History: The Foundation of Maine's Sense of Place
Steve Bromage
Join Steve Bromage, Executive Director of Maine Historical Society, for a conversation about the importance of history to Maine's identity, well-being, and special sense of place.
Participants must preregister HERE
This event is free and open to the public.
The 2023 Baked Bean Supper will be virtual on Zoom once again, but we look forward to the days when we can safely gather together in a large crowd again! We encourage our audience to prepare baked beans at home to enjoy while watching the program. We created a digital cookbook of traditional recipes contributed by MDI community members. Buy your copy here.
This year, we welcome as our speaker Steve Bromage, Executive Director of Maine Historical Society (MHS). Formed just two years after Maine became a state, MHS has been collecting, promoting research and scholarship, and helping share Maine's story for the last two hundred years. Bromage will discuss history’s importance to Maine; the spirit of collaboration between MHS, MDI Historical Society, and the MDI historical community; and MHS's preparations for its third century of service to Maine.
The 2023 Virtual Baked Bean Supper will also feature a conversation with Bromage and Raney Bench, MDI Historical Society’s Executive Director, along with the audience, on the value of history and “collective memory.” Participants are invited to share why history matters to them, along with their thoughts, memories, and ideas for a group discussion which will immediately follow. Do you think knowing more about the history of MDI creates a stronger connection to the island? Do people care more about the future of a place when they understand its history? Can history help MDI keep its unique identity and special place in the world?
PLUS! The evening will include a preview of History Happy Hour, an experiential, fun way to learn local history, held at island bars and restaurants every other month. Brush up on your maritime history, as the questions will be a sneak peek at our 2023 edition of Chebacco, due out in May.
Participants must preregister HERE
This event is free and open to the public.
About Our Guest:
Steve Bromage joined MHS in 2001 and has served as its director since 2012. Steve's leadership focuses on how the history field can evolve to meet the needs and interests of contemporary audiences in Maine. He brings experience in institutional change, innovative collaboration, and the development of forward-looking non-profit management models. Among other initiatives, Steve has led the development of the Maine Memory Network (www.mainememory.net), a nationally-recognized digital museum that draws together stories, perspectives, and online contributions from more than 270 organizations across Maine. Prior to joining MHS, Steve has an M.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received his B.A. from the University of Richmond.