For the past year, members of the Castine Historical Society’s staff and Education Committee met to plan a new pilot learning unit for the Adams School 7th /8th grade class taught by Kalista Farmer. This pilot unit used the history of Castine’s African and African American residents to look at broader issues such as slavery in New England and the South, Abolition, the Underground Railroad, and life for free Blacks in New England.

The Historical Society asked Georgia Zildjian, an Education Committee member who is also on the Adams School staff, to write and present the five-week learning unit for this fall term. Zildjian designed the unit to allow students to explore sites in Castine, use primary documents at the Castine Historical Society, and learn from community experts. This unit aligns with Maine state learning standards and provides the school with the ability to meet the requirements of Maine’s LD 1664, a mandate to incorporate African American history into the curriculum.

The culminating project for the class will be presented at a free afternoon event on Thursday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the Castine Historical Society’s Abbott School at 17 School Street. Students will present their research and findings to the public and light refreshments will be served.

Attendees will also be able to view the Historical Society’s exhibition, “A History of Castine in 40 Objects.” Attendees are encouraged to either bring non-perishable food items or a monetary donation that will be donated to H.O.M.E. in Orland.

The learning unit designed for the Adams School is the culmination of the 2023 project by the Castine Historical Society called “Hidden Legacies: Uncovering Castine’s African American History.” It also furthers the Historical Society’s mission to use history to foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society. The Castine Historical Society preserves local history and hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as lectures, educational events, and town walking tours. The Historical Society’s exhibitions are closed for the 2024 season. The Grindle House offices, collection facility, and research library located at 13 School Street, Castine are open year-round by appointment. For further information visit castinehistoricalsociety.org, call 207-326-4118, or email info@castinehistoricalsociety.org.