Unique 1772 Midcoast map to be presented and discussed at LCHA’s next lecture

Sat, 02/17/2018 - 8:30am

“Mapping the Coast of Colonial Maine: Local Colonists vs. Imperial Agents” is the topic of the Lincoln County Historical Association’s Winter Lecture Feb. 25.

Dr. Matthew Edney, the Osher Professor in the History of Cartography, USM and director of the History of Cartography Project, University of Wisconsin, will argue that George Sproule’s “Plan of the Coast from Kennebeck River to Round Pond” (1772) is not representative of the ways in which the Maine coastline had been mapped during the colonial era. How and why did it differ from earlier, and later, work? This illustrated lecture will address the marine and terrestrial mapping traditions that united—briefly—in the larger project to map North America and assert a new imperial control in the wake of the French and Indian War.

Prior to Dr. Edney’s presentation, Dennis Dunbar of Westport will present to LCHA a framed, full-scale, high resolution copy of the Sproule map for its collection.

The program will begin at 1:00 pm in the Communications (or “911”) Building behind the Lincoln County Court House in Wiscasset.

The Lincoln County Historical Association is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset.  For more information, please visit our website at  www.lincolncountyhistory.org or on Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association Maine.

The public is encouraged to attend the Winter Series Lectures and enjoy their warm conviviality. Coffee and pastries will be served. Suggested donation is $5.