AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Historical Society’s November public presentation “Maine Sporting Camps” is set for 6:30 pm. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Maine State Library, 230 State St.

This talk will focus on the book, “Maine Sporting Camps,” written by George A. Smith and published by Down East Books, according to a news release from the society.

Maine once had more than 300 sporting camps. Nearly all are only memories today. Yet, at the remaining camps, as Smith explains, “History meets hospitality at Maine sporting camps today. While they were once rustic and remote, today’s camps offer more comfort and convenience, but it is still the wild Maine outside the cabin door that attracts many of us.” Smith will also talk about his book, “A Life Lived Outdoors,” published in 2014 by Islandport Press, featuring columns about growing up in Maine, hunting and fishing and other outdoor fun, family, and more.

Smith, of Mount Vernon, has done a lot of things in his life, from writing comprehensive plans for rural Maine towns to managing statewide referendum campaigns, according to the release. He served as executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine for 18 years, growing the membership from 4,000 to 14,000 and making it one of the state’s most influential organization. For 13 years, Smith hosted,with his friend Harry Vanderweide, a unique television talk show called “Wildfire” focused on hunting, fishing, conservation and environmental issues. “Wildfire” returned to the air this year, cohosted by James Cote and Smith.

Smith and his wife Linda, a recently retired first-grade teacher, have written a weekly travel column for the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel for five years, focused on Maine inns, restaurants, events and activities. In September of this year, Islandport Press published their Maine travel book featuring their favorite inns and restaurants.

Smith is a Winthrop, Maine native, a graduate of the University of Maine, and has lived in Mount Vernon for 38 years. He and his wife have three children and three grandchildren.

The presentation is free and donations are gladly accepted.

For more information, contact the historical society at 622-7718.

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