PHIPPSBURG – Take a tiny village in Maine with a 400-year-old history and you have reason to celebrate. Starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 26, the village of Popham Beach, on the Phippsburg peninsular, has been doing just that with music by brass bands, fireworks, a parade, 17th century re-enactors, displays of historical artifacts and more.

Four hundred years ago, in 1607, George Popham sailed from England with little more than 100 colonists, destined for the “New World.” They settled at the mouth of the Kennebec River and built Fort St. George, but were not destined to stay. Maine’s hostile winter, the loss of three key leaders and limited resources contributed to the abandonment of their colony a year later.

However, during their stay the settlers built The Virginia, the first ship built in the “New World” and sailed back to Europe. Thus began 400 years of shipbuilding in the area.

Fort St. George has been the site of extensive archaeological investigations. Dr. Jeffrey Brain and his volunteers have worked at the site since 1997, using a map drawn by draughtsman John Hunt in 1607. This has enabled them to uncover the storehouse and admiral’s house as well as many artifacts from the period.

Today, craft vendors will sell “Popham 400” items, bands will play, homebaked goodies will abound and there will be a lobster bake at Spinney’s and fireworks in Atkins Bay.

Sunday will bring a historical church service at Popham Beach Chapel in remembrance of early visitors who heard their first sermon there Aug. 19, 1607. A reception and music will precede the closing ceremonies.

For more information on Popham’s 400th celebration, directions, parking and free shuttle buses, log on to www.popham400.org.