The Maine Architecture & Landscape Database started as a project in 2002, when Maine Historical Society (MHS) undertook an expansive undertaking to catalogue its architectural holdings into a Microsoft Access 2000 database, aimed at inventorying its collection at the commission (project) level. This initial work, supported in part by the National Historical Records Advisory Board (NHPRC), focused on the working drawings from John Calvin Stevens, Frederick A. Tompson, John P. Thomas, Wadsworth Boston, and Eaton Tarbell collections at MHS. Additional firms were added to the database overtime, most notably Lewiston-based Coombs Firm, ultimately growing to about 6,400 commissions by the year 2020. However, the database's accessibility languished in outdated technology.
In 2020, during the initial onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, MHS acquired one of its largest collections to date, the works of Maine landscape architect Patrick Chasse. Chasse's collection provided an opportunity to expand landscape design holdings and build a network of partners to support converting the database to a Maine Memory Network online portal.
In collaboration with the Maine Olmsted Alliance, which merged with Maine Historical Society in 2010, and with generous support of the Leon Levy Foundation of New York, the Maine Memory Network's Maine Architecture & Landscape Design Database launched in January 2022.
.With additional financial support from SMRT Architects, Wright-Ryan Construction, as well as Consigli Construction, CWS Architects, East Brown Cow, The Knickerbocker Group, and Simons Architects, MHS converted the Microsoft access database to an online MMN platform starting in December 2020.
Work over the coming year (2022) includes digitizing at least one drawing from each commission, and comprehensive inclusion for all MHS-housed commissions. Eventually, the database will be open to contributing partners and privately held collections. Anyone interested in participating in the database is encouraged to connect via info@mainememory.net
The Maine Memory Network and Maine Historical Society extend deep gratitude to the Leon Levy Foundation and Maine Olmsted Alliance for supporting the Maine Architectural & Landscape Design Database; and to our corporate sponsors SMRT Architects, Wright-Ryan Construction, as well as Consigli Construction, CWS Architects, East Brown Cow, The Knickerbocker Group, and Simons Architects.