October 27, 2025

UM Machias Archives Project

We’re rolling up our sleeves to uncover, organize, and preserve the story of UMaine Machias, and we’d love your help. Merrill Library has begun a long-term project to find, identify, care for, and ultimately digitize (read: put online for all to explore) the university’s records and archives.

(Image, left: Washington State Normal School students, 1930s)

In September, Library Coordinator Meg Colbert worked with Richard and Elsie Larson and Darlene Wheeler to identify people and places in a newly gathered batch of photographs. Their knowledge sparked connections we might never have found alone. This is exactly the kind of community sleuthing that brings history to life.

Open Access Article Processing Charge Waivers for UM/UMM and UMS

UMaine Libraries has a small number of publisher licensing agreements that enable UMaine and University of Maine at Machias faculty, staff, and students to publish their research as open access (OA) journal articles, without the need to pay an article processing charge (APC). The publishers listed here do not charge the library any additional fees for OA publishing on top of the library’s existing subscription cost. As indicated on this page, some are available only to UMaine and UMM authors, while some are available to the entire University of Maine System. Two additional publishers have been added for 2024-2026: Company of Biologists, and Royal Society of Chemistry.





The Mystery Writer from Whitneyville: Unearthing a Local Story

We love when research feels like detective work — and this one begins right here in Downeast Maine.



As part of the UMS Research and Innovation Speaker Series, Professor Bernie Vinzani, Director of the Art Gallery and longtime Professor of Art, Book Arts, and Papermaking at the University of Maine at Machias, will present “The Mystery Writer from Whitneyville, Maine: Ongoing Research with Possible Ties to the Abolitionists of the Underground Railroad.”

Monday, November 3

Noon–1 p.m.

On Zoom

(Open to all UMS students, staff, and faculty — no registration required!)

What began as a primary source lesson for book arts students has evolved into a fascinating research project uncovering local stories that stretch far beyond our region. Through a collection of addressed envelope artifacts, historical drawings, and family connections across Whitneyville, Attusville, Machias, and East Machias, Bernie and his students have begun to trace potential links to Civil War communications and the Underground Railroad.

The project is part historical research, part art practice, and part storytelling—reminding us how creative inquiry can illuminate the past in unexpected ways.

It’s a perfect example of how research, art, and local history intertwine to tell stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

Join the talk to explore how a "mystery writer from Whitneyville" is helping uncover new perspectives on Maine’s connections to the abolitionist movement—and how archival discovery continues to shape our understanding of history.



Join on Zoom (Monday, Nov. 3, Noon–1 p.m.)

Digital Object Identifiers minting service now available

Fogler Library now offers a service for minting Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for UMaine System publications, research, and shared objects. This service is available to any current student, staff, or faculty member from any University of Maine System campus.

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a permanent, unique identifier and web address assigned to a publication or digital object. It provides a stable, lasting link to the item’s online location, even if its hosting platform changes.



Benefits of using a DOI:

• Stable access: Ensures your work remains accessible over time, regardless of changes in web hosting or URLs.

• Improved discoverability: Makes your publication easier to find in databases, search engines, and citation indexes.

• Accurate citation: Provides a standardized, reliable way for others to reference your work.

• Enhanced metrics: Allows automated systems to track citations and usage, giving you better insight into your work’s impact.

• Interoperability: Integrates smoothly with academic repositories, reference managers, and publishing systems worldwide.

For more information about DOIs, see the guide, or contact Open Scholarship Librarian Casey Koons.



Salon event: “Mary and Molly” — Film Screening and Discussion (Available on Zoom)

Fogler Library’s 2025–26 Salon Series kicks off on Wednesday, November 5 with “Mary and Molly,” a 20-minute animated film directed by Donna Loring and David Camlin, based on Loring’s 2016 play. The film follows Mary, a young woman who discovers her Penobscot ancestry and connects with her ancestor Molly Molasses to explore identity, heritage, and belonging. 

Following the screening, Darren Ranco, chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, will moderate a discussion between Loring and Camlin, joined by writer/anthropologist Bunny McBride, and the audience.

Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking event, either in person in the Salon, Fogler Library, or via Zoom.