In 2015, the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic site once again will host a series of living history events and lectures to showcase various aspects of life in Midcoast Maine during the 17th and 18th centuries and, more specifically, Pemaquid’s place in that colonial world. Sponsored by the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid, these events draw expertise from historians, authors, and archaeologists to help build an accurate picture of the place on the map known as Pemaquid.

Most living history events take place outdoors on the weekends and there is no charge for these events, other than the customary park fees. History lectures are held on Monday evenings at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the museum at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, where a modest fee of $5 is charged for non-members. Lectures are free to members. Visitors are invited to explore an authentic on-site replica of a 1600s thatched dwelling.

As was the case last year, this season Colonial Pemaquid interns will be on hand in period dress to tell the story of life in 17th Century Pemaquid and answer your questions. Join other history lovers in supporting this summer’s close look at a time and a place so important to the European development of the New World.

Colonial Pemaquid is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Park personnel and interpreters are available to answer questions and to direct visitors to the site’s historic structures, archaeological remains, museum, burial ground and gift shop. A permanent exhibit, “Guns, Politics and Furs” is housed in the partially reconstructed Fort William Henry on site.

There is also a fascinating exhibit of coins found during excavations undertaken at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site and a 380-year-old horsehide trunk that survived a 1635 shipwreck in Pemaquid Harbor caused by one of the most terrific storms to occur along the Maine coast. Reservations for school or group tours can be made by calling 207-677-2423. For more information, visit the park’s website at www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org.

Summer Program

Saturday, May 23: Opening Weekend Concert, Maine St. Andrew’s Pipes & Drums. Enjoy traditional tunes of the British Isles performed on the parade grounds of Fort William Henry by a kilted band from Ellsworth, 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 4: 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Public reading and commentary by living history interpreters at 2 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 5.

Saturday, July 11: July Evening Lantern Walk. Step into the past as you tour a 17th century village, meet some of the inhabitants and be challenged by an 18th century soldier on guard duty at Fort Frederick. 8:30 p.m. Rain date is Sunday July 12.

Monday, July 13: Geological Variations in Maine During the Past 10,000 years. First evening lecture of the season by David Cook, who will describe and discuss the repeating ice cycles and forces that produced Maine’s modern landscape, as well as speculate on what the future holds. 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members.)

Saturday, July 18: Pirates at Pemaquid! Living history presenter and local author James Nelson recreates the infamous Dixie Bull who attacked and sacked Pemaquid in 1632. 1 and 3 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 19.

Monday, July 20: Our 18th Century Heroes and Hell-Raisers and How They Affect Us Today. Historian Chip Griffin reflects on the profound influence and legends surrounding Maine’s early Scots-Irish settlers. 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members.)

Monday, July 27: Forts Along the Kennebec. Lee Cranmer, Maine Historic Preservation Commission’s Emeritus Archaeologist, highlights a series of four forts that were built along the Kennebec River between 1720 & 1754 to secure the frontier and make settlers feel secure and protected. 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members.)

Saturday/Sunday, August 1/2: 17th Century Encampment. Outdoor interpretive weekend, showcasing civilian and August 1/2 military aspects of 17th century life. Reenactors demonstrate equipment, crafts, cooking, games, etc. Sponsored jointly by the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid and the state of Maine. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Monday, August 3: Clues to the Lifestyle of Maine’s Native Americans Prior to the Arrival of Europeans – Lecture by Camden resident Kerry Hardy, landscape architect and forester and author of “Notes On A Lost Flute: A Field Guide to the Wabanaki.” Kerry will reveal how his discoveries have assisted in the understanding of the pre-contact Wabanaki, the people of “Dawnland”. 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members.)

Wednesday, August 5: Evening Lantern Walk – Step into the past as you tour a 17th century village, meet some of the inhabitants and be challenged by an 18th century soldier on guard duty at Fort Fredereick at 8 p.m. Rain date is Thursday, August 6.

Saturday, August 8: Fletcher’s Scouting Company – Historical reenactors set up camp on the grounds of Colonial Pemaquid, and interact with visitors as they demonstrate period activities such as cooking, wood working, military drill, weaponry, etc. 1-5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 9.

Monday, August 10: Maine’s Early Tidal Mills –Historian and lecturer Bud Warren discusses how, next to fishing, the early Maine economy was based on timber and tides. 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members).

Saturday/Sunday, August 15/16: Olde Bristol Days: Town-wide events, entertainment and crafts and food booths on the grounds of Colonial Pemaquid, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Monday, August 17: “There were about thirty sail of ships that fished”: The Early Fishing Industry of Monhegan and Damariscove, 1607 – 1725 – Join historical archaeologist Dr. Neil DePaoli as he explores the early fishing operations on Monhegan and Damariscove islands, 7:30 p.m. ($5 or free to members.)

Sunday, August 30: Castlebay in Concert: Season’s End. Enjoy an outdoor performance of Celtic music featuring Castlebay, the popular local duo of Fred Gosbee and Julia Lane. 1 and 3 p.m.