Lincoln County Historical Association plans to offer two upcoming opportunities to learn more about Madam Wood online July 6 and in person July 10.

Madam Sally Wood (1759-1855), considered Maine’s first woman novelist, was actually writing novels even before Maine became a state. Wood published her first novel in 1800 under the pseudonym “A Lady of Massachusetts.” After Maine became a state in 1820, she changed her pen name to “A Lady of Maine,” according to a news release from the association.

Curator, independent researcher, and lecturer Alice Smith Duncan will make an online Zoom presentation, Rediscovering Madam Sally Wood, Maine’s First Woman Novelist, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. The following Sunday, July 10, at 4 p.m., Smith Duncan will lead a walking tour of Madam Wood’s Wiscasset. Participants on the tour will be introduced to aspects of Wiscasset that were familiar to Madam Wood.

To sign up for the online presentation and/or the tour, visit the the association’s website lincolncountyhistory.org, navigate to Events, and fill out the registration form(s). Both programs are free, but donations will be accepted.

The public is invited to visit special exhibits on Lincoln County’s women writers at the Museum & Old Jail, 133 Federal St., Wiscasset, the Pownalborough Court House, 23 Courthouse Road, Dresden, and the Chapman-Hall House, 270 Main St., Damariscotta. The association is presenting these programs as part of its year-long celebration of these talented women. A particularly extensive exhibit at the Museum and Old Jail is supported by Raymond McKinley Rideout Jr. and Marguerite Waterman Rideout Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

Check out other upcoming area events!