One Maine Christmas Eve author Douglas Coffin with his daughter
On Friday, December 4th, Penobscot Marine Museum will host five Maine authors and an illustrator, as part of the Town of Searsport’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Maine authors Ardeana Hamlin, Douglas Coffin, Mac Smith, Mark Scott Ricketts, Mark Warner, and illustrator Russ Cox will be on hand to discuss their books, which will be available in the Museum Store. On display in the Store will be the red velvet dress designed by Edith Head for the 1954 movie White Christmas, and Victorian and nautical-themed Christmas Gingerbread scenes. Refreshments will be served. At the same time Penobscot Marine Museum Sea Captain’s house will be open to the public, with each room decorated for a Victorian Christmas. The Museum Store is on the Crescent at 2 Church Street, the Sea Captain’s house is across the street. The Maine authors will be in the Museum Store from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Searsport’s Christmas Tree will be lit on the Crescent at 5:30 pm with refreshments and carol singing. Admission is free for all events.
Abbott’s Reach by Ardeana Hamlin
Ardeana Hamlin’s life is steeped in Maine history. She grew up in Bingham, Maine with family tales of logging in the Maine woods. Hamlin worked for 14 years at the Bangor Daily News, and now lives in Hampden. Abbott’s Reach, her historical novel set in 19th century Maine, tells the tale of a young woman setting sail on her honeymoon voyage with her sea captain husband. The Havener Sisters, also set in the 19th century, chronicles the adventures of three Maine women who by necessity reinvent their lives.
Douglas Coffin lives in Stockton Springs and hand-carves letters and decorative motifs in stone for architects and individuals. He wrote and illustrated the delightful children’s book about Santa in Maine, One Maine Christmas Eve.
Mac Smith, also a resident of Stockton Springs, is a Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and former news reporter for The Bar Harbor Times. Mainers on the Titanic tells the fascinating personal histories of passengers on that ill-fated ship who had ties to Maine.
Mark Scott Ricketts is a Maine-based Arkansas-born illustrator who has authored several Iron Man comics. A Flatlander’s Guide to Maine is a charming and funny, finely-illustrated, educational guidebook. The children’s book Adventures in Vacationland is the story of a young boy who takes his family on a wild adventure through the wilds of Maine to rescue his favorite Aunt.
Vinalhaven native Mark Warner grew up hearing stories about the wreck of the ship Royal Tar. His book The Tragedy of the Royal Tar: Maine’s 1836 Circus Steamboat Disaster explores the events leading up to the famous ship wreck, beginning with the construction of Royal Tar, the tracing the circus’s tour of the Maritimes, the cause of the fire, and details of the rescue operation.
Russ Cox illustrated award-winning children’s book author Lynn Plourde’s very funny Merry Moosey Christmas, a story of Rudolf the famous red-nosed reindeer.
For a complete schedule of weekend events or for more information click here or call the Visitors Center 207-548-0334 or Administrative Offices at 207-548-2529.