Maine's Capital Area

2:00-4:00pm

Sunday, February 7:

Speaker: Michael Dekker, 18th c. Historian*

Topic: French & Indian Wars: Conflict along the Kennebec during the 1720’s

 

Old Fort Western is proud to present a talk French & Indian Wars in Maine: Conflict Along the Kennebec during the 1720s and book signing by local author, Michael Dekker, in the lecture hall on the first floor of Augusta City Center. Dekker’s book, French & Indian Wars in Maine is the newest addition to The History Press’ Military series. The book was released on July 27, 2015 and features stunning images of the forgotten battles. French & Indian Wars in Maine will be available for purchase and signing after the talk. Refreshments will be served.

For eight decades, an epic power struggle raged across a frontier that would become Maine. Between 1675 and 1759, British, French and Native Americans clashed in six distinct wars to stake and defend their land claims. Though the showdown between France and Great Britain was international in scale, the decidedly local conflicts in Maine pitted European settlers against Native American tribes. Native and European communities from the Penobscot to the Piscataqua Rivers suffered savage attacks. Countless men, women and children were killed, taken captive or sold into servitude. The native people of Maine were torn asunder by disease, social disintegration and political factionalism as they fought to maintain their autonomy in the face of unrelenting European pressure. This dark, tragic and largely forgotten struggle laid the foundation of Maine.

Growing up and residing in Mid Coast Maine, Mike Dekker has developed a life- long passion for the region’s past. An avid student of 17th and 18th century American History and material culture, he has presented talks and educational programs pertaining to Maine during the colonial and revolutionary periods for historical societies, state historic sites, museums, schools and the public. Mike has recently written a book: The French and Indian Wars in Maine in an effort to introduce readers to a fascinating and largely forgotten period in Maine’s early history. As a living history interpreter Mike utilizes his knowledge of history and material culture to accurately and authentically portray and tell the story of individuals who called Maine home during the 1600’s and 1700’s.

Old Fort Western (1754) is a National Historic Landmark and living museum in Augusta, Maine and America's oldest surviving wooden French & Indian War era garrison in North America illuminating 300 years of Maine and New England History. For more information, please call 626-2385 or e-mail .

 

Sunday, February 14:

Speaker: Dr. Robert Sanford, Professor of Environmental Science & Policy, UME*

Topic: Everyday Reminders of History: Reading rural landscapes

 

Sunday, February 21:

Speaker: Roger A. Madore, Augusta Historian & Collector*

Topic: Vintage Streetscapes: A postcard history of Augusta, 1895-1918

 

Sunday, February 28:

Speaker: Dr. Richard deVillers Seymour, Local Historian & Psychologist*

Topic: Beyond Popham Colony: The first English settlement in New England

 

Sunday, March 6:

Speaker: Leon Cranmer, Retired Historical Archeologist, MHPC

Topic: A Tale of Three Privies

 

Sunday, March 13:

Speaker: Old Fort Western staff presentation

Topic: Squatters, Settlers & Surveyors in 18th Century Maine