"If there is poetry in my book about the sea, it is not because I deliberately put it there, but because no one could write truthfully about the sea and leave out the poetry."
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----- Rachel Carson, 1952 National Book Award acceptance speech for The Sea Around Us
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Mainers are proud to claim Rachel Carson (1907-1964), the brilliant marine biologist, author, and conservationist, just as she once claimed Maine. She spent a dozen summers at "Silverledges," her cottage on Southport Island, beginning in 1953. Perhaps you've visited the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells or the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve in Bristol.
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We think of Rachel, and the sea, as this issue of Museum Connections revs up for summer - even if we're a month early.
With encouraging news from the CDC and local health experts, we are gradually emerging from pandemic cocoons. Hopeful signs bring to mind the unfettered joy of this beach-loving girl and dog at York Beach in the 1940s. (MSM 2013.8.1.15).
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In coming months, you may be active, swimming or hiking, or be more contemplative, gazing at stars or fireflies from canoe or porch. For now, enjoy a few paired seasonal images from the museum's collections. And don't stop there! Below you'll find invitations to two not-to-miss events. That's because we'd like you to save at least a couple of summer hours for us.
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This drawing of tub-trawl-line fishing from a dory in the Gulf of Maine is from an 1875 stereoview photograph by George Nickerson (MSM 2015.58.1).
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These herring fishermen, ca. 1940, were photographed by George Babb of the Maine Department of Agriculture (MSM 2002.35.31).
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Above, a hand-colored lithograph of Mt. Katahdin from Franz Graeter's drawing for the Maine Geological Survey, from the perspective of the Butterfield home near Grand Schoodic Lake, 1836. (MSM 2017.8.1). To right, a John Calvin Stevens painting of Cape Elizabeth's Delano Park, 1904. (MSM 93.108.1).
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As For Those Invitations... |
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We hope that you'll mark your calendars for one or both of these fascinating and fun events coming up in the next two months. Both will take place online.
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Not-to-Miss Event #1 - Quilt Book Launch (June 10) |
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"The Bark Messenger laden with Friendship Bound for Wellfleet."
That's what it says on the small label, left, beneath the small ship. It is the central block of a historic quilt, completed in 1850 by ladies of the Congregational Church, Center Cumberland.
And it's a reminder to register for our one-hour online gathering to fête author-curator Laurie LaBar and her new book, Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort and Community.
We'll view beautiful examples and hear stories from this long-awaited volume, the forerunner of an exhibit that will be a highlight of the museum upon its reopening. Join Laurie and some quilt experts and enthusiasts of all ages. The free event takes place Thursday, June 10 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Sign up here.
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Not-to-Miss Event #2 - We'd Like to Propose a Toast ... (July 15) |
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All details will be revealed in a couple of weeks, but we can tell you this much: At the end of a challenging year, the Friends of the Maine State Museum is planning a party! A much-loved Maine humorist will host this festive, hour-long online gathering: a whirlwind tour through some Maine history featuring some MSM collection standouts, with help from museum staff and some very special guests.
This one's a fundraiser, and what better time to show your affection and support for this wonderful cultural institution? It's time for lifting spirits and glasses, for "cheers" and "hurrahs." Look for more information coming your way soon, and then come "toast" with us!
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A Song for Summer ... and Every Season |
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As we are able to spend more time - and hopefully more time together - outside, here's a song with an environmental message to bring us full circle. Folk singer-songwriter Ellis Paul was born in Fort Kent, was raised in Presque Isle, and has been a fixture of Boston's music scene for many years. Paul's song Rachel Carson was included in his 2014 album for children, The Hero in You.
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As always, and especially now, we appreciate your support of the
Maine State Museum and the Friends.
Until our next connection, please stay safe and healthy!
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