“Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but If we lose everything else, we can always count on our history,” notes Alison Coffin, a long-time Brunswick resident. Alison, a passionate history buff, has impressive roots in the area: Her grandfather was Robert Peter Tristram Coffin, the former Bowdoin professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and she has ties to the Pennell family, which ran a shipyard in what is now known as Pennellville.

When Alison suggested I write a piece on the Pejepscot HIstorical Society, it took little convincing as I too have deep roots here. My great-grandfather and grandfather both graduated from Bowdoin in the 1800’s. In fact, my great-grandfather’s name (George Beamon Kenniston) is listed on the Civil War plaque in the lobby of Pickard Theater at Bowdoin College. I sometimes give it a loving tap when I pass by.

In last week’s column, I highlighted some of the area’s historical hallmarks. Here are some of Alison’s thoughts as well as those of Larissa Vigue Picard, the director of the Pejepscot Historical Society.

“We need more people to get involved to preserve our heritage for future generations,” says Alison, who notes that showcasing the area’s history is good for visitors as well as local citizens. Alison, herself, has been very busy doing behind-the-scenes work, such as painting and maintenance. “We can always find something for volunteers to do!”

“Understanding the story of where you live enriches your life,” says Larissa Vigue Picard. “We serve as the repository of the social, economic and cultural history of the community.”

Larissa is currently overseeing a strategic planning process, which has included surveys, conversations and visits to other historical societies. “We need to create programs which provide good experiences, especially for young people. We need to show kids how history connects with their lives today.”

The Pejepscot Historical Society’s “History Happy Hour” this fall (“Black and White Brunswick,” “Whistling Past Bowdoin’s Past: Stories for October” and “130 Years of Collecting at PHS”) have proven popular as have Noontime Brown Bag Talks: “The Local Response to WWI,” “Sous Les Drapeaux: Experiences of Brunswick Franco Americans in the Great War,” and “Memorializing WWI in France and the US.”

The next History Happy Hour is entitled “Down Memory Lane with Maine State Music Theatre” with Curt Dale Clark (December 14 from 5-7 p.m. at the Brunswick Inn.)

I encourage every reader — whether you’re a long time citizen or new to the area — to learn more about our proud history as well as the fascinating programs sponsored by the Pejepscot Historical Society. Go to: www.pejepscothistorical.org. As stated last week: It’s our history, let’s keep it alive.

David Treadwell, a Brunswick writer, welcomes commentary or suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns. [email protected].