By using stories to celebrate our past and present, we hope to build the mutual respect and understanding our community needs to address future challenges.
By using stories to celebrate our past and present, we hope to build the mutual respect and understanding our community needs to address future challenges.
Featured Stories
Bill Perkins
In a March 14, 2026 conversation at the Small Point Baptist Church, Bill Perkins, whose family has lived on Cox’s Head since 1808, talked about his father (Everett C. Perkins - the “Grandpa Moses of Maine”) as well as his lifelong love of the circus. After retiring as a Massachusetts policeman, Everett moved back to the family homestead and took up oil painting. Without formal instruction, he produced dozens of increasingly accomplished paintings on the walls of his historic home, scraps of wood, cheap artboard, and eventually canvas, that captured his childhood memories of life on the Kennebec.
Phippsburg Boatbuilders
Bob Keyes uses a series of Zoom calls to discuss legendary Phippsburg boatbuilders Charlie Gomes and Alton Wallace. Panelists include writer, musician, sailor, and newly appointed Harbormaster Peter Blachly; Bob’s brother Jon Keyes, a boatbuilder; and Gordon Moore, a Phippsburg sailor and admirer of both builders. The session was originally held in August 2025 as part of the Phippsburg Historical Society’s annual meeting.
Terry Watson
In a conversation on February 14, 2026 at the Small Point Baptist Church, Terry Watson, a lifelong Phippsburger and the purveyor, with his wife Sally, of clams “purged to perfection,” will share his story of how he became the Clam Hunter. For over 50 years, Terry has been clamming in the intertidal flats of our working waterfront peninsula and most recently growing oysters, gathering a wealth of knowledge about the Maine coast, its shellfish, ecosystems, economy, and people. Come prepared to learn what it’s like to spend your life between water and sky, harvesting the bounty of the sea, and working to preserve a biodiverse marine ecosystem and stable economy for future generations. The conversation was moderated by Bob Keyes (Colby College).
John Morse
In a conversation on January 10, 2026 at the Totman Public Library, local resident and business owner John Morse discussed the history of the Phippsburg tide mills and the role and importance of community in preserving local history and culture. He shared some background on the development of the local lumber business, how it evolved over the years, how technology has affected it, and where we are today. The conversation was moderated by Bob Keyes (Colby College).
We'll add more stories as we curate and edit them.