The Vassalboro Community Library and Vassalboro Historical Society are co-hosting a book talk by local historian and author Dale Potter-Clark of Vassalboro.

The talk is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Vassalboro Public Library, 930 Bog Road.

Potter-Clark, a Vassalboro resident, will discuss her new historical novel about the Underground Railroad, “Escape from Bunker Hill,” which tells a story about a native Maine couple that moves to Jacksonville, Florida, to help enslaved people escape north. A group of four of the refugees travel along 1,500 miles of the eastern seaboard until they reach Portland, then proceed further north to Hallowell and other towns in Central Maine, according to a news release from the library

“Although the main characters Dr. Joseph and Myra Mitchell existed, their tale in my novel comes from my imagination,” Potter-Clark said. “I was inspired when researching their ‘real’ home in Readfield and evidence led me to suspect they’d been involved in the Underground Railroad. It is challenging to find proof that most anyone was involved in the secretive and dangerous movement, so I did not find confirmation that Mitchells were — even after speaking to some of their descendants — but their story would not leave my head and this novel is the result.”

Potter-Clark further explains that a 35 page appendix, with pictures, provides information about the real Mitchells, plus actual abolitionists, events, places, publications and organizations she included in the novel.

Representatives from the society will take questions, as will Potter-Clark after her book talk and reading. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event; Potter-Clark will sign them on request. A percentage of book sales will benefit the library and society.

The storm date is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the library. For more information, contact Brian Stanley at the library at 207-923-3233 or [email protected].

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