A local author will discuss the history of native people on the Androscoggin River.
LEWISTON – Native American author and local historian Nancy Lecompte will discuss the life of Mollyockett Thursday in the Lewiston Public Library’s teen room.
Lecompte is the author of “Alnbak: A Story of Indigenous People in Androscoggin County.”
The book was published this month by the Androscoggin Historical Society.
Thursday’s event will be the official presentation of the book, said Library Director Rick Speer.
“This is really the first history of Native Americans that’s ever been done for Androscoggin County, so it’s a big deal for everyone,” Speer said.
The book was supposed to be part of a bigger history of the county that the historical society is working on. The history is scheduled to be released in January.
“(Lecompte) uncovered so much and so many interesting things, they decided to break out her chapter into a book of its own,” Speer said.
The book covers 10,000 years of the Native American presence in Androscoggin County.
It chronicles the history of the native people who lived along the Androscoggin River, the places they frequented and the artifacts they left behind.
It also recounts their ancient history, their first contact with Europeans, wars and how they have survived into the 21st century.
The book presents biographies of native veterans who fought as Americans in the War of Independence and the Civil War.
The author will present a special program and sign copies of the book at the Lewiston Public Library at 7 p.m. Thursday. She will dress in 1790s period costume and have artifacts to share with the audience.
Lecompte is the founder and research director of Ne-Do-Ba, a nonprofit organization devoted to exploring and sharing the Wabanaki history of western Maine.
Born and raised in Auburn and a graduate of Edward Little High School, she lives in Lewiston. She traces her roots back to many early families in Androscoggin County, including Native Americans.
Speer said he hopes to present more similar events in the future.
“We expect to present an event like this once a week when the new Cultural Learning Center opens in 2005,” Speer said.
The program is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for $20, plus tax.
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