BETHEL – Paul T. Burlin, PhD, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of New England in Biddeford, will speak at 7:30 p.m. today in the Dr. Moses Mason House Meeting Room.

His talk is the first on the 2007 series of lectures sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society. This year’s series is titled “Maine Character and Characters.”

Burlin’s topic will be “Maine-Hawaiian Connections,” which will explore the family ties between Maine, the 23rd state in the union, and the most recent, Hawaii.

The speaker’s book on the topic appeared last year and provides insights on how Maine people influenced the history and development of a place so far from the Pine Tree State.

The lecture is free and is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council. Anyone wishing to learn more about the character of Maine and its influence in the wider world is invited.

More information abut the society may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting www.bethelhistorical.org. The society’s mailing address is PO Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.