We’re launching a new program that will introduce you to and explore the vast and varied (like our landscape) body of literature about Maine by Maine authors…or about Maine by non-Maine authors…or non-Maine topics by Maine authors. Our scope will be wide-ranging: we’ll read and discuss old and new works of both fiction and non-fiction by famous, popular, and new authors. It’ll be an eclectic assortment of interesting and provocative readings that will stimulate your “little gray cells” and generate lively conversation.

These courses will meet on Monday mornings, via Zoom from 10:00AM to 11:30AM on the following dates:

September 12th: For our first book, we’ll read and discuss Colin Woodard’s “The Lobster Coast”, a thoughtful and detailed portrait of the fishing cultures and often hidden history of seacoast Maine. 

November 14th: My Life in the Maine Woods by Annette Jackson and Nine Mile Bridge – Three Years in the Maine Woods by Helen Hamlin

Steve is an artist, historian, teacher, and lifelong learner and lives in Wells with his wife, Nancy.

Well-researched and written historical fiction can engage you and make reading about historical events a bit more interesting and informative, especially when you’re provided with the historical context. The infamous and little-known Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 was highly-controversial at the time, yet significantly increased the territory of the United States. We’ll read and discuss Jeff Shaara’s ‘Gone for Soldiers’ as our introduction to this important historical period in Mexican and American history, viewing the war through principal participants.

This course will meet on two Monday mornings, via Zoom from 10:00AM to 11:30AM on October 3rd and 17th.

Steve is an artist, historian, teacher, and lifelong learner and lives in Wells with his wife, Nancy.

 In this course we will travel from the Shetland Islands in the far north to the south of England through the works of the great mystery writers of the past and present. Both Ireland and Northern Ireland will be part of our itinerary as we discover the variety and scope of the geniuses of the genre. No text required. 

Your Instructor: Nancy currently serves as President of the Trustees of Belfast Senior College and I have taught 4 courses on mystery writing at Senior College. I was an English and History major in college with a focus on both British literature and history. I am an inveterate mystery buff and am always on the lookout for new authors but still reread the classics. I have taught other courses via Zoom and have found it to be a wonderful experience attracting a wide geographic range of Senior College participants.