Volume 16, Issue #2 May 2013

Maine Labor History Mural Restored to Public View at Maine State Museum Score: Politics 1 / Art 1 by Bernard Fishman

n March 2011, Maine’s recently-elected seven-foot high labor-history cycle. Moreover, Republican governor, Paul LePage, part of the mural’s $60,000 cost had been ordered that a series of eleven painted paid for with federal funds through a portion Ipanels presenting episodes of labor history of the Federal Unemployment Compensation be removed from their location in Augusta’s law called the “Reed Act,” and the federal Department of Labor building and concealed Department of Labor quickly notified the state from further public view. He expressed the that those funds in this act representing the opinion that the political message evident in the making and value of the mural would have depictions, which showed representational but to be returned unless the work was restored artistically stylized episodes of 20th-century to its original location or to “another state labor struggles in Maine, was too partisan to employment security building.” A lawsuit was have a legitimate place in a state government filed in federal court by two union members and building. “I’m trying to send a message to three artists, though not including Judy Taylor, everyone in the state that…Maine looks at the actual painter of the mural, claiming that employees and employers equally…the murals Ms. Taylor’s free speech rights under the First send a message that we’re one-sided, and I Amendment had been violated. don’t want to send that message,” LePage A flurry of interest in moving the mural to the City said shortly after the mural was taken down. Hall in Portland came to nothing. At that time It later emerged that the governor’s action no state government agency believed it could had in part been sparked by complaints from interfere with the removal or offer a new home business owners, symbolized by an anonymous for the work. Through the whole controversy letter that likened the mural to something from the governor’s spokesperson, Adrienne Bennett, “communist North Korea.” In a blog post by insisted that the administration was committed a local conservative radio host, the mural to finding a more appropriate setting for the had been credited with helping to make the work and to returning it to public display, but in Maine Department of Labor a “militant, angry, The “Rosie the Riveter” panel the meantime its new storage location remained honors the contributions of the thousands business-hating environment.” stubbornly unrevealed, and the court case moved slowly ahead. of Maine women who entered the workforce A fury of public resentment followed. Maine during WWII to help support the war effort. State Representative Diane Russell called the Some months later, a federal judge in Maine action “government censorship at its worst.” A ruled that the governor was within his legal In the foreground are women workers who protest rally of 300 people was soon assembled rights to remove the work under a doctrine of built the Liberty Ships in South Portland in the denuded Department of Labor building protected “government speech,” which overrode Shipyards in the 1940s. space that had previously held the 36-foot long, —continued on page 18 Maine Archives and Museums MAINEAdvertise ARCHIVES &in MUSEUMS the MAM Newsletter Volume 16 • Number 2 • May 2013 NEWSLETTER Maine Archives and Museums www.mainemuseums.org Do you have a great product or service [email protected] that you want Maine’s museums and libraries P.O. Box 46 to know about? Cumberland Center, ME 04021 Consider a quarter-page ad in our quarterly newsletter, (207) 400-6965 which is direct-mailed to Maine’s community The Maine Archives and Museums Newsletter of collecting organizations and published on-line. is published on a quarterly basis as a benefit Ads are $100 per issue for non-members of MAM; $75 for members. of membership in MAM, whose purpose is to develop and foster a network of citizens and For complete specifications, please contact institutions in Maine who identify, collect, Jessica Skwire Routhier interpret and/or provide access to materials Newsletter Editor relating to history and culture. [email protected] (207) 799-7324 Contributions to the MAM Newsletter may be submitted to MAM. Contact information provided above.

To purchase copies of the MAM Newsletter, TABLE OF CONTENTS please contact MAM at the above address or Maine Labor History Mural Restored to Public View phone number. at Maine State Museum by Bernard Fishman...... Cover MAM NEWS ...... 3 Third Class postage paid at Bangor, Maine. Summary of MAM Board of Trustees Actions MAM’s Spring Workshop Series OFFICERS You Can Help MAM Plan President: Jessica Skwire Routhier Save the Date - Recharge your Mission: Ideas to Ignite and Inspire! Vice President: Raney Bench Exhibitions & Events...... 4 Secretary: Candace Kanes DISPATCHES ...... 11 Treasurer: Ellen Dyer Get to Know the Lincoln County Historical Association by Merry Fossel...... 12 Presque Isle Historical Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary BOARD MEMBERS With New Cemetery Tour by Kimberly R. Smith...... 13 Jane Bianco Leigh Hallett New Museum Takes Flight by J. R. Phillips...... 13 Heather Bilodeau Sheri Leahan Curran Homestead Stages Fifth Annual Ice Harvest by Bruce R. Bowden...... 14 Peter Cook Teresa Myers Follow the Maine Civil War Trail by Kim MacIsaac...... 14 Rachel Desgrosseilliers David O. Smith Gretchen Faulkner Deborah Staber Additions to Cranberry House by Wini Smart...... 14 Ellen Tenan SEEN & HEARD...... 15 Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market Celebrates NEWSLETTER STAFF Its Twentieth Year by Hannah Whelan...... 16 Editor: Jessica Skwire Routhier OPPORTUNITIES...... 17 and Jane Bianco Wyoming Masts to Soar Again Over Percy & Small Shipyard Typesetting & Design: Deborah J. McGee at Maine Maritime Museum by Dave Garrison...... 20 Printer: Bangor Letter Shop & Color Copy Center, Bangor NEXT ISSUE: AUGUST 2013 Only submissions received by the Editor by June 30, 2013, LEGAL SERVICES will be considered for publication. Contributed by James C. Pitney General Counsel Jessica Skwire Routhier Preti, Flaherty, Beleveau & Pachios 207-799-7324 [email protected]

 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 MAM NEWS

Summary of MAM’s Spring June 24 Collections Care — L.C. Bates Museum, MAM Board of Trustees Workshop Series Hinckley, Maine, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Actions As part of the Maine Cultural Institutions Outreach This day-long workshop includes two sessions: “Caring For Your Collections on Exhibition,” December 2012 and January 2013 Project (MCIOP), Maine Archives and Museums is pleased to offer valuable professional development led by Ron Harvey of Tuckerbrook Conservation The Board approved a bonus of $500 at the end opportunities for librarians, teachers, archivists, LLC; and “Continuing Crucial Conversations of 2012 for Director Erin Bishop to recognize the and museum professionals throughout the spring. about Collections: A Roadmap to Exploring what extra work she had done for MAM. She works on The Maine Cultural Institutions Outreach Project you have, Discovering who you are, and Learning a contract basis and had done a number of tasks (MCIOP) is a project of MAM supported by what you can do with it,” led by Sheri Leahan, that took her over the contract amount. The board a grant from the Davis Family Foundation. Collections Consultant and Acting Director of the approved a new contract for the director for 2013 MCIOP will attempt to identify local collecting Washburn-Norlands Living History Center. This that includes an increase in monthly hours from institutions in all of Maine’s towns, gather data project is the result of a Connecting to Collections 32 to 36. on their holdings and institutional needs, and statewide planning initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The 2013 budget, previously approved by the connect these keepers of Maine’s local heritage board, is based on the increased hours for the with a larger network of like-minded colleagues director, membership matching 2012 totals, and a through regional workshops and professional You Can Help MAM Plan MAM is now in the final year of its 2009-2013 slight increase in office supplies and fees related development opportunities. The spring workshop Long-Range Plan and has begun the process of to online conference and membership payments. series began in April and continues through June; researching and drafting a new plan to go into The 2013 budget totals $19,438. workshops are open to both members and non- members of Maine Archives and Museums. To effect in 2014. YOU can help—by filling out The Board approved an action plan for 2013, register (unless otherwise specified), visit http:// evaluations at the spring workshops, by filling which is the final year of a five-year strategic www.mainemuseums.org/SpringWorkshops2013. out the Maine Cultural Institutions Outreach plan. A new strategic plan will be developed this Project survey on MAM’s website (www.maine year. The highlights of the goals for this year May 2 museums.org/MCIOP), and by updating your are: 21st-Century Skills Workshop institutional profile. MAM will also be inviting Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta members to contribute to the planning process in • Continue work on the Maine Cultural 1-4 p.m. person during a retreat tentatively scheduled for Institution Project for which we received a Learn how to digitize your collections and share September 9 of this year. If you are interested in grant last year. This involves identifying all them through Maine Memory Network! This joining us and helping to plan for the future of collecting institutions in the state and updating FREE workshop is hosted by Maine Memory collecting institutions in Maine, please contact contact information for them, and organizing Network (a branch of the Maine Historical MAM’s director Erin Bishop at info@mainemu regional workshops to help meet the needs Society), in partnership with the Maine State seums.org or (207) 400-6965. of these organizations and of all MAM mem- Library and the Association of Maine Archives bers. & Museums Maine Cultural Institutions Outreach SAVE THE DATE • Continue relationship with the New England Project (MCIOP). Recharge Your Mission: Ideas to Ignite and Inspire! Museum Association (NEMA) and explore May 20 Mark your calendars and save the date! MAM’s offering NEMA workshops in Maine. Basic Collections Care 2013 Fall Conference and Annual Meeting will • Continue to refine and promote the MAM Caribou Historical Society, Caribou, Maine be held Tuesday, October 29. We are delighted to website both for services to members and pub- 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. return to the spacious and accommodating Collins licity about member organizations for tourists This one-day professional development oppor- Center for the Arts at the University of Maine, and others. tunity will create a familiarity with basic collec- Orono. This full day of professional develop- • tions care: basic artifact condition assessment Continue to develop and utilize the Regional ment opportunities will include breakout sessions, and handling; application of accession numbers; Representative program to keep in touch with networking opportunities, and an exhibition of basic artifact housing; and the importance of re- MAM members and provide needed services vendors and services specific to the field. Over cord-keeping. The day will include a tour of the and assistance. 100 museum and archive professionals attended Caribou Historical Society. Morning coffee and a • Increase advocacy work of MAM and its last year’s conference to exchange ideas, tackle box lunch are included with registration. Present- member organizations. challenges, and broaden skills. Whether you are a ed by Teresa Myers, Teresa Myers Conservation seasoned museum professional, volunteer, archi- MAM is now an institutional member of the Services. vist, or the only staff member of a small historical NEMA and hopes for more collaboration between May 21 society, the MAM 2013 conference will engage our two organizations. NEMA has agreed to offer 21st-Century Skills Workshop and inspire you. The conference will not only free memberships for one year to MAM’s all-vol- Bangor Public Library, 1-4 p.m. expand your skills and motivate you as you move unteer organizations. Learn how to digitize your collections and share forward toward future goals, it is also the perfect MAM committees are open to non-board mem- them through Maine Memory Network! This place to network and join a generous community bers. The board discussed the committees and FREE workshop is hosted by Maine Memory willing to help you get to that next step. Watch their functions. A list of the committees appears Network (a branch of the Maine Historical your mail and email for conference registration on MAM’s website under the “About” heading. Society), in partnership with the Maine State sign-up. Additional information will also be avail- Anyone interested in serving on a committee Library and the Association of Maine Archives able via Facebook and MAM’s website at www. should contact President Jessica Routhier. & Museums Maine Cultural Institutions Outreach mainemuseums.org. Questions? Email: info@ Project (MCIOP). mainemuseums.org or phone (207) 400-6965. •

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter  Maine Archives & Museums 2013 Board of Directors President: BOARD MEMBERS Jessica Skwire Routhier (2009) Gretchen Faulkner (2013) David O. Smith (2013) Independent Museum Professional Jane Bianco (2010) 48 Bellevue Avenue Farnsworth Art Museum Hudson Museum Kennebec Valley Community South Portland, ME 04106 16 Museum Street 5746 Collins Center for the Arts College Archives Phone: 207-799-7324 Rockland, ME 04841 University of Maine 92 Western Avenue [email protected] Phone: 207-596-6457 x104 Orono, ME 04469-5746 Fairfield, ME 04937-1367 [email protected] Phone: 207-581-7904 Phone: 207-453-5004 Vice President: [email protected] [email protected] Raney Bench (2012) Heather Bilodeau (2012) Abbe Museum Walsh History Center, Camden Leigh Hallett (2011) Deborah Staber (2012) 26 Mount Desert St. Public Library Newport Cultural Center L C Bates Museum Bar Harbor, ME 04609 55 Main Street 154 Main Street P.O. Box 159 Phone: 207-288-3519 Camden, ME 04843 Newport, ME 04953 Hinkley, ME 04944 [email protected] Phone: 207-236-3440 Phone: 207-368-2193 Phone: 207-238-4250 Secretary: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Candace Kanes (2011) Peter Cook (2012) Sheri Leahan (2011) Ellen Tenan (2012) Curator/Historian, Maine Memory Network Tare Shirt Farm Independent Museum Professional Ruggles House Maine Historical Society 227 Diamond Hill Road 35 Cummings Hill Road 298 Tenan Lane 489 Congress St. Berwick, ME 03901 Temple, ME 04984 Cherryfield, ME 04622 Portland, ME 04101 Phone: 207-698-1664 Phone: 207-779-4445 Phone: 207-546-7903 Phone: 207-774-1822 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cell: 207-43-4445 [email protected] Treasurer: Teresa Myers (2012) Ellen Dyer (2013) Rachel Desgrosseilliers (2012) Myers Conservation Services (In parentheses after each name is the year the Museum Consultant Museum L-A 26 Frandy Lane Sebec, ME 04481 director began serving 81 Bobolink Lane 35 Canal Street Box A7 his/her term. A director can Thomaston, ME 04861 Lewiston, ME 04240 Phone: 207-564-3910 serve up to three successive Phone: 207-226-3434 Phone: 207-333-3881 [email protected] two-year terms.) [email protected] [email protected]

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS An asterisk (*) denotes an exhibition or event presented in conjunction with the Maine Civil War Trail. See p. 14 for more information.

Per Kirkeby: Painting and Sculpture Region. Many items are on distinguished service at Exhibition at the loan from private collec- Gettysburg. All summer, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick tions including items from visit the “Brunswick and Now through July 14 the Chesebro family, Joan the Civil War” exhibit, The exhibition introduces to American audiences Barter Rittall and Norman explore the Joshua L. Danish artist Per Kirkeby (born 1938), one of Rau. Visitors with memories Chamberlain Museum Europe’s most celebrated contemporary artists. of dairying in the region are and the Skolfield-Whittier The artist’s roles as geologist, filmmaker, archi- encouraged to share their House, take a history tect, writer, and poet are reflected in this survey remembrances via email to walking tour, and partici- of approximately 45 works. Kirkeby’s paintings [email protected]. These will pate in the 2013 speaker and sculptures are constantly in flux, maintaining be added to a memory book series. And stay tuned a dialogue between art and science. Organized by that will go into the perma- for details on an exciting the Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C., this is Norris Dodge at nent collection at the soci- Chamberlain Days event Per Kirkeby’s first American retrospective. After Chesebro Dairy, ety. The museum is located August 9-11! Pejepscot Joshua Lawrence the Phillips Collection, Bowdoin is the only other May 1932 at 72 Oak St. in Boothbay Historical Society is locat- Chamberlain venue hosting this important show. FMI: (207) Harbor. FMI: (207) 633- ed at 159 Park Row in 725-3275 / bowdoin.edu/art-museum. 0820 / www.boothbayhistorical.org. Brunswick. FMI: www.pejepscothistorical.org. Dairy Days in the Boothbay Region * Brunswick and the Civil War To Sea: The Maritime Heritage Exhibition at the Exhibition at the of the Kennebunks Boothbay Region Historical Society Pejepscot Historical Society, Brunswick Exhibition at the Brick Store Museum, Now through July On view now Kennebunk On view now at the Boothbay Region Historical In 2013, Pejepscot Historical Society marks both Now through September 14 Society is an array of artifacts pertaining to its 125th anniversary as an organization and the Focusing on the strong maritime ties to the the history of dairy farming in the Boothbay 150th anniversary of Joshua L. Chamberlain’s —continued on page 5

 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 4 House Museum (May 25, June 29, and July 27); June 3: Tom and Leanne Allan will give family and a free presentation open to the public on the recollections of their relative Colonel John Allan, Kennebunks, this special exhibit will feature Mooseleuk Club on June 5 at Northern Maine who was appointed by George Washington as marine art, artifacts, and archival materials for Community College. FMI: www.pihistory.org / Superintendent of the Eastern Indians in 1777, in an up-close look at the behemoth sailing ships of (207) 762-1151. addition to securing Congress’ authorization for the 19th century. Visitors can expect to see ship Massachusetts to raise an expedition to seize Fort portraits, learn the stories of love and loss while * That Flaunting Rag: Maine’s Maritime Cumberland and to proceed to Halifax to destroy at sea, and delve into the business of import and War Against the Confederacy the Royal Navy’s dockyard. West Bay Church, 88 export in the 19th century. Guests of all ages are Exhibition at the Maine Maritime Museum, Bath Old Route One, Gouldsboro. invited to participate in the interactive area of the May 4 through December 1 exhibit, featuring games, art, and hands-on learn- Maine’s valor and sacrifice in the epic land July 8: Dr. William Horner, President of the ing. Funded by the Captain Lord Mansion and the battles of the Civil War are well documented. Mount Desert Island Historical Society, will Kennebunkport Marina. The Brick Store Museum That Flaunting Rag! will shed light on the lesser speak about his relative, Captain Daniel Deasy is located at 117 Main Street, Kennebunk. FMI: known naval war fought against Confederate sea of Prospect Harbor, who was appointed Acting (207) 985-4802 / [email protected]. raiders. Investigate the maritime chess game of Commander in the U. S. Navy, March 14, 1862. espionage, long-distance sleuthing and diplo- After the Civil War, Captain Deasy became a Maine’s Earliest Settlers matic double entendres that played to the staccato prosperous and respected merchant in the town of Ongoing exhibition at the of clicking telegraphs. The “Battle of Portland Gouldsboro. Old Town House Museum, 452 U.S. Old Berwick Historical Society Harbor” also will be featured, in which the explo- Route 1, Gouldsboro. Old Berwick Historical Society exhibits at the sion of the hijacked Federal Revenue Cutter Counting House Museum and at South Berwick Caleb Cushing stymied only the most obvious All-Aboard Storytime! Town Hall chronicle the story of one of Maine’s attempt of Confederate agents to exploit the Family Programs at the earliest settlements, from its first inhabitants vulnerabilities of Maine’s long coastline. Further Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum through its independence from Kittery 300 years illuminated will be Maine shipbuilding contribu- Thursdays beginning May 9, 10:30 a.m. ago, in 1713. The displays highlight stories of tions to the war effort, including the Bath-built Join us in the museum for train stories and activi- Humphrey and Lucy Chadbourne, who operated a “90-day gunboat” USS Katahdin. The Maine ties! The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum sawmill in present-day South Berwick from about Maritime Museum is located at 243 Washington is located at 58 Fore Street, Portland. FMI: (207) 1640 to 1689; and Humphrey and Mary Spencer, St., Bath. FMI: www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org 828-0814 / www.mainenarrowgauge.org/child who owned a tavern from 1696 to 1727. Their / (207) 443-1316. rens-storytime. tales are told using an array of historic objects from archaeological projects led by Emerson * John Haley’s Civil War National Train Day Baker and Neill DePaoli. Grants from the Maine Exhibition at the Dyer Library/Saco Museum Celebration: Humanities Council and Kennebunk Savings dur- May 4 through November 10 “A Day in the Life” ing Berwick’s 300th anniversary year also support Saco native John Haley served in the 17th Maine Family Event at the the society’s year-long series of public lectures, Regiment from 1862 to 1865 and participat- Maine Narrow Gauge tours and public programs. The Counting House ed in many battles, including Fredericksburg, Railroad Museum is open June through October and is located at Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, and Appomattox. Saturday, May 11 Main and Liberty Streets in South Berwick and During his three years as a soldier, Haley kept a Train rides and fun as we admission is by donation. FMI: (207) 384-0000 / diary and chronicled the daily activities of camp celebrate National Train [email protected] / www.oldberwick.org. life as well as the tumult of the battlefield. Come Day! Explore the muse- view the Civil War through the eyes of a self- um as you learn about Our Shared HiSTORY Program described “mediocre but always present” soldier! the duties of train person- Programs organized by the Brick Store Museum Curated by University of New England students nel. Hands-on activities and Kennebunk Free Library enrolled in the “Museums and Public Culture” for children. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad May through September course, the exhibition will feature a treasure trove Museum is located at 58 Fore Street, Portland. The Brick Store Museum and the Kennebunk Free of artifacts related to the Civil War—prints by FMI: (207) 828-0814 / www.mainenarrowgauge. Library have joined forces to produce a slate of Winslow Homer, Civil War weaponry and uni- org. maritime heritage programming for the summer. forms, and much more. John Haley’s Civil War is These events include: field trips to Portsmouth a collaborative project of the Saco Museum and Plein Air Painting Naval Shipyard (June 24) and Maine Maritime the University of New England and is funded, Workshop at the Vaughan Homestead, Hallowell Museum (July 22); a Sea Shanties Concert (June in part, by a grant from the Maine Humanities Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 14, 7p.m.), Monday night movie nights, and a Council. FREE opening reception at the Saco This workshop is designed for the painter with Shipbuilding Odyssey tour (August 18, 1:30 Museum, Friday, May 3 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Dyer some experience in wet-into-wet oil technique, p.m.). Please visit the program’s website, www. Library/Saco Museum is located at 371 Main who seeks the rewards and challenges of working brickstoremuseum.org/oursharedhistory.shtml, to Street, Saco. FMI: (207) 283-3861 / www.dyerli- spontaneously, from direct observation, at a see the full schedule and description of events! brarysacomuseum.org. historic site overlooking the Kennebec River. Instructor J. Thomas R. Higgins will provide a Tours of Presque Isle and Beyond Lecture Series painting demonstration and individual instruction. Presented by the Presque Isle Historical Society Presented by the Gouldsboro Historical Society Participants will share their creative experiences May through October May 6, June 3, and July 8, 7 p.m. at the end of the workshop. Plan to pack a lunch Presque Isle Historical Society’s Tour Season FMI: (207) 963-5530 and picnic on the grounds. Upon registration, the began in March and continues through October. Harlow Gallery will provide you with a list of Upcoming tours include: Guided Tours of May 6: Sanford Phippen, nationally known author suggested supplies and equipment. $75 for KVAA Historic Fairmount Cemetery (May 10, June from Hancock, will reminisce about female authors members, $90 for non-members. To register, call 7, and July 12); City-Wide Narrated History with whom he has interacted. Among them are the Harlow Gallery at (207) 622-3813 or email Tours aboard Molly the Trolley (May 11, June Ruth Moore, Miriam Colwell, Louise Dickinson [email protected]. The Vaughan Homestead 8, July 13); Guided Walking Tours of Historic Rich, Bernice Richmond, Ruth Sawyer, the is located at 2 Litchfield Road in Hallowell. Downtown Presque Isle (May 25, June 29, and Reverend Margaret Henrichsen, and others. West July 27); Guided Tours of the 1875 Vera Estey Bay Church, 88 Old Route One, Gouldsboro. —continued on page 6

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter  EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 5 May 23 through August 4 The sale is Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. until This special exhibition focuses on the seldom- noon, but don’t wait if you want the best selec- 19th-Century Games viewed history and complex lives of people of tion. ALSO: Opening day for the 63rd season of Lecture at the Hiram Historical Society dual African American and Native American the Ruggles House Historic Home Museum is Saturday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. ancestry. Through the themes of policy, communi- June 1! If you haven’t been before, come see a After a brief business meeting at 1 p.m., John ty, creative resistance and lifeways, the exhibition wonderful example of Federal/Adamesque archi- Michalowski, Director of Willowbrook, 19th cen- tells the stories of cultural integration and diffu- tecture furnished as if the family still lived there. tury village in Newfield, Maine, will speak about sion as well as the struggle to define and preserve If it has been a while, come see what’s new and games people played during this period. FMI: identity. IndiVisible, produced by the National what we have planned for the future. The Ruggles (207) 625-4762 / [email protected]. Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in col- House is located at 146 Main Street, Columbia laboration with the National Museum of African Falls. FMI: www.RugglesHouse.org. American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Pond Life: Services (SITES), remains on view at the Abbe Gills, Webbing and Air Bubbles Museum through August 4 and will then continue Family Program at the to travel to museums around the nation. FMI: L.C. Bates Museum, Hinckley (207) 288-3519 / www.abbemuseum.org. Saturday, May 25, 1 p.m. Families are invited to the museum to dip nets in The elder man in the pond and go on an exploration of wildlife that Katahdin from Tracy Pond #3, an oil Comanche traditional lives in the wetlands. See and learn how animals painting by artist J. Thomas R. Higgins. clothing is Ta-Ten- adapt to water! The L.C. Bates Museum is located Gift of the Glacier: The Maine Landscape e-quer. His wife, at 14 Easler Road, Hinckley. FMI: (207) 238- Exhibition at L.C. Bates Museum, Hinckley Ta-Tat-ty, also wears 4250 / [email protected]. May 15 through October 15 Comanche clothing. This special exhibition features the work of 23 Their niece (center) contemporary Maine artists whose art depicts the is Wife-per, also work of the glacier in our landscape. On Sunday, known as Frances E. Lighthouses, like West June 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a Wright. Her father Quoddy Head Light in public reception for the artists in the exhibition. was a Buffalo Soldier Lubec, save lives. The L.C. Bates Museum is located at 14 Easler who deserted and Road, Hinckley. FMI: (207) 238-4250 / lcbates@ married into the Comanches. Henry (center left) gwh.org. and Lorenzano (center right) are the sons of For Those in Peril: Shipwrecks, Frances, who married an African American man. Memorials, and Rescues Author Talk with Kieran Shields Courtesy Sam DeVenney. Exhibition at the Event at the Yarmouth History Center St. Sauveur: A Meeting of Nations Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m. Exhibition at Sieur de Monts Spring, May 25 through October 20 Kieran Shields will discuss his new book, A Acadia National Park Explore the shipwrecks and near misses; the Study in Revenge, the second in a series of mur- Opening May 23 perfect storms and sudden squalls; those lost at der mystery novels. Both stories take place in In 1613, a small group of French Jesuits, sailors sea and the families left behind; and the brave Portland, Maine, in the late 19th century. Shields and settlers arrived at Mount Desert Island, look- lifesavers and brilliant marine equipment innova- is also the author of The Truth of All Things, ing for a place to establish a mission and build tors. Through the Museum’s collection of marine which is the Yarmouth History Center’s Brown trade relations with the Wabanaki. At the urging art, portraits, photographs, lifesaving equipment, Bag Book Group selection for the May meeting of Wabanaki leader Asticou, the group chose a original manuscripts and logbooks, small water- on Wednesday, May 1, at noon. The Yarmouth spot somewhere around Frenchman Bay to estab- craft, models, and navigational instruments, the History Center is located at 118 East Elm Street, lish their new outpost. Less than three months stories of “those in peril” will come alive in Yarmouth. FMI: (207) 846-6259 / info@yar later, the fledgling settlement was destroyed by the summer of 2013. Opening reception Friday, mouthmehistory.org. English colonists from further south. Echos of May 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Penobscot Marine these encounters continue to resound today, in Museum’s campus includes ten historic buildings. Lighthouses and Shipwrecks Wabanaki communities, in shaping Maine his- Admissions and Museum Store are located at 40 of Casco Bay tory and identity, and in our understanding of East Main Street (Route One), Searsport. FMI: Event at the Yarmouth History Center international relations. The exhibit brings together (207) 548-2529 or (207) 548-0334. Monday, May 20, 7 p.m. current Wabanaki perspectives and historic docu- * In the Field and On Jeremy D’Entremont will speak about lighthouses ments to present multiple perspectives on his- and shipwrecks in Casco Bay, combining historic the Homefront: Bethel tory, and investigates the debate among historians During the Civil War and new photos, film clips, and audio clips. One and archaeologists about where the St. Sauveur of the leading experts on New England’s historic Exhibition at the Bethel Mission was actually located. The exhibit opens Historical Society, lighthouses, D’Entremont is the author of nine on May 23 at Sieur de Monts Spring and will books, including The Lighthouses of Maine and Opening May 28 travel to the Abbe Museum in downtown Bar Commemorating the 150th Great Shipwrecks of the Maine Coast. He is Harbor when the Acadia National Park location also the historian for the American Lighthouse anniversary of the Civil War, closes for the season in the fall. FMI: (207) 288- this exhibit uses rarely seen Foundation and the founder of Friends of 3519 / www.abbemuseum.org. Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses. The Yarmouth artifacts and images from the History Center is located at 118 East Elm Street, Spring into Spring! Society’s permanent collec- Folding camp tion to the effects—profound Yarmouth. FMI: (207) 846-6259 / info@yar Plant Sale at the Ruggles House, Columbia Falls chair (1861) car- mouthmehistory.org. Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. to noon and poignant—of the Civil ried throughout War on the western Maine Get your garden started right, or add to your exist- the Civil War by IndiVisible: African-Native American ing landscape at the Ruggles House’s annual plant town of Bethel, once known Lives in the Americas General Cuvier as “the Athens of Oxford sale! Homegrown annuals, perennial and vegeta- Grover of Bethel. Exhibition at the Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor ble plants and seedlings will be available for sale. —continued on page 7

 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 6 Ceiling motif The Tourist of 1913 Exhibition at the Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk County.” Although the War years resulted in the at the former June 7 through September 14 loss of many of Bethel’s loyal sons, they also wit- Odd Fellows What was a visit to the Maine coast like 100 nessed the town’s development as an important headquarters in years ago? This exhibit explores summer trans- inland Maine center of commerce, industry and downtown South portation, clothing, social rules, and recreation in tourism. The Bethel Historical Society is located Berwick. 1913—and how it has changed in 2013. Visitors at 10 Broad Street, Bethel. FMI: (207) 824-2908 A fraternal organization based for 166 years in a can expect to discover pieces from the museum’s / www.bethelhistorical.org. landmark South Berwick building is the subject expansive costume collection, archival photo- of a new display at the Counting House Museum. graphs of the beach and its surroundings, and * Civil War Encampment: The Odd Fellows chapter across the square from learn more about how and why visitors began 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry the Sarah Orne Jewett House was founded in coming to the Kennebunks, now a tourist mecca. Event on the grounds of the 1845 by men who included family members of The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Dyer Library/Saco Museum the future author. The exhibit will include doors Street, Kennebunk. FMI: (207) 985-4802 / info@ Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2 from the historic building as well as costumes, brickstoremuseum.org. Watch Civil War drills, weapons demonstrations, regalia, voting boxes, and photos of 19th-cen- and experience other aspects of camp life dur- tury members and descriptions of their roles in Beyond the Breakers: Lighthouse, ing this celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the organization and the wider community. The Life-Saving and the U.S. Coast Guard the Civil War. The Dyer Library/Saco Museum Counting House is located at Main and Liberty Exhibition at the Maine Maritime Museum, Bath is located at 371 Main Street, Saco. FMI: (207) Streets in South Berwick, and admission is by June 8 through October 14 283-3861 / www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org. donation. FMI: (207) 384-0000 / info@oldber The salvation of mariners is one of the most wick.org / www.oldberwick.org. essential, intriguing, and revered chapters of Community Yard Sale our maritime history. Beyond the Breakers will be dedicated to the service of the United States Organized by the Rumford Historical Society Coast Guard in Maine, and how it evolved from Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. two historical predecessor agencies—the U.S. The Limerick (rain date June 8) Lighthouse Service and the U.S. Life-Saving Academy building, This sale, held at the Lufkin School Museum, is Service. Numerous, rarely-seen MMM collection Limerick, Maine the primary fundraiser for the society, so Members artifacts, from iconic to humble, and weighing and the general public are asked to contribute in from ounces to tons, will address this exciting good, used furniture; historical items; household narrative: life rings, rafts, jackets and vests, lens- and decorative objects; and plant seedlings. No es, flares, wreck fragments, uniforms, tableware, clothing will be accepted. A bake sale and snack barometers, board games and breeches buoys, not Edwardian Life table will be available. Donors are asked to con- to mention our 1952 USCG peapod from Wood Exhibition presented by the tact the Rumford Historical Society on Thursdays Island and Boon Island lights, and our 3-ton 1913 Limerick Historical Society at (207) 364-2540 (or leave a message if calling USLSS motorized surfboat from Damariscove June through September on other days) to arrange for pick-up or delivery. Island Station. (A related exhibit at Penobscot Walk through the Limerick Academy Building to If preferred, an email message can be sent to the Marine Museum in Searsport, For Those in explore a showcase of items from the Edwardian Rumford Historical Society at [email protected]. The Peril; Shipwrecks, Memorial, and Rescues, will era. Clothing, toys, printed materials, educational Lufkin School Museum is located on Route 2 in be on view May 25 to October 20.) The Maine items, furniture, and ephemera are displayed Rumford Center. appropriately in groupings curated to reflect Maritime Museum is located at 243 Washington a typical bedroom, kitchen, school room, and Opening Day Celebration St., Bath. FMI: www.MaineMaritimeMuseum. playroom of the era. The 1880 structure, the at the Tate House Museum, Portland org / (207) 443-1316. third Academy building erected in the town, was Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Rally for Norlands: built after fires destroyed the first two structures. The Tate House Museum, in the Stroudwater Civil War Reenactment The Academy building is located on Main Street neighborhood of Portland, is having an Opening Event at the Washburn-Norlands (Route 5) near the intersection of Washington Day celebration, an informative and entertain- Living History Center, Livermore Street (Route 11) in Limerick. FMI: contact ing day in the neighborhood of colonial Mast Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 Adele Floyd at (207) 793-8336. Agent, Captain George Tate and his family. Don’t miss this historic event with a wide variety Several different tours will be offered, along with of living history demonstrations, exhibits, and Guided Walking Tours tea sandwiches, strawberries and punch on the engaging activities remembering the activities of of Historic Skowhegan lawn. Tickets are $20 and entitle the visitor to the Civil War in the Spring of 1863. The fourth Sponsored by the Skowhegan History House five tours: the Tate House itself, the Tate House “Rally for Norlands” Civil War Reenactment Museum & Research Center Architecture Tour, a Garden Tour, Stroudwater Weekend at the Washburn-Norlands Living June through August Cemetery Tour, and Stroudwater Neighborhood History Center (Norlands) in Livermore, Maine Tours include “Historic Skowhegan Falls/Island,” Tour. Umbrellas are suggested, just in case. The takes place on June 8 and 9. The event is organized “A Walk Along Historic Elm Street,” and “North Tate House Museum is located at 1267 Westbrook by the 3rd Maine Company A and 15th Alabama Cemetery: Visiting With Some Useful Citizens.” Street, Portland. FMI: (207) 774-6177 / info@ Company G to benefit the Norlands. The two-day The Skowhegan History House Museum & tatehouse.org. Research Center is located at 66 Elm Street, event includes encampments the public can visit, Skowhegan. For dates and times of tours: (207) Heritage Tea battle reenactments, farm-life living history in 474-6632 / www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org. Event Co-sponsored by the Bloomfield Garden the Norlands’ mansion, farmer’s cottage and one- Club and Skowhegan History House room schoolhouse, exhibits, special programs Olive Branch Lodge 28: The History of Saturday, June 1, 4 p.m. on the Washburns and other Livermore soldiers South Berwick’s Odd Fellows Enjoy the heirloom gardens of the Skowhegan during the Civil War, and demonstrations, such as Exhibition at the Counting House Museum, History House Museum & Research Center, 66 a 19th-century fashion show, a bean supper and Old Berwick Historical Society, South Berwick Elm Street, Skowhegan. FMI: (207) 474-6632 / Contra Dance on Saturday night, and much, much June 1 - October 27 www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org. more. Gates opens at 9 a.m. daily. $9 per adult; $6 —continued on page 8

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter  EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 7 open for the season with a new exhibit, Islanders Maine governor Nelson Dingley, Jr.) the Journal at War, and the re-opening of the expanded demonstrates how Mainers responded to the for children under age 12. Discounted weekend archives and library. The Deer Isle-Stonington crisis, from the swift mobilization of regimental passes are available at $16 adults/ $10 under age Historical Society is located at 416 Sunset Road, units to widespread displays of patriotism. This 12. FMI: www.norlands.org / (207) 897-4366. Deer Isle. FMI: (207) 348-6400 / cwiberg@ lecture—presented by Eben Miller, History / House Tours of the myfairpoint.net. Honors Program Coordinator at Southern Maine Vaughan Homestead, Hallowell Community College—will draw from the Journal Saturday, June 8, 1-3 p.m. * The Homefront in Belfast to explore the extent to which the experiences Exhibition at the Belfast Museum The Vaughan Homestead will be open to the in Lewiston, and in Maine more generally, were June 15 through Labor Day public for house tours by appointment only. emblematic of the Northern home front during The Belfast Museum will open for the season on Visitors will receive a guided tour through the first the first years of the Civil War, paying special June 15 with this Civil War-themed exhibit through floor of this 1794 house with its examples of 18th-, attention to soldiers’ news from the war front, the summer. The centerpiece of the exhibit will be 19th-, and 20th-century furnishings. Hear stories expressions of Unionism, economic and cultural the newly-conserved Civil War quilt stitched by about the six generations of Vaughans who lived developments, and the evolution of emancipation the ladies of Belfast in 1864 and sent to a Union here and were witnesses to and participants in the as a wartime policy. Mason House exhibit hall; Army hospital. The quilt also will be displayed development of our community, our state, and our free and open to the public. The Bethel Historical on Flag Day, June 14, at the Belfast Library 4 – 7 nation. Tours begin at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.. Society is located at 10 Broad Street, Bethel. p.m. FMI: www.belfastmuseum.org. To register, please call 622-9831 or contact us FMI: (207) 824-2908 / www.bethelhistorical.org. at [email protected]. Cost is $15 per * John Haley’s 19th Century person. The Vaughan Homestead is located at 2 Nature and Naturalist as Artist Summer Day Camps at the Walking Tour of Saco Litchfield Road in Hallowell. L.C.Bates Museum, Hinckley Program organized by the Saco Museum Sustainable Gardens Weeks of June 17, June 24 and August 5 Sunday, June 23, 1:30 p.m. Program at the Hiram Historical Society These day camps are designed to spark children’s After returning home from his service in the Civil Saturday, June 8, 1:30 p.m. natural curiosity and creativity. Each week of War in 1865, John Haley resumed life as a civil- After a brief business meeting at 1 p.m., Karen camp is different, but will focus on Maine’s ian. In 1893, he became the Dyer Library’s sec- Harter, proprietor of Garden of Weedin, a garden natural environments. The L.C. Bates Museum is ond librarian. Haley enjoyed walking the streets maintenance business, presents a program on located at 14 Easler Road, Hinckley. FMI: (207) of Saco and documenting the city’s buildings and converting residential and historic gardens into 238-4250 / [email protected]. inhabitants. Collections & Research Manager sustainable landscapes. FMI: (207) 625-4762 / Camille Smalley will lead a walking tour from the [email protected]. People of the Tiger Saco Museum to Rapid Ray’s, across Main Street, Event at the Yarmouth History Center and back to the Soldier Monument at Eastman Demonstration for the Proper Care & Monday, June 17, 7 p.m. Park, using Haley’s detailed and sometimes criti- Cleaning of Cemetery Gravestones The Yarmouth Historical Society June Lecture cal notes. Meet outside the Saco Museum (371 Program presented by the Skowhegan History Program will feature Portland Press Herald Main Street, Saco) at 1:30 p.m. FMI: (207) 283- House Museum & Research Center journalist Tom Bell. Bell is the author of a blog 3861 / www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org. Saturday, June 15, 9-11 a.m. that chronicled his family’s trip to the Russian This hands-on demonstration will provide insight- Far East entitled A Journey to a Far-Away World. ful information concerning the tools, materials, Bell, his wife Svetlana, and their daughter Ihila and techniques for the proper care and cleaning traveled from Maine to the Russian Far East to of cemetery monuments. Participants should wear the remote mountain village where Svetlana Bell comfortable old clothing. Donations requested. grew up. The Yarmouth History Center is located Meet at the Southside Cemetery, Main Street, at 118 East Elm Street, Yarmouth. FMI: (207) Skowhegan. Call to reserve space: (207) 474- 846-6259 / [email protected]. 6632 / www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org. The Remarkable Life of Louise Philpot American Field Service, Section 3, 1916, Civil War Train Robbery Lecture presented by the Paris. Edward Sortwell is tenth from the Family Event at the Limerick Historical Society left in the back row. Thursday, June 20, 7 p.m. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Historic New England 2013 Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Eleanor Watson will share stories about Louise Philpot WAC, WWII. Philpot’s travels from Wiscasset Lecture Series Join us for the seventh annual “Maine Rebels Lectures at the Nickels-Sortwell Barn, Wiscasset her farm in Limerick, Maine to a reception at Attack” event! The 15th Alabama Regiment reen- Sundays, June 23 and July 21, 3 - 4:30 p.m. acts a Civil War train robbery right here in Buckingham Palace were a 16-year fairytale adventure. Refreshments to follow. This lecture Historic New England’s annual Wiscasset Lecture Portland! Confederate soldiers “attack” the train, Series kicks off on June 23 with “Gentlemen seize military property and send the train on its will take place in the Brick Town House, on the corner of Main Street (Route 5) and Burbank Heroes: The American Field Service and Edward way. Union soldiers act as guards on board the Carter Sortwell in WWI,” presented by collec- train. Join us and have some fun alongside beau- Street in Limerick. FMI: contact Adele Floyd at (207) 793-8336. tor and scholar William Foley. On July 21, Dr. tiful Casco Bay. An adventure-filled day for the Gerard Gawalt, retired curator of presidential whole family! Rides depart on the hour from 10 papers, Library of Congress, will present “Circle a.m. to 3 p.m. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad * Nelson Dingley, Jr.’s Daily Evening Journal: A View of the Northern Civil of Friends: Thomas Jefferson and His Women Museum is located at 58 Fore Street, Portland. Correspondents.” $5 Historic New England mem- FMI: (207) 828-0814 / www.mainenarrowgauge. War Home Front, 1861-1863 Hall Memorial Lecture at the bers, $10 nonmembers. Registration is recom- org. Bethel Historical Society mended. The Nickels-Sortwell House is located Islanders at War June 20, 7:30 p.m. at 121 Main Street (Route 1); access to the barn is from Federal Street. The monthly lecture series Exhibition at the Launched during the outbreak of the Civil War, in continues in August and September; please call Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society April 1861, the Lewiston Daily Evening Journal (207) 882-7169 for more information. Opening June 15 offers a unique view of the Northern home The Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society will front. Published by a young Republican (future continued on page 9

 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 8 * This Rebellion: Maine and the Civil War defined by geography but by their context in the Exhibition at the Maine Historical Society grand traditions of western art. FMI: (207) 725- Churches of Old Orchard Beach June 28, 2013, through May 30, 2014 3275 / bowdoin.edu/art-museum. Exhibition at the Harmon Museum, The exhibit examines themes at the micro Old Orchard Beach Historical Society level of individual soldiers and others involved Columbia Falls Sunday, June 24 and through Labor Day in the war, what items had meaning to them, 150th Anniversary Celebration Beginning June 24, Harmon Museum of the leading them to save the items and pass them Town-Wide House Tour Old Orchard Beach Historical Society, located along to successive generations. Battlefield rel- Saturday, June 29, 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Old Orchard Beach, will open for ics, uniforms, documents, letters, paintings, and The Ruggles House is pleased to help celebrate the season with its main exhibit, Churches of photographs, and evidence of post-war com- the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the Old Orchard Beach. On Sunday, June 24, the memorative activities bring to life people and town of Columbia Falls. Events include a town- Museum will hold a special “open house” from 1 stories from the 1860s. The exhibit’s goal is to wide Historical House Tour on Saturday, June 29, p.m. to 5 p.m. for residents of Old Orchard Beach. make visible and accessible the enormity and from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring tours of the Ruggles Admission is free; donations are welcome. The complexity of the war for the nation, the state, and House. And while you participate in other activi- museum is located at the intersection of Portland individuals and families. FMI: (207) 774-1822 / ties, stop in the garden at the Ruggles House for Avenue, Old Orchard Street, and Saco Avenue. www.mainehistory.org. refreshments. The Ruggles House is located at FMI: (207)-934-9319 / www.harmonmuseum. 146 Main Street, Columbia Falls. FMI: www. org. * Living History Tours RugglesHouse.org. For more on the 150th cele- At the Washburn-Norlands bration, visit http://www.columbiafallsmerecord. Friendship Gardens Living History Center, Livermore org/150th_Celebration.html. Program series at the Friendship Museum Opens for the summer on June 29 June 26, July 10, and August 10 Norlands opens on Saturday, June 29, for “Living “200 Years a Landmark”: The Friendship Museum’s theme for 2013 is the History Tours” and will be open 11 a.m. to 4 Celebrating the Dr. Moses Mason House landscape that surrounds both our homes (his- p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Event at Bethel Historical Society, toric and modern) and our civic sites. The history from June 29 through August 31. Visitors to the Tuesday, July 2, 1:30 p.m. of our personal gardens, foundation plantings, site are engaged by people who portray a local Join us as we mark the bicentenary of the orchards, and woods will be explored through a person, someone you might have met had you Society’s Mason House, which was begun in series of exhibits, speaker programs, and our first visited in 1870. It could be someone cooking 1813 and renovated and restored by the William self-guided garden tour. The Friendship Museum in the farmer’s cottage, if it’s not too hot, or a Bingham II Trust for Charity in 1972-73. A is located at 1 Martin Point Road, Friendship. Washburn granddaughter, Ada Washburn or Anna highlight of this event will be the unveiling of FMI: Liga Jahnke, 832-6646 / www.friendship Maud Washburn, in the Washburn Mansion, or a professionally designed scale model of the Dr. museum.org the school ma’am in the one-room schoolhouse Moses Mason House, Bethel Hill’s oldest resi- June 26, 1 - 3 p.m.: Tour of Eliza Soeth’s early who will encourage you to practice your mental dence, created by BHS member James Auman of American style garden, 361 Waldoboro Road arithmetic and penmanship using a quill pen Warren, New Jersey, and Norway, Maine. Mason (Route 220), Friendship, featuring heirloom under her watchful eye. On Saturdays, the 1887 House exhibit hall; free and open to the public. roses. Washburn library will be open for a special pro- The Bethel Historical Society is located at 10 gram on Livermore soldiers during the Civil War. Broad Street, Bethel. FMI: (207) 824-2908 / July 10, 5 p.m.: “From Garden to Table,” talk www.bethelhistorical.org. by food historian Sandy Oliver, at the Museum Living history tours are a fun way to learn about Annex, 30 Main Street, Friendship (next to history and what rural Maine life was like in the Behind Closed Doors late 1800s. Bring your imagination and ask all the United Methodist Church), followed by a Vintage Tours of Castle Tucker, Wiscasset questions you want. You can bring a picnic lunch Recipes Buffet at the Methodist Church (dona- Friday, July 5 and September 6, 10 - 11:30 a.m. and we will provide the lawn, the picnic table and tions accepted). Come and peek into the nooks and crannies of the beautiful setting. $10 adult/$6 children under Castle Tucker on a special Behind Closed Doors August 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Friendly Garden 12 yo. FMI: www.norlands.org / (207) 897-4366. Visits, self-guided walking tour of gardens along Tour. Led by Site Manager Peggy Konitzky, this Harbor Road, Friendship. Refreshments, raffle and leisurely in-depth tour includes rooms and stories garden bazaar at 2 p.m. at the Museum Annex, 30 not included on the general tour. See additional Main Street, next to the Methodist Church. bedrooms and unique connecting spaces on three floors of this thirty-room mansion. Advance reg- Summer Concert Series istration is required. $10 Historic New England At the Old Jefferson Town House members, $15 nonmembers. Castle Tucker is Wednesday, June 26 and Friday, July 12, 7 p.m. located at 2 Lee Street, Wiscasset. FMI: (207) On Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m., “Castlebay” 882-7169. (Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee) will spin its Celtic St. Malo, No. 2, ca. 1907-1910, watercolor, magic with music in the restored meeting room of graphite and crayon, by Maurice Prendergast, “Pictures Serene and Sublime: Traditional the Old Jefferson Town House, which hosted town American, 1858-1924, Columbus Museum of White Mountain Art Recaptured” meetings for many years. On Friday, July 12 at 7 Art, Gift of Ferdinand Howald. Exhibit at the Bethel Historical Society p.m., the “Rusty Hinges,” along with friends Nick Maurice Prendergast: By the Sea Opening July 6 During the 19th and early 20th centuries, numer- and Bill Tozier, and “Rose and the Teardrops” Exhibition at the ous artists (including many from the so-called will put on a rollicking concert with numerous Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick Hudson River School) captured the awe-inspiring stringed—fiddles, guitars, and more—and wind June 29 through October 13 summits and verdant glens in the White Mountain instruments. Admission to each concert is $10. This is the first exhibition to present the seaside region of northern New Hampshire and western The Old Jefferson Town House is also open from work of the Post-Impressionist painter Maurice Maine. Including many of these early landscapes, 9-11 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of Prendergast (American, 1858-1924), whose this exhibit also highlights the work of Erik July and August. Tours of the restored building sophisticated and sensitive renderings of beaches, Koeppel and Lauren Sansaricq, nationally-recog- and displays of items and photographs related coves, and bathers were often inspired by his nized plein-air artists who have developed a love to Jefferson’s history will be featured. The Old visits to Maine. The exhibition brings together for the expressive potentials of traditional repre- Jefferson Town House is located at 7 Gardiner works with identifiable locations in Maine and Road, Jefferson. FMI: (207) 549-5258. elsewhere, with paintings whose “place” is not continued on page 10

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter  EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS continued from page 9 view of the Kennebec River. Details on ticket Children’s Heritage Fair purchase will be available in mid-May on the Family event at the Skowhegan History House sentation. The eight-week exhibition, a collabora- Kennebec Valley Garden Club website: http:// Museum & Research Center tion between the Bethel Historical Society and mainegardenclubs.org/Kennebec_Valley.html. Saturday, July 20, 1-3 p.m. the Museum of White Mountain Art at Jackson, The whole family will enjoy a look back to the New Hampshire, will feature a variety of White In the Blood mid 1800s with a special emphasis on what activi- Mountain landscapes—most of which will be Screening and Performance at the ties children enjoyed and the life of the mid-19th- for sale—by these two highly acclaimed artists. Hiram Historical Society century youth. Come join in with demonstrations Purchases will benefit the Bethel or Jackson his- Saturday, July 13, 1:30 p.m. and games, tour the History House, and frolic torical societies. Mason House exhibit hall; free After a brief business meeting at 1 p.m., the the afternoon away beside the mighty Kennebec (donations appreciated). The Bethel Historical Hiram Historical Society will present In the with refreshments of the period. The Skowhegan Society is located at 10 Broad Street, Bethel. Blood, a film and live music documentary of the History House Museum & Research Center is FMI: (207) 824-2908 / www.bethelhistorical.org. life of Maine lumbermen and river drivers at the located at 66 Elm Street, Skowhegan. FMI: (207) turn of the 20th century. FMI: (207) 625-4762 / 474-6632 / www.skowheganhistoryhouse.org. I Scream, You Scream, [email protected]. We All Scream for Ice Cream! Silent Movies at the Old Town House Event at the Ruggles House, Columbia Falls Lost and Found: Sunday, July 7, 1-3 p.m. Screenings presented by the The 1607 Popham Colony Union Historical Society Join the Ruggles House for an old-fashioned Lecture presented by the Saturday, July 20, 7 p.m. ice cream social Sunday, July 7, from 1-3 p.m.. Friends of Colonial Pemaquid The Union Historical Society will present short Enjoying ice cream cones on the lawn and tours Monday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. comedy films from the early careers of famous of the house are a great way to spend a summer This lecture is presented by John W. Bradford silent movie stars. Doug Protsik, director of the afternoon. Held rain or shine. The Ruggles House of Maine’s First Ship, a non-profit devoted to Maine Fiddle Camp and of The Old Grey Goose is located at 146 Main Street, Columbia Falls. reconstructing the pinnace Virginia, now under- band, will play the non-stop piano accompa- FMI: www.RugglesHouse.org. way at Bath. Bradford is the author of a book niment from his own score. Union Historical that compiles the research of early 17th-century Society gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship Surveyors and Settlers English shipbuilding that became the basis of of Susan Fay, whose generosity underwrites this in the Kennebec Valley the Virginia’s reconstruction design. It was at the event. Doors open at the Old Town House at 6:30 at Colonial Pemaquid Popham Colony’s Fort St. George that colonists p.m. and admission is $5.00. Entrance is free for Lecture presented by managed to complete construction of the small young people up to the age of 21, and for present the Friends of Colonial ship, a 30-ton pinnace they christened Virginia, and former military personnel with some form of Pemaquid the first English ship built in Maine and probably ID. The program will run for about an hour. FMI: Monday, July 8, 7 p.m. in all of North America. The lecture will take The Friends of Colonial (207) 785-5444. Roger Collins place at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent Pemaquid is pleased to to the museum. Admission is $5, and free for sponsor their first evening lecture of the sea- members. FMI: (207) 677-2423 / www.Friendsof A young visitor son, presented by Roger Collins, with assistance ColonialPemaquid.org. learns just how from Peter Morrisey. Both speakers are historic much the science of interpreters at Old Fort Western. For many years Inside the Alden Store, the laundry has changed prior to the revolution, settlers, squatters, and final stop on theCome in the past century. trappers occupied land in locations so remote that Spring Bus Tour. The store they lacked accurate surveys or viable authority. was frequented by many Land could be had almost for the asking. After early Union residents, Annual Summer Festival the revolution the Kennebec Proprietors, owners including those described in Event at the Curran Homestead Living History of extensive wilderness lands commenced the the popular 1940 historical Farm and Museum, Orrington process of securing their claims. Local farmers novel Come Spring by Ben Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 dressed in Native American costume resisted Ames Williams. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. surveying efforts and harassed and intimidated Offered in conjunction with Maine Open Farm surveyors, sheriffs, and deputies. Collins and Come Spring Bus Tours Day, the Curran Homestead’s annual festival Morrissey will address this time in Maine history Tours at Union Historical Society features living-history activities, homemade with an emphasis on the role of the surveyor. Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 food, and good old-fashioned summer fun in the The lecture will take place at the Contented Sole Tickets are now on sale for two Come Spring bus Homestead’s lakeside milieu. The two-day event Restaurant adjacent to the museum. Admission is tours to take place on Founders Day weekend in caps off Orrington’s “Old Home Week,” a week- $5, and free for members. FMI: (207) 677-2423 / Union. The first tour departs the Old Town House, long celebration of the riverfront town’s 225th www.FriendsofColonialPemaquid.org. 128 Town House Road, Union, at 5:30 p.m. on anniversary. 372 Field’s Pond Road, Orrington. Friday, July 19, and the second tour starts at FMI: (207) 356-5076 / www.curranhomestead. Garden Tour of the 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20. The popular nar- org. Vaughan Homestead, Hallowell rated 2-hour bus tours follow the Georges River Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scenic Byway, identifying sites where Union’s A Place of Tranquil Beauty: The Vaughan Homestead grounds will be open early settlers built cabins and lived. The names Wiscasset’s Sunken Garden to ticket holders for the Kennebec Valley Garden of the settlers are documented in town records, Lecture at the Nickels-Sortwell House, Wiscasset Club’s 2013 Garden Tour. Walk the stone paths and their lives and stories are recounted by Ben Friday, July 26, 10 - 11:30 a.m. through our terraced perennial garden, past the Ames Williams in his 1940 historical novel After Wiscasset’s Hilton House Hotel burned 200 year old Black Oxford apple tree and through Come Spring, reprinted and sold by the Union to the ground in 1903, Frances Sortwell, whose the tunnel created by a decades old cedar arch. Historical Society. Tickets, priced at $10.00, may family owned the house across the street, put Stroll through our apple orchard to the community be purchased in advance at the Robbins House, the hotel’s stone foundation to good use. Miss garden to see the vegetables, herbs and flowers headquarters of Union Historical Society, on Frances and her friends, including Rose Isabel that community members are raising. Then take a Wednesday and Saturday mornings, or by calling Greeley, one of the first female landscape archi- rest on the front porch and enjoy an unparalleled (207) 785-5444 and leaving a message. continued on page 11

10 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 DISPATCHES Our members report on news, awards, and achievements from throughout the state. AROOSTOOK COUNTY tion of the rear (kitchen) ell of the society’s 1821 greatly increased during his tenure. In 1998 the The Haystack Historical Society in Mapleton, Robinson House. “The new wing will do much Society purchased a second property on Broad Chapman, and Castle Hill, in collaboration with to return the Robinson House to its 19th-century Street for museum use, a project that became Northern Maine Community College, hosted appearance, while allowing for 21st-century state- mortgage-free in less than two years. Howe—an one of the world’s leading mummy experts, of-the-art museum design and technology inside,” author, editor, and teacher—has also served on Su Wolfe, author of Mummies in Nineteenth said Randall Bennett, the organization’s executive the boards of Maine Archives and Museums Century America, Ancient Egyptians as Artifacts, director. “The new wing,” he continued, “will and the Maine Historical Society and has con- on October 26, 2012. One of the more interest- provide space to properly store our collections, tributed to major initiatives at the Maine Arts ing bits of legend and folklore which teases and provide an area for staff and volunteers to sort and Commission and national Institute for Museum tantalizes both historians and lay people alike is catalog items, and offer a suitable place for schol- and Library Services. Though Howe will no the idea that mummy wrappings were once used ars, students and visitors to examine them.” longer be on the staff at the Society, he will to make paper in Maine. While Egyptian mum- continue to appear on “campus” as he completes mies had been an amusement in America since his biography of Bethel’s greatest philanthropist, William Bingham II (1879-1955). He also plans the early 1800s, around the time of the Civil War, Dr. Stanley Howe, their focus shifted from that of being a passive to stay involved with various Society projects as Executive Director a dedicated volunteer. object of curiosity to one which required a bit Emeritus of the more “activity” on their parts—the use of their Bethel Historical wrappings to make paper. While this may seem Society. gruesome in the extreme, it follows a logical pro- gression of viewing the ancient dead as curiosi- ties, commodities, and cultural connections. BETHEL The Bethel Historical Society’s dream of proper Also at the Bethel Historical Society, Stanley collections storage space, as well as a restored rear Howe, Curator / Executive Director from 1974 wing at its Robinson House, will soon become a to 2010, and Associate Director / Director of Betsy Spekke (left) and Barbara Rumsey (right). reality, thanks to the benevolence of Mary E. Education & Research from 2010 through 2012, BOOTHBAY REGION Valentine, a dedicated volunteer who passed away has retired from the BHS staff. In response to After 25 years of running the Boothbay Region in 2012. Valentine bequeathed $200,000 to the this change, and in gratitude for his many years Historical Society, Barbara Rumsey has achieved society, which was founded in 1966 and operates of dedicated service to the organization, the her long-awaited goal of retreating into the soci- year-round from two National Register proper- Society’s Personnel Committee has named him ety’s reference room as a local historian. Barbara ties facing onto the Bethel Hill common. Since “Executive Director Emeritus.” Under his lead- says, “I’m not retiring, but I do plan to narrow my the 1990s the organization has struggled with ership, the Bethel Historical Society evolved focus to the three activities I value above all oth- the problem of preserving its collections while from an organization with 50 members to one ers: organizing and cataloging documents, help- providing public access to the many treasures in with nearly 1,000 residing in many parts of ing researchers, and writing local history. My title its holdings. The largest gift from an individual the nation and several foreign countries. The will be local historian, though I may use archivist ever received by the society, the Valentine bequest Society’s endowment, which generates a third or curator when corresponding with other reposi- will go toward a 1,600-square-foot reconstruc- of the organization’s operating income, was also tories.” With over 15 years of museum and his- tory-related experience, Betsy Spekke replaces Barbara Rumsey as director of the Boothbay Exhibitions & Events, continued from page 10 Region Historical Society. “I first came here on a research mission and was immediately impressed tects in the country, transformed the dismal site 1863, for three years’ service under the command by the extensive archives and collection housed into a magical sunken garden and a place of of Colonel George Lafayette Beal. Company A inside the museum,” said Spekke. “Some could tranquil beauty. Join Historic New England’s and Company D were transferred in from the argue that Barbara Rumsey is our greatest asset Cathy Messmer to explore the creation of this 10th Maine Infantry Battalion on May 30, 1864. of all and I am incredibly fortunate to be able to special garden space. The lecture includes a look Come join Nicolas Picerno as he shares the fruits continue to glean all I can from her. The Boothbay at other sunken gardens created by women in the of his 30 years of research on the 1st, 10th, and region’s history is a unique one and I look forward same period. Lecture in the Barn followed by a 29th Maine Infantry regiments. The Dyer Library/ to continuing the society’s mission to promote firsthand look at the Sunken Garden just across Saco Museum is located at 371 Main Street, Saco. and preserve it.” the street. $5 Historic New England members, FMI: (207) 283-3861 / www.dyerlibrarysacomu $10 nonmembers. Registration is required. The seum.org. Nickels-Sortwell House is located at 121 Main CASTINE The Castine Historical Society is proud to an- Street (Route 1); access to the barn is from Touring Through Time nounce the publication of Missions and Meeting Federal Street. FMI: (207) 882-7169. Weekend Celebration at the The Historical Societies of the Houses, Chapels and Churches, a study of “Four * Merit Is Better Than Fame: East Penobscot Bay and Blue Hill Peninsula Centuries of Faith” in this well-known historic History of the First, 10th, and Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28 community. Its author, Lynn Hudson Parsons, is 29th Maine Regiments The Historical Societies of the East Penobscot History Professor Emeritus at the State University A lecture by Historian Nick Picerno Bay and Blue Hill Peninsula invite you to visit of New York (SUNY) at Brockport and a long- at the Saco Museum us, enjoy our displays, learn about our local heri- time resident of Castine. Parsons’s book traces Saturday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. tage and, perhaps, your own family history. The the history of religion in the Castine area from The 10th Maine mustered into the Union Army weekend will include special events, live demon- the earliest encounters between Native Americans for a two-year service on October 4, 1861 in strations, and music at nine different sites in the and Jesuit priests in the early 17th century to the Portland, Maine and was mustered out on May 8, area. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, dawn of the present century. The story, he writes, 1863. The 29th Maine Infantry was organized in 1-4 p.m. FMI contact the Deer Isle-Stonington “has many characters, including North American Augusta, Maine and mustered in December 17, Historical Society at (207) 348-6400. • —continued on page 12

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter 11 DISPATCHES continued from page 11 KENNEBUNK Indians, Frenchmen, Englishmen, and eventu- The Brick Store Museum recently conserved a ally, Americans. Some of them have major roles, mid-19th-century painting showing a sailing ship others only minor parts.” Missions and Meeting on the Pearl River in China. The harbor fortifica- Houses, Chapels and Churches, will be officially tions and junks and fishing boats are seen in the released in late June, priced at $19.95. Advance distance. The painting is by Sun Qua, one of many copies are available for review by contacting the Chinese port painters between 1830 and1870. He Medical Center Archives, interviews conducted Castine Historical Society, P.O. Box 238, Castine, was unusual compared with his contemporaries by the author, photographs, and personal recollec- ME 04421, at [email protected], in that he signed his work. This winter, the paint- tions to enrich the journey. Explore the evolution or at (207) 326-4118. ing was conserved by Anthony Moore in York, a specialist in marine art. Upon seeing the painting, of patient care, medical education and clinical research from the beginning at Maine General DEER ISLE Moore recognized it as a treasure—it shows a very unusual view of the Pearl River and the port Hospital through the merger with Maine Eye and The last year has been filled with lots of expan- Ear Infirmary and Children’s Hospital to MMC. sion to the facilities of the Deer Isle/Stonington fortifications. The painting has never been on dis- play until now. Look for this and other fine marine FMI: contact Archivist Jocelyn Leadbetter at Historical Society and the development of many [email protected] or 207-662-4992. new exhibits. Last summer the society opened paintings in To Sea: The Maritime Heritage of the Kennebunks (see Exhibitions and Events, p. 4). its barn with the exhibits Workplaces of Deer STETSON Isle and Island Indians. Over the past winter The Stetson Historical Society received a the library and archive facilities were expanded NEW GLOUCESTER Sister Frances Carr of the Sabbathday Lake Community Mobilization Grant from the Maine with an addition that provides more space for Shaker Community has announced the appoint- Historical Society for the purpose of purchasing researchers and collection storage. There is also ment of Michael S. Graham as the new Director the computer hardware and software necessary to indoor plumbing for the first time! This summer of the Shaker Museum, Shaker Library and Herb produce an on-line exhibit for Maine Memory there will be a new exhibit, Islanders at War, and Department. He will assume his new post on July Network titled, “The World’s Largest Oxen.” audio and video elements will be added to the 1, 2013. A graduate of Bates College, Graham The exhibit was posted in February and over 100 Workplaces exhibit thanks to a grant from the has served as the museum’s curator for the past historic photographs have been scanned with the Emily and William Muir Fund and the Hancock 19 years. He succeeds Leonard L. Brooks, who is new equipment, with many of them posted on County Fund. For more updates, follow the soci- retiring after 25 years as director. www.mainememory.net. The museum will open ety on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deerisle in late May, featuring an exhibit telling the story history. PORTLAND of Mount Katahdin and Granger, “the world’s As the culmination of a project first proposed in largest oxen,” and their owner A.S. Rand. Also on JEFFERSON 1997, Maine Medical Center is proud to announce display is an exhibit of radios from the 1920s and The Jefferson Historical Society is in the last the release of A Hospital for Maine, a compre- 1930s, a display of axes and wood chopping tools, phase of the restoration of the Old Jefferson Town hensive history of Maine’s first general hospital. and items used in food preparation and household House. Hopes are high that the second-floor walls Author Martha Fenton takes the reader from the chores from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. and ceiling will be finished so that some exhibits 19th-century days of 20-bed wards and gas lamps In honor of the Civil War anniversary, items from will be set up for the summer. The restoration to today’s modern facility with the latest technol- that era and the stories of local Civil War soldiers has been a long project—over ten years—but the ogy and highly skilled practitioners. This fully will also be on display. FMI: stetsonhistoricalso society is thrilled with the results. cited work contains material from the Maine [email protected]. •

the home of the jailor. Period clothing is GET TO KNOW displayed on manikins and you can examine the Lincoln County records of prisoner stays. Open on Saturdays (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Sundays (noon-4 p.m.) Historical Association from June 2 through the end of August. by Merry Fossel Pownalborough Court House, 23 Court Visitors to the sites maintained by the Lincoln House Road, Dresden: The only pre-revolu- County Historical Association will experience tionary courthouse in Maine, the Pownalborough three unique glimpses into Maine’s rich cul- Court House is listed in the National Register tural heritage. The Chapman-Hall House in Museum and Old Jail —continued on page 16 Damariscotta, a traditional cape built in the mid-18th century, served for over 150 years as with all. For information on specific events go a family home and later a blacksmith shop. The to the Lincoln County Historical Association Pownalborough Court House, Maine’s oldest website: http://www.lincolncountyhistory.org. courthouse, has played many roles, serving as an outpost of law and order in a vast wilder- Museum and Old Jail, 133 Federal Street, ness, a tavern, a place for church services, a Wiscasset: One of the oldest remaining jails dancing school, and the Dresden Post Office. in New England, the 1811 Old Lincoln County And the cells of the Old Jail in Wiscasset Jail with attached 1839 Jailer’s House in contain remarkable examples of graffiti and Wiscasset offers visitors a rare view into an fragments of poetry that hint at the human earlier criminal justice system and the lives stories of its prisoners. Three museums in of the people who enforced and endured it. three towns—cared for by a dedicated group of Trained docents provide tours of the dungeon- Pownal Court House volunteers who want to share their rich history like cells—some with prisoner graffiti—and with Revolutionary War reenactors.

12 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 New Museum Takes Flight by J. R. Phillips Presque Isle A new museum has formed as part of the Historical Society redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station Brunswick. Established by the U.S. Navy Celebrates in 1942 as a training base for British and Canadian pilots in the grim days of WWII, the 50th Anniversary facility was greatly expanded during the Cold War. For nearly 70 years the mid-coast com- With New munity supported military personnel and their Cemetery Tour families assigned to the base, many of whom settled in the area when their naval service by Kimberly R. Smith was completed. The new Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens seeks to com- Fairmount Cemetery’s Civil War Monument, memorate Maine-based naval aviation and its built by S.P. Bradbury of Bangor, was erected unique links to the local civilian community. in 1873. By order of the Federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission, active squadrons of Presque Isle Historical Society (PIHS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013. As part patrol aircraft were dispatched to Florida, and of its celebration, a new tour event is being offered to the public. In cooperation with the the process of conversion to civilian use was Fairmount Cemetery Association, PIHS will offer guided tours of the historic Fairmount started. During the years of transition, many Cemetery once a month from May to October. historic artifacts were identified and collected by the Naval History Center in Washington, The tour will discuss the history of the cemetery, Victorian influences, and some of the D.C. Two full-size display aircraft were cata- individuals of local historic interest interred there. Fairmount Cemetery, located on US loged but left in place. The twin engine “P-2 Route 1 just south of town, was established in 1864 by a group of local businessmen. It is Neptune” and four engine “P-3 Orion” were the largest cemetery north of Bangor and covers 30 acres. Although it was opened in the familiar in the skies over Maine for decades. 1860s, there are gravestones within the cemetery dated 1810 and 1825, all individuals who Goals of the new museum include interpreta- were re-interred after the opening of the cemetery. Fairmount currently contains 10,000 tion of these aircraft on the grounds of the Base burial plots, of which 6,000 are full. Chapel. The Chapel courtyards host gardens dedicated to memory of aviators who died Prior to the mid-1800s, it was the practice to lay loved ones to rest in individual family serving their country, and the building can plots. This became troublesome for a few reasons. One was that the family plots were in the serve as a museum and veteran’s center. The way of progress as roads were built to accommodate growing populations. Another reason museum will display technical material loaned was that family plots were not planned landscaping and visitors paying their respects often back by the Naval History Center, as well as its had to combat poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. This was not an issue in a formal own more family-oriented collections. cemetery. Now called Brunswick Landing, the former Because this cemetery was in operation during the Victorian era (roughly 1837 to 1910), base is blossoming with business and educa- one will observe many Victorian symbols on the older gravestones. One of the main fea- tional facilities surrounding the Brunswick tures of the cemetery is the Civil War Monument. The monument memorializes 38 men Executive Airport. Initially, the new museum “who died for their country” in the Civil War. It was erected in 1873 and had a few delays has two beautiful rooms in a prime building before it was officially dedicated on July 4, 1874. Ladies from Presque Isle took up a col- where it has begun cataloging collections and lection to build a monument, and in June of 1873, the selectmen were authorized to proceed assembling its first exhibit. This all-volunteer with the building of the monument and select a site for it. It was made by S.P. Bradbury of museum has been established by former base Bangor. The dedication ceremony began at 10 a.m. on that July 4 with a mile-long proces- personnel, museum professionals and local sion of approximately 1,000 people. James Phair, a local Civil War Veteran and Presque citizens. Learn more at www.brunswicknaval- Isle’s Postmaster, served as the Marshall of the Day. The ceremony was presided over by museum.org. • the Reverend Collamore Purington, who had served in the Civil War as Chaplain of the Seventh Maine Regiment.

The Civil War had a huge impact on this rural northern Maine town. Approximately one- fourth of the town left to serve in the war. Of those that left, about one-third died in the War. There are many metal markers denoting members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), which is similar to the Veterans of Foreign War for Union or Northern Troops in the Civil War, as well as veterans of many other wars. In fact, there are over 700 veterans interred in Fairmount.

Tours will be given on Friday afternoons beginning at 5:30 p.m. on May 10, June 7, and July 12. Tickets are $5.00, and reservations are suggested. Reservations may be made by calling the New York Life Reservation Line at (207) 762-6300. Free parking is available US Navy patrol aircraft were a common sight over at the Chamber of Commerce across the street. FMI, contact the Presque Isle Historical the Maine coast for 50 years. The P-3 Orion’s dis- Society at (207) 762-1151, www.pihistory.org, or [email protected]. • tinctive tail carried a magnetic submarine detec- tor. US Navy photo.

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter 13 Curran Homestead Follow the Maine Civil War Trail Stages Fifth Annual by Kim MacIsaac Ice Harvest The Eighth Maine regimental banner showing by Bruce R. Bowden the battles they fought. Less than a century ago, large cakes of ice were harvested from Maine waterways and shipped around the globe to keep the world’s food sup- Maine’s place in our nation’s past during the 1850s through 1870s was of great importance. Maine- ply cool. Ice was our state’s second-largest built ships sailed the world, bringing lumber, fish, and other commodities around the globe. They export and brought supplemental income into returned laden with cotton for her rapidly expanding mills, sugarcane from the Carribean, and thousands of homes at a time of year when luxury items from many ports. Her politicians held much influence in Washington—Hannibal most farmers’ daily activities were severely Hamlin served as Lincoln’s first Vice-President, while Senator William Pitt Fessenden was called limited by frozen ground and deep snow. upon to resurrect the nearly bankrupt treasury department. Today, electric refrigeration has all but erased When rebel troops fired upon Fort Sumter in April 1861, Mainers responded to the call to arms. these harvests, and visits by the ice man to More than 70,000 Maine men served in the army and navy. An uncounted number of women replenish the icebox are receding from our toiled at home to support the war effort, while others ventured south to bring comfort and sup- collective memory. On February 16, how- plies to the troops. Children, too, did their part. All are heroes, yet their stories remain largely ever, visitors to Orrington’s Curran Homestead forgotten. Living History Farm and Museum were able to go out onto the frozen surface of Field’s Pond In an effort to remember and honor Mainers’ contributions to the war, 23 museums and histori- and take a step back in time to an era when cal societies in Maine have collaborated to create the Maine Civil War Trail. From Kennebunk blocks of crystal-pure native ice were sawn and along the coast to Castine, inland to Bangor, Livermore, and Augusta, to the western lakes and gathered from our ponds, lakes, and rivers and mountains, each partnering organization is mounting a special Civil War-themed exhibit this year. stowed away in anticipation of summer heat. Topics range from the home front to heroes and heroines, the navy and shipbuilding, draft riots, death and mourning, art of the Civil War era, and much more. In addition, numerous institutions around the state are offering a variety of Civil War-related programs that complement the Trail exhibits. Many are posted on the Trail website www.mainecivilwartrail.org. Printed trail guides are available at the partnering institutions or by contacting the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum at [email protected]. The Trail was organized by Fifth Maine Curator Kim MacIsaac with assistance from Charlie Burden, who organized the Maine Folk Art Trail in 2008. It is supported by generous grants from the Davis Family Foundation, Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Fund, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, Daughters of Union Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, Third Maine Infantry, Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, and many private donations. Without their help, the Trail project would not have been possible. A young visitor throws his weight into hauling 2013 marks the third year of the nationwide Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War. an ice cake from Field’s Pond. What better way to learn more about Maine’s role in the Civil War than by visiting one or more of the Trail exhibits or attending some of the associated programs? • According to museum director Bruce Bowden, “The Curran family had a small dairy herd and cut ice for their own use, to keep their milk fresh in summer. Five years ago we resolved Additions to Cranberry House to revive this important winter activity, and did By Wini Smart so with just a handful of antique and vintage tools. Since then, our collection of late-19th- Two historic cabins have been added to the Cranberry House complex, the permanent home of and early-20th-century ice-harvesting tools and the Great Cranberry Island Historical Society. Sammy’s cabin (pictured) has been furnished as it equipment has gradually grown, and we are may have appeared in 1920. It was the tiny home of Sammy Sanford, a man important to island conducting increasingly authentic ice harvests history. With the generous gift of O.P. Jackson, the cabins were moved from the western shore of with each subsequent year. As a special feature the island through the woods and over a stream to the Museum property. Sammy’s cabin can now this year, we had draft horses on Field’s Pond be visited by the public when Cranberry House is open. for the first time in over 70 years. Teamster Sammy was the grandson of Earl Strandell of Greenbush graciously volun- Captain Samuel Hadlock. Captain teered Prince and Charlie, his Belgian/Suffolk Hadlock took a traveling show draft horse team, for the event.” of Arctic artifacts to Europe in Visitors used ice saws, axes, and tongs from the the early 1800s, a forerunner to museum collection to wrest nearly-two-foot- “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West thick ice cakes from the pond, then reported to Show. His exhibit included stuffed the farmhouse to warm up next to the wood- arctic animals and an Eskimo fam- stove with hot beverages and home-baked ily who demonstrated hunting treats. by kayak. He married a woman from Prussia, brought her back The Curran Homestead Living History Farm to Cranberry Island, and kept a and Museum is located at 372 Field’s Pond detailed journal of his travels. In Road, Orrington. For more information, visit —continued on page 15 www.CurranHomestead.org. • Sammy’s Cabin reflected in the shaking pond.

14 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 SEEN & HEARD

ABOVE: Paper made from ABOVE: Visitors enjoy the opening of the new exhibition mummies wrappings in Maine. Su Wabanaki Guides at the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor. Wolfe, mummy expert, and Dena Winslow of the Haystack Historical ABOVE: Sandra Howe Society with a “visitor” to the demonstrating spinning at Alfred special event held on October 26, Shaker Museum’s Open House on 2012. See Dispatches, p. 11. Maine Maple Sunday.

LEFT: Kim Smith, Secretary/Treasurer of Presque Isle Historical Society, gives the first of four free quarterly presentations for 2013. This presentation, given March 6 at Northern Maine Community College, was entitled “Teddy Roosevelt in Aroostook County” and showcased the society’s ABOVE: Programs about space and the opportunity to authentic historic Roosevelt view the sky are expanding at the L.C. Bates Museum. artifacts. The museum’s new SKYSHED observatory equipped with a telescope will offer visiting school groups and families views of the activities on the sun. Evening Star Parties will be designed to observe the night sky. During our summer Space Camp the week of July 29, campers will be able to learn to operate and focus the observatory’s telescope.

Cranberry House, continued from page 14 1830, on his last trip to the north to gather more artifacts, his ship was frozen in the ice with all hands lost. Sammy had his grandfather’s writings and gave them to the author Rachel Field, who used them to write God’s Pocket, the true story of Captain Hadlock’s adventures. The second cabin, on the way to the hiking trail, was an early kit house, and it was shipped to the island in sections and landed on the beach. The Historical Society now uses it for classes. ABOVE: The Vassalboro Historical Society’s blacksmith shop is up in the air as part of its restoration. In order to stabilize the 1940s Cranberry House is open daily from Memorial Day until mid- October. Besides the museum and cabins, there is an open air café, shop, gravel was hauled in and the building was carefully secured a cultural center, lovely gardens, and the hiking trail to the sea. The as it was raised approximately twelve feet into the air. As of early island can be reached by a scenic boat trip from Northeast Harbor, March plans are on hold as the team waits for frost to come out of the Southwest Harbor, or Manset. For more information, call (207) ground before completing the project. Once completed this vintage 244-7800 visit www.gcihs.org. • blacksmith shop with all tools of the trade will be ready for public viewing.

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter 15 Native American Festival and Basketmakers Market Celebrates its Twentieth Year by Hannah Whelan On July 6, the annual Native American elders selling baskets while singers and danc- accessible. Visitors are encouraged to use the Festival and Basketmakers Market will cel- ers performed to a festival that displays a wide Island Explorer bus system, which stops at ebrate 20 years of the collaborative partner- array of Native crafts and cultural demonstra- COA. In addition to the festival activities, this ship between the Abbe Museum, the Maine tions. As a basketmaker, I began by selling my year a silent auction will feature works from Indian Basketmakers Alliance (MIBA) and the small candy baskets and beaded earrings from Wabanaki artists. Proceeds support the non- College of the Atlantic (COA). The festival behind my Grandmother’s table. Now I attend profit teaching and apprenticeship programs of itself began in 1989 at the Abbe and moved the festival as a Master Basket Maker, and I the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. around to several locations in Bar Harbor know that without the support and encourage- before landing at COA. The new location on ment I received by attending the Festival, I The Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance is a the oceanfront grounds of the college allowed would not have become the artist I am today.” nonprofit Native American arts service orga- the Festival to grow, with ample space for ven- nization focused on preserving and extending dors and parking for many more guests. The Festival would not be a Festival without the art of basketmaking within Maine’s Native the hundreds of guests and the collectors who American community. MIBA seeks to preserve The Festival combines an art and craft market come to buy baskets made by nationally rec- the ancient tradition of ash and sweetgrass with music, dancing, and demonstrations. The ognized artists such as Molly Neptune Parker, basketmaking among the Maliseet, Micmac, featured attraction is, unquestionably, the mar- Jeremy Frey, and Clara Keezar. Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes. www. ket that features basketmakers, representing all maineindianbaskets.org four tribes in Maine: the Maliseet, Micmac, “It’s fascinating to realize that among the visi- Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot, collectively tors to the Festival today are the great-grand- The mission of the Abbe Museum is to inspire known as the Wabanaki. Among this group are children of the people who bought baskets new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with nationally renowned contemporary and tradi- from my great-grandmother and her contem- every visit. The Abbe has a collection of over tional basket makers who travel to Bar Harbor poraries,” muses Theresa Secord, Penobscot 50,000 archeological, historic and contempo- to sell their work—drawing collectors from basketmaker and President of the Maine Indian rary objects, including stone and bone tools, across the country. Basketmakers Alliance. “Her baskets and mine pottery, beadwork, carved root clubs, birch are in some of the same family homes and col- bark canoes, and supporting collections of Artists selling high-quality baskets made from lections here on MDI.” photographs, maps, and archival documents. ash and sweetgrass, birch bark, and other tra- It holds the largest and best-documented col- ditional materials, as well as jewelry, musical The food, music, and demonstrations round lection of Maine Native American basketry instruments, and other crafts, gather to share out the Festival experience. Parking and public in any museum. Its collections conservation their traditions, history, and culture with visi- transportation are available, and the grounds program is recognized nationally as a model tors. Demonstrations include dancing, drum- of the College of the Atlantic are handicap for museums. • ming, flute playing, and basketmaking, as well as ash pounding. Lincoln County MIBA has the lead role in organizing the Historical Association Festival and is responsible for bringing in dozens of new, “next generation” basketmak- continued from page 12 ers and their families to the event. Many of of Historic Places. Built in 1761, this wonder- This well proportioned cape-form house served these talented basketmakers first got their start ful example of classic New England architec- as a home for the Chapman, and later the Tilden at the Festival as young children 20 years ago. ture contains a three-story museum. You can Hall families until the early 20th century. These young artists include: George Neptune, also walk on a beautiful nature trail along the Trained docents conduct tours of the keeping Jeremy Frey, Sarah Sockbeson, Eric “Otter” Kennebec River, or hike a newly refurbished room, the borning room, the yellow bedroom, Bacon and Ganessa Bryant. These five artists 2½-mile trail system across the highway. There the front entryway, the parlor or best room and were recently featured in an exhibit called are tables for picnics on the extensive grounds, the upstairs. Open from June 2 through the end Transcending Traditions, which was created and you can visit the nearby cemetery where of August on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 through collaboration between the Hudson veterans of the American Revolution, the War a.m. - 4 p.m. • Museum and MIBA and made possible by sup- of 1812 and the Civil War are buried. Trained port from the National Museum of American docents provide tours. Open from Memorial Indian Indigenous Contemporary Art Program; Day through Columbus Day on Saturdays (10 it traveled to Bar Harbor in 2012 and was fea- a.m. - 4 p.m.) and Sundays (noon - 4 p.m.), plus tured at the Abbe Museum. Tuesday through Friday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)) in July and August. “I was about four years old when I first attended the Native American Festival in Bar Chapman-Hall House, 270 Main Street, Harbor,” says George Neptune, Passamaquoddy Damariscotta: Built in 1754 by Nathaniel basketmaker. “The annual trip to the coast with Chapman, a housewright from Ipswich, Massa- my grandmother was something that I rarely chusetts, the Chapman-Hall House is a rare missed. I have watched it grow from a few Maine example of a plank-on-frame house. Chapman-Hall House

16 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 OPPORTUNITIES 2013 Maine Leaders of State Archives, the Community Television Management for the Non-Profit (June 7); Volunteers Conference: Association of Maine has launched a new and Marketing for the Non-Profit (June 28). A Gathering of Peer Leaders archival project. Community TV stations in FMI, contact NMCC’s Continuing Education Join your colleagues for a day of sharing ideas, Maine are submitting existing video of historic Division at (207) 768-2845. These classes are challenges and successes of engaging volunteers events and topics specific to local people and perfect for non-profit staff and volunteers so as and managing volunteer programs. We want places, which will be catalogued and preserved. to better meet today’s challenges. to pack the house with creative volunteer Submitted material will then be made broadly managers excited to talk about what’s on their available for review online. Please note, his- Meaningful Museum Internships minds. At the end of the day, we hope you take torical societies and museums cannot make for High School Students away new ideas, new connections/resources, submissions directly, but must work through at L.C. Bates Museum and a renewed sense of purpose! Friday, May 3, local community stations, which will select The L.C. Bates Museum is developing new 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Patrick Dempsey Center material to be archived. Belfast Community TV internship orientation and training materials for Cancer Hope and Healing, 29 Lowell is hosting the project with Anne Allee acting as and implementing a new volunteer intern- Street, Lewiston. Sponsored by Androscoggin archivist and Ned Lightner providing techni- ship program that will serve central Maine Volunteer Managers. Registration is $15.00 cal support. To learn more, contact your local high school students. This program’s goal is and lunch is provided. For more information TV station or access www.archive.org/details/ to enrich the lives of high school students by or to register, visit meleadersofvolunteers. mainecommunitytvarchives. providing them with projects that grow their eventbrite.com. life-long knowledge and engagement in learn- Non-Profit Management Certificate ing from the workplace setting in a museum. Community Television Program in Presque Isle The project will incorporate experiential and Archive Project Presque Isle Historical Society in partner- interactive experiences that meet the needs of Does your community have a public, edu- ship with Northern Maine Community different learning styles. We anticipate that 10 cational or government television channel? College (NMCC) has established a Non-Profit students will participate during the summer of There are about 80 of them in Maine and many Management Certificate Program at NMCC. 2013. This summer program will be a pilot for are participating in a new program that could Individuals completing six of the eight class- future internship programs. The Meaningful be of interest to local historical societies and es will receive a Certificate in Non-Profit Museum Internships Program will provide museums. With generous support from the Management. Upcoming classes include: students with knowledge and lifelong lessons Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Effective Use of Volunteers (May 17); Financial —continued on page 18

Vol. 16, No. 2 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter 17 Maine Labor History Mural, continued from page 1 the mural’s depressingly cramped original location, but it is presently subject to higher light levels and less stable environmental conditions the artist’s protected free speech. The existence of such Government than would be ideal for long-term exhibition. The museum hopes to one Speech had been upheld by the US Supreme Court in a 1991 decision that day own the mural and display it in more suitable conditions within its established the government’s right to spend money in support of some own exhibition areas, but those developments will have to await future programs and refuse to spend it on others. This verdict was subsequently events. upheld in November 2012 by the US Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. The mural’s saga and odyssey are a true illustration of how museums can In her written opinion, Chief Judge Sandra Lynch suggested that the actually redeem forgotten history and art for educational purposes: in an proper recourse for those who disagreed with the decision was the ballot age when museums are automatically assumed to be doing educational box: “…the political process…is the mechanism to test disagreements.” work, this is a real example of public inspiration through museum action. Jeffrey Young, the lead lawyer for the unsuccessful plaintiffs, countered It is worth recalling that when originally installed, no outstanding value by stating, “We shouldn’t put First Amendment rights up to a vote. The seemed given to the mural. Certainly its surroundings suggested no First Amendment is designed to protect not just the majority view but the particular respect for it as either art or history: the panels were almost minority views as well.” literally stuffed into a confined, windowless, and almost airless apace Matters seemed stuck there until unjammed from a perhaps unexpected where their size and semi-monumentality overwhelmed the visitors direction. As the newly-appointed director of the Maine State Museum, waiting stolidly for bureaucratic attention. When the final panel was hung I sent an e-mail to the governor, offering the museum as a possible site there, it had to be cut down to make room for a light switch and door- for the display of the mural. The governor accepted this proposal with opening trigger plate and now appears strangely truncated compared to speed, and after some further negotiations and discussions the mural was the others. But when the controversy arose, people suddenly understood moved to the lobby of the building in Augusta that houses the museum, that art could mean something more than the sparkly, whimsical and the State Library, and the State Archives, where I unveiled it to the transient entertainment that seems so characteristic of what we call art public in January 2013 with Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette. As in our time: we remembered that art could touch all of us and address I noted at the re-installation event, “The mural, when it first came to matters of true importance in ways everyone could understand. public attention, was only contemporary art in a functional office, but There are public comment books where the mural is now displayed. Here after its removal became a public issue, it became historic in its own are a few of the many comments penned in them, usually by anonymous right. The mural recalls and commemorates the past, but also reminds us members of the public: of the power of art to stir thought and to stir feelings.” I am so excited and happy to see this mural in person! I see in it people This outcome was widely approved and even celebrated. Jeffrey Young like my ancestors, laborers, voters, union members, statesmen who made declared that “The Maine State Museum, a place where Mainers go to learn Maine great! about their history, is a fitting place to exhibit this most famous painting. The State Museum is one of Maine’s treasures and we hope that the mural Work, don’t expect someone to do it all for you! will draw people to the museum to learn about how working men and This is the perfect spot for this mural. Women, Children, labor, women came to build our great state.” There are still some loose ends. manufacturing, natural resources, and a national context. It puts a The mural is not owned by the museum and is officially there through a human face on all of it. I learned something, and saw myself in it. three-year renewable loan from the Maine Department of Labor: whether It belongs in a museum!!! this arrangement will satisfy the federal Department of Labor’s requirement of This mural displays the epitome of liberal America…The liberal America repayment or re-installation under the that this mural represents will ultimately corrupt this country and ruin Reed Act is likely but not in any way what has been created. Get rid of this mural. confirmed. The new display conditions Thank all the artists and authors who remind us with their creativity who are aesthetically a great advance over we are, where we came from, and that we all matter. Thank you Maine State Museum for installing these poignant historical Bernard Fishman, director of paintings in this setting that is so available to everyone. The pictures the Maine State Museum, is depict the history of so many Maine families. interviewed by Channel 13 News on the day of the “unveiling.” I had no idea how beautiful this mural is—in all the publicity, so one seemed to say anything about that! History remains PART of all Lives. Let’s Never ignore it! Opportunities, continued from page 17 Thank You! It honors my roots, especially my grandmother who worked as it addresses STEM. The project will give students an opportunity cutting heads in the sardine factory in Yarmouth. to explore careers in the museum and environmental education fields. For more information or to register for the internship please contact the A piece of Maine history worthy of display and free from political L.C. Bates Museum, 14 Easler Road, Hinckley, Maine 207-238-4250, ideology! [email protected]. First time I’ve seen the Mural! Nothing less than inspiring!!! Seeking Makers for Windhams Artisans on the Green I brought my children from out of state 4 hours to see these murals On Saturday, June 22, Windham Historical Society is planning to hold an honoring the heroic struggle for safe working conditions and fair wages event called Artisans on the Green, and is seeking volunteer craftspeople conducted by our ancestors…I was ashamed for my state and we participated actively in advocating for in the last half of the 1800s—spinning, weaving, wood crafts, basket- their return to public display. I rejoice that I got the opportunity to see making, etc. Space will be provided, free of charge, on our two acre them and that my children did too…I photographed them with the murals future Village Green. No electricity, and all who come should bring their and someday I hope they will know they witnessed and contributed in a own displays, tables, canopies, etc. Raindate will be June 23. For more small way to justice being done. information and application email [email protected] or call For a place that sees itself as a truly public institution, re-installing the Linda Griffin, WHS president at 650-7484. • labor mural was a good day’s work for the Maine State Museum. •

18 Maine Archives & Museums Newsletter Vol. 16, No. 2 MAINE ARCHIVES & MUSEUMS Be a part of ested public. The support and participation of • Member rate for all staff and volunteers to Maine Archives & Museums! our members enable MAM to provide ever- attend MAM conferences and workshops expanding services to Maine’s community of • One free listing on “Find a Museum/Archive” Maine Archives & Museums (MAM) is collecting institutions. By working together, feature on MAM’s website the only professional association represent- we strengthen our collective resources and • E-mail updates from MAM delivered directly ing museums, archives, historical societies, realize our shared mission. to up to four institutional e-mail addresses and other collecting institutions in the state of Maine. Our purpose is to develop and foster a Membership Categories and Dues BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS network of citizens and institutions in Maine All members receive: Consultant (single-member firm)...... $25 who identify, collect, interpret, and/or provide • Quarterly newsletter sent by mail Partnership (two-member firm)...... $40 access to materials relating to history, living • Reduced rate for MAM conferences & Corporate (multiple employees)...... $75 collections, and culture. workshops Additional benefits for Business members: Our vital services to Maine’s cultural com- • Member rate for ads in MAM’s • Member rate for all staff to attend MAM munity include: newsletter conferences and workshops • Discounts at Gaylord, Brodart, and • One highlighted listing on “Service Provider” • Quarterly newsletter, in print and on-line University Products (e-mail MAM for feature on MAM’s website • Annual Conference information) • E-mail updates from MAM delivered direct- • Annual professional development • Free event and job listings in MAM’s ly to up to four company e-mail addresses workshops through the state newsletter and on MAM’s website • Listings on our website • Regular e-mail updates from MAM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS • Valuable member discounts on archival Basic/Student*...... $25 products at a variety of vendors INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Patron...... $75 • Research and advocacy Annual budget $15,000 or less...... $25 Benefactor...... $150 Our members are Maine’s collecting institu- Annual budget $15,001 – $50,000...... $40 Additional benefits for Individual members: tions (museums, libraries, historical societies, Annual budget $50,001 – $100,000...... $50 • Member rate to attend MAM conferenc- archives) as well as students, volunteers, paid Annual budget $100,001 – $500,000...... $75 es and workshops (one reduced rate with and unpaid professionals, other cultural orga- Annual budget over $500,000...... $150 Basic membership, unlimited for Patron and nizations, affiliated businesses, and the inter- Additional benefits for Institutional members: Benefactor) and photographed sites in Maine and the largest activities will be posted and maintained on the Wyoming masts public work of art in New England. The design Museum’s website (www.maritimeme.org) as the was conceived by acclaimed Maine sculptors date draws closer. to soar again over Andreas von Heune and Joe Hemes, following a national competitive search. “Erecting the masts has been an important goal Percy & Small since 2006.” Lent says. “Now, thanks to the Although impressive and awe-inspiring in its efforts and the financial support of a few key Shipyard current form, many of the original supporters contributors, it is going to become a reality.” of the evocation and individuals close to the at Maine Maritime Museum continued to keep alive the goal to one More than 50 individuals and organizations con- day complete the original vision of the structure tributed in excess of $1 million to build phase Museum by raising the Wyoming’s six masts. In an article 1 of the evocation. The fundraising success to about the evocation “christening” that appeared complete the evocation by erecting the masts Dedication/Open House in the Brunswick Times Record on June 19, was the result of several key gifts. A former Trustee, Ken Kramer, left a bequest for this June 1 2006, Museum member Molly Luke of Topsham is quoted as saying that the sculpture was “spec- project, and another former Trustee, Tom Yale, by Dave Garrison tacular.” And it will be even more so, she said, arranged a donation of the six high-mast light when they get the masts up. Now, thanks to the poles that will serve as the masts. Longtime sup- lmost seven years ago, on June 17, 2006, generous support of a few key contributors, that porters who wish to remain anonymous pledged Maine Maritime Museum rousingly cel- day is near. a gift in the expectation that more people would ebratedA the “christening” of the evocation of share their devotion. An annual visitor from the schooner Wyoming. It had been more than In January, the Museum announced that six England, Robert Kaltenborn, pledged a gift in six years since the Museum Trustees approved 120-foot tall “masts” representing the masts honor of his deceased wife, an artist who had the idea to build an artistic representation of the of the schooner Wyoming, will be erected this been enthralled with the evocation and wanted it largest wooden sailing ship ever built in the U.S. spring and completed in late May. Executive to be completed. on the site where she had come to life. Director Amy Lent, who was present at the 2006 christening just two weeks before she assumed With so many pieces in place, Marjorie Twombly, The imposing sculpture on that day consisted of a Museum’s helm, explains the significance of surviving wife of former Museum board Trustee representation of the bow section and another of the installation. “This is not only an exciting George Twombly, with the support of her family, the stern section about 350 feet down the sloping moment for the Museum, for the residents of made an extremely generous gift that met the grounds of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard. Maine and for anyone interested in maritime fundraising goal necessary to raise the masts. The bow structure stands almost six stories high, history,” she says, “it is a transformative event George Twombly was a lead donor and had been and its bowsprit reaches out some 100 feet, cast- for tourism in Maine’s mid-coast. How fitting an enthusiastic supporter of the Wyoming project ing its shadow on historic Washington Street that it came together during the Museum’s 50th from the start. below. The stern section, almost four stories tall, anniversary year.” “The generous contributions of the Twombly sits near the riverbank, seemingly waiting to family form the financial ‘bookends’ that make enter the river at high tide as its namesake did As in 2006, the Museum will celebrate the it possible for the Museum to interpret this more than 100 years before. accomplishment—this time with a special dedi- cation ceremony on Saturday, June 1. The event great schooner in a way that will transform the Hundreds of thousands of visitors from every will be open to the public, and admission to Museum’s campus and greatly enhance how we state in the U.S. and from around the world the Museum will be free. The day’s activities bring to life the story of Maine’s world-famous have marveled at the structure and imagined include a performance by the world-renowned shipbuilding traditions,” says Lent. “Because the great ship sliding down the greased ways folk music duo Schooner Fare, demonstrations of that support, the Wyoming evocation will be into the frigid waters of the Kennebec River on of turn-of-the-century shipbuilding techniques, dedicated in honor of George Twombly.” • December 15, 1909. It is among the most visited lighthouse cruises and more. A list of the day’s

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