On Thursday, Aug. 10, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., the Boothbay Region Historical Society will host Mike Dekker and Paul Daiute who will tell the story of the 17th century cod fishing industry practiced from the shores of Damaricove and Cape Newagen.Dressed in period attire and using period equipment, Mike and Paul will discuss the process of catching, processing and preserving fish for the overseas market during the 1600s. They will also discuss the evolution of the cod fishery during the colonial period, as well as its social, political and economic importance in early America.

Fishing has been a mainstay of the region’s economy since the arrival of Europeans in the early 17th century. Originally plying the waters of the Gulf of Maine on a seasonal basis, English fishing crews established permanent, year round fishing stations on Damariscove Island and Cape Newagen by 1623. Exports of dried, salted cod to Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean ranked as one of the primary economic engines of the New England economy throughout the colonial period. The Atlantic fishery was of such economic importance it often figured heavily in considerations of war, peace and diplomacy. Although the cod fisheries were of international scale and importance it was none the less conducted by individuals trying to eke out a difficult existence on the rocky shores of our own coast.

Growing up and residing in Midcoast Maine, Dekker has developed a lifelong passion for the region’s past. An avid student of early American history and material culture, he presents educational programs for historical societies, museums, historic sites, schools and the public. Mike is the author of the book "The French and Indian Wars In Maine."

After serving as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman aboard riverboats in Vietnam, Daiute embarked on a 38-year career as a surgical physician's assistant. At the time of the Bicentennial in 1975, Paul became active in the living history community. He has since devoted himself to the study of colonial American history and material culture. Paul has made numerous presentations on early American history at museums, historic sites, and schools across Maine.

This program is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 4:10. Please arrive early as seating is limited. The museum is located at 72 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor, just across the street from The First National Bank parking lot. For more information, you may contact the museum at 633-0820, or email brhs@gwi.net.