Originally, I am from Westbrook, Maine, a town which has bad “street cred” for being low income, low class, and dirty. Do not get me wrong, I love Westbrook, but the surrounding towns do not (when we come back from the schools ask Mike, he is from Portland and they hate us!). With that, the Maine Memory Network was interesting to me because it allowed me to see some detailed examples of what my hometown has achieved, despite its reputation. For example, I had no idea that it was the home to a seminary and a silk factory! Also, I was not aware that the manufacturing of silk was one of the largest industries in America, and that Westbrook was a participant in this, the only place in Maine!
In the classroom, the Maine Memory Network could be used in several ways, but my mind goes directly to writing. It could be interesting to work on a piece that explored the History of the town in which I teach (maybe during spirit week?), especially if I was able to recruit a history or Social Studies teacher to co-teach the project! Often times, students are indifferent about their school and town, but maybe, if they were more knowledgeable it would allow for a more academically and civically invested student body.
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