Every October, the Camden Public Library celebrates Discover History Month. The library is home to the Walsh History Center, where material of historical significance to the residents of Camden and Rockport is preserved.
This year, Ken Gross, the history center’s director, has curated a collection of photographs, prints, maps and other resources to tell a visual history of the Megunticook River. The exhibit will be on view in the 55 Main St. library’s Picker Room through Monday, Oct. 30.

To complement the exhibit, Gross will present a slideshow at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Picker Room at the library. The talk will cover a brief introduction to the glacial history of this region that allowed the Megunticook River’s energy to be harvested as power for the early settlers and entrepreneurs of the region. Gross will introduce each of the historic mills, relying on the 1856 and 1875 detailed maps of Camden as well as the extraordinarily detailed Sanborn Insurance Maps from 1888-1923, according to a news release from the library.
The program will also take place via Zoom. To attend virtually, visit the What’s Happening adult events calendar at librarycamden.org for a link to register.
The library’s Discover History Month series is sponsored by The Smiling Cow, celebrating its 83rd year of business in Camden.
More information about other programs during Discover History Month can be found online at librarycamden.org.
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