BATH — For two days this summer, Maine Maritime Museum will bring to life the fishing techniques of four centuries past on the Maine coast. On July 20 and Aug. 18 the museum will present a special program, “Fisheries Past: A Hands-On Look at 17th Century Native American and European Fishing on the Maine Coast.” This program will feature two well-known reenactors in period dress explaining and demonstrating the unique methods that Native American and European fishermen used to harvest the sea at the dawn of commercial fishing in Maine.

Native American Ken Hamilton has a well-earned reputation as an expert on indigenous hunting and fishing techniques, having spent years researching the subject in the United States and Europe. For just as long Hamilton has been entertaining and educating people with his meticulously crafted portrayal of one of Maine’s native people from the time when Europeans first came to these shores. Hamilton has been featured on the History Channel and in numerous documentaries. He will appear in full traditional Native dress, displaying his collection of hunting and fishing tools and explaining their use.

Gus Konitzky is an historian and reenactor who specializes in early Colonial Maine history. He has made an in-depth study of the Maine fishing camps of the 17th Century and has assembled an historically accurate collection of tools, clothing and equipment. He will be demonstrating European techniques of cleaning, flaking and drying fish — using real cod —  as it was done 400 years ago.

“Fisheries Past” will run from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m., July 20 and Aug. 18, and is open to anyone with general museum admission. Museum members are  free of charge. This program is made possible through a grant from the Maine Humanities Council.General admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, 65 and over, and $9 for students with ID and those under 17. Children under 4 are free.

Maine Maritime Museum is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage through gallery exhibits, an historic shipyard, educational programs, a research Library, and narrated excursions along area waterways. Founded in 1962, the museum is nestled along the Kennebec River in Bath, “The City of Ships” and provides a unique experience to visitors of all ages from around the world. The museum is located at 243 Washington St., and is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is free for members with general admission charged for all others. Call (207) 443-1316 or visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org for more information.

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