90 Years of breaking barriers: Pine Tree Society marks 90th anniversary by asking for stories from the community
Pine Tree Society was founded in 1936 and its first location was the Hyde Mansion in Bath which served as a rehabilitation and convalescent home for Maine children with disabilities. The 21-room mansion was ideal for Pine Tree Society’s needs, particularly during the polio epidemic in the late 1940s. To mark this significant 90 year milestone, production has begun on a documentary tracing the organization’s history. Learn more and submit your personal story or connection at www.pinetreesociety.org.
(Photo courtesy Pine Tree Society)
Pine Tree Society was founded in 1936 and its first location was the Hyde Mansion in Bath which served as a rehabilitation and convalescent home for Maine children with disabilities. The 21-room mansion was ideal for Pine Tree Society’s needs, particularly during the polio epidemic in the late 1940s. To mark this significant 90 year milestone, production has begun on a documentary tracing the organization’s history. Learn more and submit your personal story or connection at www.pinetreesociety.org.
(Photo courtesy Pine Tree Society)Founded in 1936 during the Great Depression, Pine Tree Society is celebrating its 90th anniversary by inviting the community to help document nearly a century of pioneering work for Maine people with disabilities.
Launched 50 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Pine Tree Society has evolved from a grassroots effort serving children with limb loss into a statewide provider serving all 16 Maine counties; headquartered in Bath with offices in Scarborough, Auburn and Pine Tree Camp in Rome.
To honor this milestone, production has begun on a documentary tracing the organization’s journey from its humble beginnings to its modern-day impact.
“By weaving together archival photos and video with personal memories, this documentary will tell the story of how our community chose to redefine 'disability' as 'possibility,'” said Adria King, Chief Development Officer, in a news release.
The organization invites alumni, families and supporters with ties to Pine Tree Society and Pine Tree Camp to share their memories via an online questionnaire. Submissions may be featured in year-long profile pieces or included in the upcoming documentary.
The questionnaire can be completed at https://pinetreesociety.wufoo.com/forms/share-your-story/
Pine Tree Society helps Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. Too often, people with disabilities feel left out, even isolated. With the help of Pine Tree Society, they’re not alone. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. Headquartered in Bath with offices in Scarborough, Auburn and Pine Tree Camp in Rome. Celebrating 90 years of discovering abilities together in 2026. www.pinetreesociety.org
