Author William O. Thomson of Kennebunk will speak at the Old Berwick Historical Society’s program, “Coastal Ghosts, Lighthouses, Legends and Hauntings” on Thursday, October 22, at 7:30 pm at Berwick Academy.
Legends about strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions along the coast of New England will be the subject of a talk sponsored by the Old Berwick Historical Society on Thursday, October 22. The program, entitled “Coastal Ghosts, Lighthouses, Legends and Hauntings,” will be held at 7:30 pm at Berwick Academy’s Jeppesen Science Center on Academy Street.
Retired Professor William O. Thomson of Kennebunk will give the talk based on his recent book, “Coastal Ghosts & Lighthouse Lore.” Admission is free, and refreshments will be served by volunteers.
In his book, Thomson explains that the small New England towns lined with taverns, inns and old seafarers’ homes facing the Atlantic Ocean are known for their legendary ghosts and folklore heroes. Yankee residents have passed down the briny tales, which, like the sea, have surged, intensified and expanded into classic legends and “yarns.”
A native New Englander, Thomson taught history 33 years at Salem State College in Salem, Mass., and retired as a professor emeritus in 1996. He has written many books about New England’s heritage and has produced documentaries that aired on major New England television stations.
Thomson has appeared on six national lighthouse programs shown on PBS, Discovery, Travel, HGTV and the History Channel, and he lectures at local schools and civic groups.
In 2003 he received a national award for community service and outstanding citizenship from the Sons of the American Revolution.
This event is part of the Old Berwick Historical Society’s 2009 series of talks, walks and historical events. The series, supported by a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank, includes seven monthly evening presentations as well as other local history events around South Berwick, including the society’s Counting House Museum.
More information on all the Old Berwick Historical Society’s programs is available at info@obhs.net, or by calling (207) 384-0000.
