The Strong Historical Society, the Strong Public Library, the High Peaks Alliance, and the Strong School have partnered to begin a local history project. The team has been awarded a grant from the Maine Memory Network. The participating organizations will be creating local history exhibits and cataloging many of the primary sources and artifacts that are housed at the Strong Historical Society. This project will help to preserve and celebrate local history.

The Fly Rod Crosby Trail in Strong will utilize many of these resources in its interpretive program along the Sandy River. We hope that hikers and trail users will be able to hear some of the unique stories that make up this area’s history. One of the exhibits on Maine Memory Network will be about Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby and her impact on this area (1854 – 1946).

Another aspect of the project will be focused on learning more about Strong and Freeman during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Printed below is a list of some of the Strong and the Freeman residents who enlisted in the Civil War. The team members and the Strong School Middle students are interested in learning more about these soldiers and what Strong and Freeman were like during the War and Reconstruction. The team is hoping to add family stories that have been passed down since the War to our research and our exhibits.

If you would like to share any stories or artifacts related to the periods or to Strong or Freeman residents who served in the Civil War, please contact a team member, Crystal Polk at [email protected] or 779-7089. Thank you very much.