FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2012
Contact: Megan Sanborn
(207) 441-0501

State Archivist, David Cheever to speak at Medomak Middle School about Maine’s involvement in the American Civil War

Presentation to 7th & 8th grade students is part of the Secretary of State’s Sesquicentennial for Schools Program

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AUGUSTA, Maine – State Archivist, David Cheever will be speaking at Medomak Valley Middle School in Waldoboro on the morning of February 14, 2012 to discuss with 7th & 8th grade students the impact that Maine had on the Civil War and the impact that the Civil War had on Maine.

As part of an ongoing commemoration by the Maine State Archives of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of America’s Civil War Secretary of State, Charles Summers has created the Sesquicentennial for Schools Program, which Mr. Cheever will be conducting statewide for the remainder of the school year.

?I am very excited about this program.? said Secretary of State, Charles Summers, ?Maine State Archives holds the most extensive collection of Civil War documents in the nation and David Cheever is a wealth of knowledge all on his own. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about Maine?s involvement in one of our Nation's most prominent historic events.?

Mr. Cheever’s presentation brings the subject to a local level for students by offering accounts of people from their town or neighboring towns, who contributed to or participated in the war efforts.  His visit to Medomak Valley Middle School will include information on the 4th Maine Regiment, which was a mid-coast outfit drawing from Wiscasset and Damariscotta to Rockland and Belfast.

The Sesquicentennial for Schools Program is free and recommended for grades 7-12. Visits are currently being scheduling on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in scheduling a visit for your school or would like more information, please contact Melissa Couture SOS.Office@maine.gov or (207) 626-8400.