Despite Sunday's rain and fog, 104 Westport Island history supporters gathered under tents at Jack and Gail Swanton's East Shore Road property to hear Ken Swanton introduce his new book, "The Maritime Age on a Maine Island.” The rain did not dampen enthusiasm for the annual event hosted this year by the Swantons overlooking the Sheepscot River.

The Friends of Westport Island History host an annual fundraising event at a historic location on the island to highlight the history associated with the host property. This year's event focused on the original 300-acre Hodgdon settlement on the eastern shore and the remaining historic homes and accessory structures that supported the maritime livelihoods of the Hodgdons and successor families who settled and grew this prosperous neighborhood overlooking the Sheepscot. Ken's book was much anticipated by the many neighbors and friends who contributed to his detailed history; sales of the new book were brisk.

Ken Swanton's book will be on sale at the Westport Island History Center, 38 Ferry Road, where a new exhibit based on the book is now on view: “The Rise and Fall of the Maritime Age on Westport’s Eastern Shore.” Regular public hours are 12-2 p.m. on Sundays. For more information or to arrange a visit by appointment, email: wihistorycommittee@gmail.com