From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, a new history exhibit, “The Maritime Age on Westport’s Eastern Shore,” will officially open at Westport Island’s History Center, 38 Ferry Road.  

The exhibit is based on Ken Swanton’s recently published book, “The Maritime Age on a Maine Island: The Rise and Fall of Westport Island’s Eastern Shore across from Boothbay.” At the center of the story is Tom Hodgdon’s family, who came to Westport in the 1760s. His descendants and relatives grew to a bustling neighborhood of 160 people at the height of the Maritime Age in 1850 before then dwindling to one widow a century later. Many of the Hodgdons’ houses and fish houses still stand.

In addition to the exhibit and complimentary refreshments, Swanton will sign his books from noon until 2 p.m. He will then host a walking tour along one cove of the eastern shore’s scenic shoreline, detailing the history of the remaining structures featured in the exhibit. The tour will depart from the History Center at 2 p.m. to drive to East Shore Road.

The exhibit highlights the people and houses of the eastern shore during its maritime heyday. Also included are profiles on island boatbuilding, the navigation tools that guided seamen to their fishing grounds, the 1918 fire that contributed to the evolving history of the eastern shore, and the transition from livelihoods centered on seafaring and farming to serving a growing summer community.

On view for the first time in several years will be the 1885 Westport Community Crazy Quilt. Several of the eastern shore women contributed to the quilt and signed their names to their quilt squares.

Swanton’s book will be available to buy for $25 at the History Center.  Regular hours at the History Center are Sundays 12 noon to 2 p.m. and by appointment.

The event is free and open to all. The History Center is adjacent to Westport Island’s public boat landing on Ferry Road, where ample parking is available. For further information, email: wihistorycommittee@gmail.com