Fifth Maine

Wednesday July 17 at 7 PM

The Confederacy Strikes Portland Harbor!

Just six days before the Battle of Gettysburg, in June 1863, a daring Confederate raid struck deep into Portland Harbor, Maine.   The US Revenue Cutter CALEB CUSHING was captured by bold raiders led by Lt. Charles Read, CSN -- and all Portland rose in rage.  This is the story of the Confederate plot,  Portland's citizen posse, the hot pursuit, and the explosive battle off Portland Head Light. It is also the story of the successful and fiery Confederate raid into New England waters, which left a trail of burning ships at sea and a frenzy of fear along our coast as the deep South brought the war into the deep North .  Long forgotten in the greater story of Gettysburg, for Lt. Read it meant almost everything went wrong -- and for Portland, a fiery end if everything had gone right.    

Join local historian Herb Adams for a fascinating look at confeederate activities along the Maine coast..  As a former legislator his bill created the Maine Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. Herb teaches Maine history and government at Southern Maine Community College, and tutors immigrants to become American citizens.

Saturday May 25, 2013 at 7 PM

Death, Loss and Mourning in the Civil War

The Fifth Maine Regiment was typical of the many regiments Maine sent to defend the Union.  Fifth Maine curator Kim MacIsaac looks at how the soldiers and their families dealt with death and loss on the battlefield and at home both during and after the war.

Donation:  $5 per person

April 12, 2011 marks the assault on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina by Confederate forces.  To remember the men, women and children who sacrificed, fought and died to preserve the Union, the Fifth Maine is collaborating with many other organizations in Maine and nationwide to create a variety of public and school programs and activities.  There will be reenactments, exhibits, guest speakers, symposiums, a Maine Civil War Trail and much more, primarily focused on the cultural, economic, and military aspects of the United States prior to, during, and following the war.  The goal of these efforts is to bring to light the rich legacy of our state's important contributions to the war.

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The Sesquicentennial Commemoration spans the years 2011 - 2015.  Future events will be posted here as they are confirmed.

Remember our brave forebears during the Sesquicentennial years!