Wiscasset history, clam harvesting in Maine, and book illustration will be the subjects of four lectures scheduled at the Wiscasset Public Library on Wednesday evenings beginning Oct. 14 and concluding Nov. 4. Each talk will begin at 5 p.m. Local author Phil Di Vece will be the first speaker, followed by local historian Jay Robbins. Their talks will deal with different aspects of Wiscasset's history. Clam harvesting in Maine will be the subject of the third talk with Richard Forrest. The last talk will be by local artist Thomas Block who will discuss book illustrating and have copies of his latest book of illustrations for sale.

Following is a detailed outline of the speakers.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Di Vece will talk about his recently released second volume of Wiscasset stories titled: “More Wiscasset and Its Times — Other Stories of Maine’s Prettiest Village.”

Thoroughly researched and illustrated with many rare photographs, this book is a must for Wiscasset residents or anyone who’s ever visited and fell in love with “Maine’s Prettiest Village.” Journey with the author as he explores the remnants of lost industries including a place where shimmering mica was once mined. Hear the story of Lt. E.B. Neal, Civil War hero at the Battle of Fort Butler and learn something about the “other” Wiscasset. Di Vece will have copies of his book for sale.

After graduating from Colorado State University, Di Vece moved to Wiscasset, where from 1980 to 1995 he owned and published The Wiscasset Times, a weekly newspaper serving the town. A former town selectman, he continues to live in Wiscasset with his wife and now writes news and feature stories for the Boothbay Register and Wiscasset Newspaper.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, local historian Jay Robbins of Richmond will present "Wiscasset's Jonathan Williamson — Patriot or Loyalist?" Williamson, Wiscasset's fourth resident, settled on Birch Point in 1735. He was twice taken captive by Native Americans. Williamson later served as Captain of the local militia, and he became one of the three original selectmen upon Pownalborough's incorporation in 1760. Continuing on as selectman, he helped draft the town's letter of response to the Committee of Correspondence of Boston in March 1773.

But then, in March 1774, Williamson stepped down from his role in town government. It would be eleven years before he would again serve as a selectman. What accounts for this break in service? Robbins will lay out the evidence. The audience will than help answer the question: "Was Jonathan Williamson a patriot or a loyalist?"

Robbins is a former president of the Lincoln County Historical Association, of the Maine Genealogical Society, and of the Arnold Expedition Historical Society. He has over 40 years of experience making historical connections for clients.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Richard Forrest, Wiscasset resident and member of the Wiscasset Shellfish Committee will discuss clam harvesting in Maine.

Forrest’s talk will focus on the reduced local clam harvests and the attempts that he and his fellow committee members are using to reverse this trend in Wiscasset. He and others have dumped thousands upon thousands of crushed clam shells onto the flats in Wiscasset to see if the calcium in the shell will help to counter the acidic conditions of the mud and also attract baby clam spat. We'll hear about his findings and learn about clamming in Wiscasset.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, book illustrator Thomas Block will discuss his latest book illustrations, published in “Bear Moonlight Sonata” written by Steven D. Powell, a lifelong resident of Midcoast Maine.

As told from a bear’s perspective, this historical fiction tells how Ludwig van Beethoven composed his 14th sonata titled “Moonlight Sonata” through his special connection and friendship with a brave bear named Moon. Block will talk about his work as an illustrator and the collaboration with the author. He will also have copies of the book for sale.

Block retired as an art educator in coastal Maine after 37 years to pursue a career as an artist/illustrator. He was named “Art Educator of the Year” in 2001. Among the books he has illustrated are “Togus a Coon Cat Finds a Home” by Don Carrigan, the young adult novel “Patch Scratching” by Steven Powell, and 2014 National Indie Publishing award winner “Retsbol Rises” by Jayne Jones.

Block also creates fine-art pieces exhibited at many local venues such as River Arts Gallery, Boothbay Region Art Foundation, Pemaquid Art Gallery, Maine Art Gallery, and University of Southern Maine Art Gallery, as well as at Trinity College and Savannah College of Art and Design.

The Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper awarded Thomas Block “Artist of the Year 2014” recognition.