MDI Historical Society to Host 9th Annual Bean Supper and Bicentennial Talk January 23rd

You're invited to the 9th Annual Bean Supper on Thursday, January 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at MDI High School hosted by the MDI Historical Society. Guests will enjoy a traditional New England supper featuring a variety of beans baked by local community bakers accompanied by hot dogs, coleslaw, pickles, brown bread, cookies, and pies.

Following supper, Liam Riordan, Professor of History at the University of Maine, will present “Maine Statehood and the Bicentennial: The View from Mount Desert Island.” The illustrated presentation and discussion explores the long statehood process in Maine that culminated in 1820 with separation from Massachusetts.

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of Maine statehood. The struggle for statehood engaged a range of challenging public issues that still resonate with Mainers today. Professor Riordan will explore four themes including the sharp partisan conflict that divided Maine, the explosive place of slavery related to the Maine-Missouri crises, the status of Wabanaki sovereignty, and questions about the international border.

At the event you'll have the opportunity to meet the MDI Historical Society's new Executive Director, Raney Bench. Bench is replacing Tim Garrity who will become the Historian for the Society.  Both Bench and Garrity will be at the supper to meet and greet guests and talk about the bright future of the society.

Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults, available for purchase at the door. The supper begins at 6:00 pm followed by the 7:00 pm presentation. The Bean Supper is sponsored by Bar Harbor Hannaford and MDI High School.