bangor Room, where they may either retrieve items directly from the shelves for use, or request items held in our restricted areas. Visitors must register for their use by submitting a valid library card to Bangor Room or Reference Room staff. Non-residents of Maine, who do not qualify for a library card may also gain access to these materials by filling out a guest registration form. Special Collections items may only be viewed on-site within the library, and in the presence of a library staff person. Photocopying of materials is permitted unless an item is clearly marked otherwise.
Preservation and conservation information is offered for all who inquire for institutions. Please contact the Special Collections librarian for details concerning consultations.
Staff:
Local History/Special Collections Librarian: Bill Cook
Local History/Special Collections Assistant: Elizabeth Stevens
- Resources on Bangor Citizens
- Bangor Daily News Index
- County Histories
- Family Records - published resources, as well as, donated research
- Genealogy Handbooks - for research by cultural groups or locations
- Information and Histories on other New England States
- Local History Resources such as Bangor City Directories
- Military Histories
- Passenger/Immigrant Ship Information
- Research Resources
- Scanned photos through the Maine Memory Network
- State and Federal Census
- State Resources such as the Maine Register
- Town Histories