Hosted by Maine Historical Society
With Seth Goldstein
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET
Online
Black people and people of African heritage have lived in Maine for more than 400 years, playing a vital role in the shaping of the economy and the history of the state. In the 1800s, many of these individuals worked as farmers, homemakers, drivers, hotel owners, and restaurant keepers, and even more worked in the maritime trades as shipbuilders, fishermen, lobstermen, and sailors. Cushing’s Point Museum director Seth Goldstein will discuss the fundamental role of African heritage sailors in regional history and will examine why the jobs of mariners and shore-related occupations such as longshoremen were important for individuals of African heritage. Seth will also address how Black mariners participated in the Underground Railroad.
About the presenter: Seth Goldstein grew up on Cape Cod where he developed his passion for maritime history. He 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 Cushing’s Point Museum at Bug Light Park and Director of Development for the South Portland Historical Society.
