“Close Encounters of the First Kind” will examine some of the earliest European and Native interactions, from 16th century Jacques Cartier and Basque fishermen to early 17th century French and English explorers.  Early interactions were mostly of a nautical nature, not only in Maine, but regionally around Acadia, Nova Scotia, New England, and Quebec.  Some were cordial enough, some treacherous, and some bewildering.  These early incidents set the stage for later alliances, distrusts, wars, trade, and eventual settlement.

Ken Hamilton was born in California, educated in New England, and now resides in central Maine.  An Eastern Woodlands Interpreter, Ken has a deep background in the Ojibwa culture from Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, and is a Native living history interpreter having presented the traditions of the Ottawa and Cherokee, and currently the Wabanaki Penacook.  His most recent interest is French Acadian, ca. 1690s, sailor and civilian militia living history.  He is the co-author of six published articles (Journal of the Early Americas) on French trade knives and trade axes, and a published artist.

The presentation will be from 7-8pm followed by questions & answers and light refreshments.
Seating is limited; please call Maine’s First Ship to register: 207-443-4242.

Maine’s First Ship lecture series, part of Summer at the Freight Shed 2019, Bath Freight Shed, 27 Commercial Street, alongside the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine.

Join MFS for Summer at the Freight Shed 2019.