Stephen King’s Maine
Wednesday, October 22 at 6 p.m.
Much of Western Maine reads like a Stephen King novel.
The dense dark woods and backcountry ponds. The century-old houses with gravel driveways and immense flower gardens, acres of farmland miles from a highway. Serpentine country roads dotted with farmstands, and picturesque main streets lined with battered pickups. Places where-especially during the dark and rainy days of October and November—things can get downright spooky.
Author Sharon Kitchens identifies the locations that serve as the basis for King’s fictional towns of Castle Rock, Jerusalem’s Lot, Derry, and Haven. Drawing on historical materials and conversations with locals and people who know King, the author sheds light on daily life in places that would become the settings for Carrie, Salem’s Lot, The Dead Zone, Cujo, IT, and 11/22/63.
The Feather Detectice
Thursday, October 17 at 6 p.m.
Author and award-winning journalist, Chris Sweeney, brings us the fascinating and remarkable true story of the world’s first forensic ornithologist, Roxie Laybourne, who broke down barriers for women, solved murders, and investigated deadly airplane crashes- with nothing more than a microscope and a few fragments of feathers.
Roxie pioneered this field in the backrooms of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, investigating a range of crimes for the FBI, US Air Force, and NASA. When she wasn’t prosecuting murderers or poachers, she was helping aerospace engineers and Air Force crews bird-proof their planes to avoid disaster.
Hear the story of this one-of-a-kind woman who shattered stereotypes and pushed boundaries, one feather at a time.
The Wreck of the Circus Ship Royal Tar
Thursday, October 9 at 6 p.m.
Based on her new book The Wreck of the Royal Tar, author Jane Parks Gardner presents a gripping multimedia program that brings to life one of New England’s most haunting maritime disasters. The talk explores the history of the ill-fated steamship, the immigrant experience of many passengers, the colorful world of 19th-century traveling circuses, and the perils of sea travel in the 1830s. Jane recounts the events leading up to the tragic fire that claimed 33 lives and a menagerie of circus animals, offering insight into the human stories behind the headlines. This engaging program blends historical research, dramatic storytelling, and striking visuals to shed light on a little-known piece of regional history.
Jane Parks Gardner is the author of dozens of STEM-focused books and study guides for learners of all ages. Over the course of her career, she has worn many hats—chemistry professor, high school teacher, editor, curriculum developer, adventurer, and mom. With The Wreck of the Royal Tar, she adds “historical chronicler” to the list.
To research the book, Jane retraced the Royal Tar’s journey from Saint John, New Brunswick, through Eastport, Maine, and down to the waters off Vinalhaven, where the ship met its end. Many of the photos in the book were taken during this trip, reflecting her commitment to experiencing the stories she tells. She lives in Massachusetts.