“Maine’s First Ship” will be the last talk of the 2022 season for the Popham Beach Library Summer Series. On Thursday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m., Orman Hines, president of the Maine’s First Ship initiative, will share the story of the rebuilding and recent launching of the Virginia in Bath.

Virginia was the first English ocean-going vessel built in the Americas. It was built in 1607-1608 at the Popham Colony’s Fort St George, located near the mouth of the Kennebec River. Virginia was built to aid in coastal exploration and fishing but was repurposed when the colony was abandoned in October 1608 and was used to return some of the colonists to England.  After sailing to England in 1608, Virginia was sold to the Jamestown colony and in 1609 crossed the Atlantic again.

The building of Virginia was the beginning of Maine’s 400-year tradition of quality shipbuilding.  The reconstruction is being done by volunteers in and around the Bath Freight Shed in Bath. Maine’s First Ship strives to use the reconstruction of the Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today.

Retired from his work as chief purchasing manager at Bowdoin College, Hines lives in Sebasco. He has had a long time interest in avocational archaeology; he worked on the excavation of the Popham Colony and became a member of Virginia Project in the early 2000s. He became president of MFS in 2012.

The Popham Beach Library welcomes all residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to attend the program. All are also invited to stop in during regular hours, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., through August, to borrow new books and DVDs, and have a cup of coffee. Free parking is available behind the building.

The Summer Series programs are brought to you by PBIA, the Popham Beach Improvement Association in conjunction with the library.

For more information please stop by the library at 965 Popham Road, Phippsburg, or contact Barbara Keltonic at bkeltonic@gmail.com