Hosted by the Maine Historical Society
Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm ET
Register here
Seth Goldstein researches the economic ties between Maine and the luxury-producing plantations of the West Indies. In this talk, Goldstein will explore the various commodities, such as lumber, draft animals, and salt cod, that Maine supplied to West Indian plantations. Enslaved Africans in the Caribbean labored in horrific conditions to produce sugar, molasses, rum, and other goods that were consumed here. Seth will relate how the West Indies Trade was significant to the forced migration of enslaved Africans to Northern New England. Participants will also learn how the West Indies Trade left a lasting mark on the city of Portland and the state of Maine.
About the presenter
Seth Goldstein grew up on Cape Cod where he developed his passion for maritime history. He received his bachelor’s degree in European History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and his master’s degree in World History from Northeastern University. His research interests include the historic North Atlantic fishery, global piracy, New England shipwrecks and lighthouses, the whaling industry, and Maine’s connection to Atlantic World African enslavement. He has worked for Greater Portland Landmarks and the Portland Harbor Museum. Seth has taught at the University of New England, Southern Maine Community College, and the Maine College of Art and Design. He is currently the director of the South Portland Historical Society’s Cushing’s Point Museum and the Director of Development for the South Portland Historical Society.
