In-Person

That strange whisper at the top of the stairs. A whiff of the cigars he used to smoke. The single glove of hers you found on your dresser one morning. Let’s share our stories about our encounters in the world of the spirits. I will provide storytelling prompts that will give you ideas for stories you could tell. Here’s one prompt: Tell us about something that happened to you that you've never been able to explain.

October 31, 2025

4 pm - 6 pm

Twice Sold Tales - 155 Main St, Farmington, ME 04938

Folklorist, storyteller, and poet Margaret “Peggy” Yocom has taught about -- and told -- stories of ghosts, fairies, and other spirit world creatures throughout her 36 years at George Mason University, and beyond. A resident of Farmington and Rangeley, she invites you to see her publications and more at http://margaretyocom.com

In-Person and Hybrid

This presentation will explore the historical records of Native American people in the Sandy River Valley, highlighting information often overlooked in published accounts. Drawing from lesser-known sources, the class will broaden understanding of the region’s early history.

November 4th, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.

In-Person and Hybrid

The Religious Society of Friends was strongly represented throughout rural New England.   This class will explain more about the former Quaker communities in early Franklin County. 

November 14, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.

In Person

Baskets to Buggies will include visits to two unique museums on Route 27 from New Portland (Nowetah's Indian Store) and Kingfield's Stanley Museum.

Nowetah's is a hidden gem where visitors can explore a collection of meticulously curated and displayed Native American artifacts, with one room devoted to Maine baskets. There is no entry fee.

The Stanley Museum ($5 entry fee) houses artifacts and information about the renowned Stanley family, including inventors and artists. 

Lunch is possible in Kingfield. If this class is cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule for the Spring term.

Date: November 18, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Nowetah's Indian Shop: 2 Colegrove Rd, New Portland, ME 04961

Stanley Museum: 40 School St, Kingfield, ME 04947

The museum staff are very knowledgeable.

In-Person

Are you passionate about the outdoors and preserving access to the places you love? Join us for a special presentation by the High Peaks Alliance designed for people who care about access to nature, wild places, and community.

Join us to: 

• Get the inside scoop on trail and conservation updates, including the latest on Mosher Hill Falls, Sandy River Bridge, and our Rec Rangers initiative
• Pick up free trail maps and guides for your next adventure
• Hear inspiring personal stories about people just like you who’ve made a difference
• Learn ways you can volunteer and amplify your impact
• Connect with fellow GoldLEAF members who share your values, and become part of an active community dedicated to preserving public access for future generations

This is also your invitation to make your voice heard on issues that matter in Maine’s High Peaks. Come and ask your questions and find your next adventure!

Date: December 2, 2025

Location: Education Ctr, Room 112

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Brent West is the Executive Director of the High Peaks Alliance. He brings a genuine love for Maine’s great outdoors and a commitment to keeping its natural beauty accessible for everyone. He works closely with local communities, volunteers, and landowners to protect public access and the unique wild places that make the High Peaks region special. He’s known for bringing people together — whether it’s building new trails, supporting conservation projects, or finding creative ways for residents and visitors to connect with nature.

Amanda Laliberte leads community engagement and outreach at the High Peaks Alliance, where she helps connect people to Maine’s wild places through storytelling, events, and partnerships. She manages membership and communications, coordinates with local partners, and leads initiatives like planned giving and outreach programs. 

In Person 

Evangeline: The novel provides the historical information that is missing from Longfellow’s Evangeline. The purpose is to discuss the historical information through the biographical material available on each of the major figures in the event that is known today as The Expulsion of the Acadians.

December 3, 2025

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 006, lower level.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Richard Mullin is a lifelong educator and writer. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, he began his teaching career at a Blackfoot Indigenous high school in Western Canada, later returning to Nova Scotia to teach English at Bridgewater High and serve as Principal at Mahone Bay High. He spent 25 years teaching English at Rumford High School in Maine and also taught English Literature at Husson University.

Now retired and living in Dixfield, Maine, he dedicated eight years of his retirement to researching and writing his first book. He has been happily married to his wife Lorraine for over sixty years, and together they have three college-educated daughters.

In-Person

This is a 72-minute film that features documentary footage of Gandhi's famous Salt March, the 1960 Nashville Students' desegregation of lunch counters, and the Danish resistance to the Nazis.  We will have a few minutes during and after the film for discussion.

Date: December 16, 2025

10 am-12 pm

Location: North Dining, A

This film was used in Rawlings's UMF course on Peace Studies.  Rawlings taught at UMF for 27 years.  He is a co-founder of Veterans For Peace.

In-Person

The Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education at the University of Southern Maine provides opportunities for all to engage with five centuries of cartographic materials. With half a million items dating back to 1475, our place-based collection invites you to stay curious!

In the OML's Cohen classroom, you will receive a brief history of the collection and an introduction to the different digital resources available after your visit. In our Reading Room, you’ll have a chance to look at our permanent globe display and a selection of “Gems from the Collection.”  There will also be time to visit our gallery space, which has rotating exhibitions throughout the year. OML staff members will be on hand to answer questions about the various items on display.

January 7, 2026

Snow date: January 14, 2026

Location: USM Osher Map Library, 314 Forest Avenue, Portland, Maine, 04101

Kelsey Riordan arranges tours and events at Osher. Other library staff may lead the tour.