AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Historical Society’s February public presentation, “The Life and Mysterious Death of Maine-Born Millionaire Sir Harry Oakes” by David Leigh, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church at 209 Eastern Ave.

Born in Sangerville in 1879, Oakes’ life experiences took him to six continents, earned him a knighthood as well as a personal fortune rivaling all others, but also tragically ended in a brutal 1943 murder that remains unsolved, according to a news release from the historical society.

Portrayed by Gene Hackman in one of the actor’s least memorable endeavors, Oakes’ actual career, fortune and death garnered world-wide attention.

Leigh’s career in Maine education spanned 31 years as a teacher, high school principal and community college instructor. In retirement, Leigh has continued to direct the TIME/NEWSWEEK Cover Project. Begun with his students in 1972, the collection now includes more than 1,100 autographed news magazine covers, some dating as far back as 1938. In addition, he has presented enrichment lectures on cruise ships to the Canadian Maritimes, the Caribbean and to Great Britain. He and his wife, Ann, own and manage a 62-acre tree farm in Belgrade.

The presentation is free, donations will be accepted.

For more information, call the society at 622-7718.

Copy the Story Link