Maine Medical Center, together with its predecessors, Maine General Hospital, Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Children’s Hospital, has played a vital role in the medical history of northern New England. The Maine Medical Center Archives maintains a collection of material, which dates from the incorporation of Maine General Hospital in 1868 to the present. SERVICES: Materials normally do not circulate, but when appropriate, photocopying and/or interlibrary loan may be arranged at the discretion of the archivist. There is a charge for photographic reproduction, which is available in-house. Reference service is offered and advance appointments are advisable for those wishing to do research. Please note that some materials are restricted.

The MMC Archives' 200 linear feet of holdings consist of administrative records, 3,000 photographs, and materials pertaining to the Maine General Hospital/Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. In addition, there are bound, early case descriptions, hospital newsletters, audiovisual resources, and oral history interviews. There are minutes and annual reports of the governing boards and records of staff and volunteer committees of MMC and predecessor and affiliated organizations.

The Archives also maintains a collection of artifacts, the earliest of which dates from circa 1850. Among these are nurses' uniforms of various eras, physicians' surgical cases with collections of instruments, pieces of medical apparatus, equipment, and memorabilia.

The historic and rare book collection contains approximately 1000 monographs covering a wide range of medical disciplines, dating from 1767. These items are stored offsite and advance notice is needed to arrange for access.