IN PERSON at APL and ZOOM

Everyone who registers will receive a link to ZOOM in their email on the morning of the class, and may attend either in-person or by ZOOM if desired.

This one-hour program provides an overview of the history of immigration in Maine. Yearning to Breathe Free begins with the arrival of the Europeans to what would become Maine and moves through the subsequent waves of French-Canadian, Irish, Swedish, Lebanese, Armenian, Chinese, and East Asian immigrants. Not all immigration to Maine was voluntary, however, and the presentation discusses the importation of African slaves into the state. Yearning To Breathe Free takes a deep look at the tension between the state’s need for labor and its recruitment of immigrants to fill that need and the suspicion, discrimination, prejudice and hatred that accompanied immigration. The program ends with a discussion of contemporary immigration to Maine, noting that, in contrast to earlier times, most immigrants coming into the state today are coming as refugees.

Alex Magnaud is an educator for the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC). She has a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from Colgate University and a Master’s in Childhood and Special Education from the College of Saint Rose and has worked as an educator in a variety of roles and settings. In her role with the HHRC, Alex does educational programming for students, educators and community members throughout the state. 

(Thanks to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center for generously making this presentation available to us.)

IN PERSON at BEAVER PARK (all participants will be asked to complete a Liability Release and Emergency Contact Forms prior to the walk)

A guided nature walk to explore spring birds, wildflowers, and any other interesting finds we encounter.

(The Walk will be held at Beaver Park, Lisbon, ME. Located on Cotton Rd., off of Pinewoods Road. Trails are level and wide. Meet at large main parking lot on the left by the big field just beyond main gate. Meet at 9 am, walk will end by 11 am, participants may leave at any time. No entry fee required. Bring binoculars if you have them.)

Rain date - Thursday, May 29

Alan is a Maine Master Naturalist and a lifelong science and nature enthusiast. Linda enjoys sharing her lifelong love and knowledge of birds with others.