Lecture Series
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Cumberland Fire Station, Lower Level
366 Tuttle Road, Cumberland
2022 Spring
Wednesday, 23 March
Jean Flahive
Author Jean Flahive will be speaking on her recent children’s novel, Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride, which won a 2020 Eric Hoffer Gold Award. The book revolves around a young farm girl from Gray, a chance encounter with Teddy Roosevelt, and the Portland Interurban Trolley, along with World War I, women’s suffrage, and the outbreak of the 1918 flu pandemic. She also will be speaking about the process of writing historical children’s books. A variety of her children’s books will be available for sale.
Wednesday, 27 April
19th Century Kitchen Herbs and Plants
Frontier households, along with town households, all considered cottage/kitchen herbs and plants to be a necessity. The types of plants, their uses, and their descriptions will be discussed in this presentation by Master Gardner Richard Bicknell. You will also learn their culinary and non-culinary uses that were essential to every well-functioning kitchen of the time.
Wednesday, 25 May
The Underground Railroad
Pam Cummings, representing Portland’s Abyssinian Meeting House, will talk about a history that was hidden in plain sight– the Underground Railroad. She will explain exactly what the Underground Railroad was and how it was able to survive. You will learn about its vocabulary, its successes, and its relevance to Maine history. A very informative evening!
2022 Summer
Wednesday, 22 June
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Are you familiar with the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin? Do you know anything about the author of this famous book? This month’s presentation will answer all of your questions about this noted author and abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe! You’ll hear about her remarkable life and her relevancy in today’s world. Presenter Cathi Belcher will reveal this famous author’s life story, including her time in Brunswick, Maine at our June presentation. Please join us for this remarkable story.
Wednesday, 27 July
Weathervane: A History of Rooftop Ornaments
Do you have a piece of art or symbol of American history on your rooftop? Maybe you didn’t recognize that the weathervane on your rooftop was a piece of art or history! This presentation will share the history of weathervanes, these rooftop ornaments that are found throughout New England, and help us understand how they have become symbols of American history and art. You will also learn what makes antique weathervanes collectable, all while viewing a sampling of a very distinguished antique weathervane collection of note. Please join us!
Wednesday, 24 August
Joshua Chamberlain: How the Man became the Legend
Joshua Chamberlain is one of Maine’s most famous sons. He is also known and respected throughout the nation. How did this happen? What were the key moments in Chamberlain’s life? How were these moments instrumental in bringing fame to Chamberlain’s role in history? How these moments were reported at the time of their happening and how they are recorded now makes for a very informative and thoroughly interesting lecture presented by one of Chamberlain’s long-time fans, Bill Green of Maine. Mark your calendar and join us.
2022 Fall
Wednesday, 28 September
New England Furniture Makers
Have you ever thought about how furniture is made? Our program this month will focus on the art of furniture making from the mid- to late-19th century. Antique dealer Ellen Heath will share her presentation about furniture makers who practiced their craft in various New England towns. We will also hear about the types of wood they used, the techniques, and the styles they chose for their furniture. This lecture will have you looking at your furniture in a much different way!
Wednesday, 26 October
Town Meeting to Town Council: Where Were You in ’72?
For many years Cumberland operated under the town meeting form of government which was established when the town was incorporated. But, by 1972, WWII growth in the town and the difficulty of continuing to operate under the town meeting form of government gave rise to the consideration of switching to the town council–manager form. This fascinating presentation by Steve Moriarty about Cumberland’s town government journey and the people involved highlights the 50th anniversary of Cumberland’s town charter celebrated this year. So, where you in ’72?
Wednesday, 16 November
Cumberland’s Restaurants, Taverns, and Tea Rooms
Join us for an enlightening trip through the various restaurants, taverns, and tea rooms that were part of Cumberland’s history. You will hear about the various establishments in the town from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. Cumberland Historical Society’s Curator, Carolyn Small, will share her extensive knowledge of this segment of Cumberland’s history featuring information from the society’s collection. A unique look at Cumberland— please join us!