DRESDEN — The Friends of Merrymeeting Bay will present its second Winter Speaker Series featuring historian Christopher Groden and presentation on Col. John Allan, Maine’s unsung hero, Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
The presentation will be held at Bridge Academy, located at 44 Middle Road.
According to an announcement about the presentation, “John Allan, an expatriate of Nova Scotia, was appointed as a member of his personal staff by Gen. George Washington with commissions as a colonel in the Continental Army, commander of the Machias, Maine Militia and first superintendent of Indian Affairs in our history. His exploits during the Revolutionary War were crucial to Maine and to the success of the Revolution itself.
“The exciting story that was his life has gone largely untold and the very few historians who have penned it agree that he never received the recognition he deserved,” the release continues. “Without John Allan, our border with Canada would probably be the Kennebec. His legacy belongs to all Americans and all who seek liberty, justice and understanding have a hero in Colonel John Allan.”
Groden, with a background in theater, has had a lifelong interest in history and particularly in the culture and history of Native American Indians and their influence on Euro-America. He came to Maine eight years ago to research Allan’s story and his work with the Wabanaki and settlers of eastern Maine during the Revolutionary War.
Groden lives in Belfast.
The Friends of Merrymeeting Bay Winter Speaker Series takes place every second Wednesday of the month until May. The events are free and open to the public, is sponsored by Friends of Merrymeeting Bay with support and door prizes from Patagonia Outlet in Freeport. The next presentation, “A River Lost and Found: The Androscoggin in Time and Place,” is Dec. 11 at the Bowdoinham town office and features photographer Michael Kolster and environmental historian Matt Klingle.
Visit www.friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org for more information.
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