Boothbay Register advances Riordan’s bicentennial talk
The Boothbay Register advanced Liam Riordan’s bicentennial talk for the Coastal Senior College. The University of Maine history professor will discuss “Brainstorming the State Bicentennial: Past and Present Perspectives” 2–4 p.m. Oct. 29, at the Camden Public Library. His presentation will explore in words, maps and other illustrations, the long statehood process in Maine that culminated in 1820 with separation from Massachusetts. The struggle engaged a range of challenging public issues that are still recognizable today. Four themes bridge the 200 years in telling ways: the “two Maines” and sharp partisan conflict; the explosive place of slavery vis-a-vis the Maine-Missouri Crisis; Wabanaki sovereignty; and the uncertain location and meaning of the international border. The Free Press also previewed Riordan’s talk. The Ellsworth American reported Riordan will speak on the same topic Oct. 30 at the Wilson Museum’s Hutchins Education Center in Castine.