BRUNSWICK

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month, Pejepscot Historical Society is hosting a panel presentation on “The Creative Impulse in the Southern Midcoast,” on Wednesday, April 20, at 7 p.m. The program takes places in the Morrell Meeting Room at Curtis Memorial Library at 23 Pleasant St. in Brunswick.

Moderated by PHS Executive Director Larissa Vigue Picard, the panel looks at both the history of literary pursuit in the region and the contemporary atmosphere for writers to answer the question: Is the southern Midcoast a “golden zone” for creativity and, if so, why?

“Maine as a whole has a reputation for being a ‘writerly’ state and obviously there are many regions conducive to creative endeavor,” said Vigue Picard. “ But this area checks off a significant number of boxes when it comes to setting the stage for a creative life.”

The presentations will be kicked off by journalist Jim McCarthy, now a senior writer at Mainebiz, who worked at The Times Record for nearly two decades, including 10 years as managing editor. During his tenure at the Times Record, McCarthy interviewed numerous writers and other artists. An accomplished photographer, he will share photos he took of many of his subjects.

Panelists to follow include the acclaimed authors Jane Brox (“Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light and several memoirs”) and Ellen Cooney (“The Mountaintop School for Dogs and Other Chances and several historical novels”); fiction writer and longtime Longfellow Days committee member and former chair, Amy Waterman; and poet Pam Burr Smith (“ Heaven Jumping Woman”).

The program is $ 3 for PHS members and $5 general admission, payable at the door. A book sale and signing will follow the program.

Pejepscot Historical Society is a private, non-profit, educational organization charged with preserving the collective heritage of Brunswick, Harpswell, and Topsham. The Society owns and operates the Joshua L. Chamberlain House Museum and the Skolfield-Whittier House, both of which are open to the public Memorial Day- Columbus Day.

For information on other PHS programs, visit pejepscothistorical.org/events and follow PHS on Facebook and the @pejepscoths Twiter feed.