In 1945, these German POWs posed with the owner of a farm near Houlton where they worked. One prisoner holds a farm cat. Submitted photo

Between 1944 and 1946, more than 4,000 German prisoners of war came to call Maine home. The story of why Maine Congresswoman Margaret Chase Smith and Sen. Owen Brewster petitioned the federal government to ship these prisoners to Maine, and the lasting impact they had on the Mainers who encountered them, has been a largely forgotten chapter of the state’s history.

Until now.

David Greenham Submitted photo

Old Bristol Historical Society, in collaboration with Wiscasset’s Lincoln County Historical Association, are set to host a Zoom presentation with local writer and researcher David Greenham at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6.

Greenham will share a story of cooperation, kindness and enemies who found a way to work for a common good and even become friends, according to a news release from Jim Stano with the society.

In addition to lecturing on drama and theater at the University of Maine at Augusta, Greenham is the founder and creator of Maine History Theater of Ideas. The program combines history, research and presentation to share stories about Maine and of interest to Mainers.

This event is free and open to the public. To register visit lincolncountyhistory.org.

 

Check out other upcoming area events! 

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