Upcoming Events

Flipping the Birds

The Muskie Archives presents its copy of John James Audubon’s Birds of America for display in the lobby of Ladd Library. This edition, a double elephant folio published in 1860, features 150 of the 435 drawings that were first printed beginning in 1827. Beginning on November 20th at 12:30pm, Archives staff will lead monthly page turnings and have guest speakers to add context and information about each featured bird.

Join us November 20th at 12:30pm in the lobby of Ladd Library for the first presentation. 

Subsequent dates:

December 12th at 12:30pm

January 15th at 12:30pm

More dates TBA

Available Programming

Staff at the Muskie Archives offer many programs to groups outside of our research services. Below is a list of programs we regularly offer but we can also work with you to create unique programs. Please contact us at muskie@bates.edu to schedule a program, a class visit, or meet with us to develop a new program.

Class Visits

The Muskie archivists are available for class visits to speak with students in a variety of ways. We can come to class or you can come to us, and we can work with you to look at specific collections or do more general lectures about the work we do and the importance of primary source research.

Historic Campus Tours

Walking tour of campus which includes historic information about the founding of Bates College. We include stories about how the college and campus developed from the 1850s to the modern day. The tour also includes historic images.

History of Bates Athletics Tours

Walking tour of campus which includes tales of the early years of Bates athletics, from the founding days through the nineteenth century. Hear stories and view historic images about the people and places that made up the beginnings of campus sporting traditions. Baseball, football, and more! 

Historic Frye Street Tours 

Walking tour of Frye and College Streets which features information about the houses and their ties to Bates College. Learn about the people, architecture, and history behind the houses with stories and historic images.

Trees of Bates History Tours

Walking tour of campus which explores the evolution of the trees on campus from the farmland beginnings to the lush campus of today. Pat Webber will talk about the early years of tree planting and various tree traditions. Christine Murray, a Maine Master Naturalist and Ladd’s own Social Sciences Librarian, will be on hand to discuss the natural history of our trees and the challenges they face including issues of disease. 

Bates Founders Tour at Riverside Cemetery

Walking tour of Riverside Cemetery which includes many of the founders, faculty, staff, and alumni. Through stories and historic images learn about these people and families that were instrumental in shaping Bates College.

Families of Frye Street Cemetery Tours

Walking tour of Riverside Cemetery which explores the lives and deaths of the families and architects of the Frye Street historic district. Some led long and prosperous lives while others did not. Come hear about the talented architect who died too young after a couples’ vacay, the frail but popular socialite whose life came to a tragic early end, and other movers and shakers of the 19th and early 20th century Lewiston! 

Riverside Cemetery Gravestone Cleaning

Join staff from the Muskie Archives at Riverside Cemetery to learn about cleaning gravestones. Staff will work with the group to teach the basics and then groups will pick stones to clean themselves. Supplies will be provided, but you may wish to bring a pair of work gloves. Please wear clothes and shoes appropriate for outdoor activity and that can get dirty and/or wet.