PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Humanities Council is again offering History Camp, a free week-long day camp for high school students who like history.  The first, at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, from July 13 – 17^th, 2009, will focus on Arctic exploration. The second, at Museum L-A in Lewiston, from July 27 – 31^st, 2009, will explore Maine’s long history as a home for immigrants from other countries.

“Find a Way or Make One”, Admiral Robert Peary’s motto and the title of the first History Camp, will introduce students to the race to the Pole that captured the public’s imagination at the start of the twentieth century.  This year marks the 100^th anniversary of Peary’s successful quest, and students will have the opportunity to explore the new exhibit celebrating this milestone at Bowdoin’s Peary-Macmillan Arctic Museum.  Participants will also travel by boat to Eagle Island, Peary’s summer home, and will hear a first hand account of sailing to the Arctic from Charles Hildreth, who, as a young man, accompanied explorer Donald B. Macmillan.

“Immigration: Perspectives for ME” will explore and discuss past and present immigration, and the experiences of immigrants to learn more about how Maine has been shaped by this vibrant diversity.  The group will visit sites pertinent to the story of immigration, and hear from immigrants themselves, among whom will be former millworkers.

“History Camp provides an exciting, rare experience that allows students to explore aspects Maine history through interaction with historians and fellow students, field trips to historic sites and meetings with special guests.  It’s a wonderful, free program that any student who likes history will love!,” according to Erik Jorgensen, Executive Director of The Maine Humanities Council.

Both day camps are free of charge.  For more information, or to register, please contact the Council at 207-773-5051 or 1-866- 637-3233 or visit http://mainehumanities.org/programs/history-camp/index.html.

About the Maine Humanities Council:

The Maine Humanities Council is an independent, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the people of Maine deepen their understanding of themselves, their communities, and the world.  The Council works with volunteer literacy programs, educators, school systems and libraries to promote the power and pleasure of ideas through its programming; the Council also provides grants supporting projects in community history, exhibits, workshops and other areas of study.

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