Dale Potter-Clark Submitted photo
The Dr. Shaw Memorial Library and the Vienna Historical Society plan to co-host a book talk by local historian and author Dale Potter-Clark at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The event will be held at the library, 344 Pond Road in Mount Vernon.
Submitted photo
Potter-Clark will discuss her historical novel about the Underground Railroad, “Escape from Bunker Hill.” The book tells a story about a native Maine couple, Dr. Joseph and Myra Mitchell, who move to Jacksonville, Fla., to help enslaved people escape north. The story also follows four runaways as they pass through Portland, Hallowell, Manchester and Winthrop, among other towns and cities along 1,500 miles of the eastern seaboard on their perilous journey, according to a news release from Potter-Clark.
Potter-Clark was inspired when researching the Mitchells’ real home in Readfield. Evidence led her to suspect they’d been involved in the Underground Railroad.
“It is challenging to find proof that most anyone was involved in the secretive and dangerous movement,” said Potter-Clark. “So I did not find confirmation that Mitchells were — even after speaking to some of their descendants. But their story would not leave my head and this novel is the result.”
Many actual people, places and events of the day are included in the storyline, and a 35-page appendix provides more details about them.
Representatives from the historical society will take questions as will Potter-Clark after her book talk and reading. Copies of “Escape from Bunker Hill” will be available to purchase at the event.
For more information, call the library at 207-293-2565.
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