On Saturday, August 12 at 7 p.m,. author Ann M. Little will discuss her research and writing on her book, The Many Captivities of Esther Wheelwright at The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit in Wells.
The capture of young Esther Wheelwright in a 1703 raid on Wells by French and Indian forces is a legendary event in the history of the town and region. On view in the Historical Society’s Meetinghouse Museum is a reproduction of the portrait of Esther Wheelwright, painted in oil on canvas by an unidentified artist circa 1763.
The original hangs in the galleries of The Massachusetts Historical Society. This portrait depicts Esther Wheelwright who was born in Wells, Maine, and became an Ursuline nun who went by the name Mère Marie-Joseph de l’Enfant-Jésus.
The library and archives of the Historical Society contains several books on Esther Wheelwright’s story as she was the great-granddaughter of the first Reverend of the Meetinghouse, John Wheelwright.
In The Many Captivities of Esther Wheelwright, Ann M. Little reveals a woman who, “but for an accident of fate…would have grown up to marry, bear children, and die like her sisters as a mostly forgotten woman.”
Instead, Little writes, “she lives as a Wabanaki girl, a French Canadian student, and an Ursuline nun in Québec… By following in her footsteps and observing the worlds around her, we can learn from Esther Wheelwright a great deal about early North America.
Ann M. Little is a Professor in the History Department at Colorado State University.
This early evening program will take place in the Meetinghouse Museum building in a beautiful light-filled space in the Gothic Revival style with original features from 1862, such as the pews and wood floors.
Light refreshments will be offered in a pop up café from the Bistro at R&R Chocolates of Wells. The suggested donation is $5.
Those interested are asked to call or email to reserve a seat at info@wohistory.org or call 646-4775.
The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit is at 938 Post Road in Wells.
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