The Kennebec Historical Society’s February Facebook Live Presentation will feature author Joseph Owen who will talk about his book “This Day in Maine” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17,

“This Day in Maine” features more than 600 news items plucked from the history of the Pine Tree State. Since achieving statehood in 1820, Maine has developed into a vacationland of lobsters and lighthouses set against breathtaking vistas and endless natural beauty, according to a news release from the historical society, based in Augusta.

Owen highlights defining moments in Maine’s lucrative 200-year history such as wars, fires, storms, and pandemics; but he also shines a spotlight on powerful politicians, brilliant inventors, successful athletes, and even a few entrepreneurs.

Maine is a small state, but many people have helped shaped its identity including Joshua Chamberlain and his heroics at Little Round Top during the Civil War, and young Samantha Smith and her peacekeeping efforts during the Cold War.

“This Day in Maine” chronicles day-by-day, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, the highlights and lowlights, the famous and infamous, and the big and small of everyday life in Maine.

Owen earned a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire and is a former journalist who worked as both an editor and reporter for more than 40 years in both America and foreign countries. During his career, he covered major world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Persian Gulf War, ultimately filing news reports from 20 countries.

Owen is a former president and current board member of the historical society. He and his wife, Mary, a former psychiatric nurse, have three children and five grandchildren and live in Augusta.

To view this presentation, head to the KHS Facebook page and the video will air live. It also will be available to watch later. To ask a question, submit it in the comments during the live video presentation. Here is the link to the KHS Facebook page: facebook.com/KHS1891.

For more information about the program, call Scott Wood, executive director, at 207-622-7718.

 

Comments are not available on this story.