Margaret Chase Smith Library to Offer Leisure Activities Exhibits, Programs

The Margaret Chase Smith Library, operated and maintained by the University of Maine, will take part in a series of summer exhibitions and programs called “Central Maine Plays” that will focus on the history of games and other leisure activities. The programs will take place at eight central Maine museums and libraries and will focus on the theme of play, ranging from sports through the years to entertainment before television.

The Central Kennebec Heritage Council-led event will kick off with a free talk on the life of Milton Bradley at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12 at the Victor Grange in Fairfield Center.

David Richards, director of the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan, will present “Milton Bradley: The Man who Taught America How to Play,” which will include information on Bradley’s youth in Maine and the development and success of his board game empire. Refreshments and door prizes will be available.

The Margaret Chase Smith Library will feature a timeline scavenger hunt on the ways Margaret Chase Smith spent leisure time, and the Margaret Chase Smith Gallery at Good Will-Hinckley in Fairfield will offer an exhibit called “Let’s Play.”

L.C. Bates Museum, Oakland Historical Society/Macartney House Museum, Taconnet Falls Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society, Skowhegan History House, Fairfield History House, Fairfield Grange and Sidney Historical Society are also taking part in the program.