Learn the history of Baker Island from the locals, lightkeepers, rusticators, schoolteachers who lived on the island and their descendants in this first history of Baker Island, “Images of America: Baker Island.” Cornelia Cesari, the author of the book, as well as a part-time resident of Baker Island, will be at the Jesup Memorial Library on Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. for the launch of the book.
The book covers the history of Baker Island, from its settlement in 1806, its use by the U.S. Government as a location for a lighthouse as well as a Signal Service facility, to its popularity with rusticators, to its decline and subsequent revival. Baker Island’s population peaked at two dozen people but these 123 acres, mostly part of Acadia National Park, are special to many people. Cesari says she wrote her book because there was not a history of Baker Island, “The truth is, I wrote the book because I wanted to read it, but it didn't exist. So I had to write it first.”
Cesari is the president of the board of the Keepers of Baker Island, which is an organization whose mission is to preserve, protect, and promote stewardship of Baker Island's natural and cultural resources, for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of visitors, now and in the future. She splits her time between Baker Island and Vermont.
Books will be on sale that night courtesy of co-sponsor Sherman’s Books and the talk is co-sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. There will be a reception before the talk. For more information contact the Jesup at 207-288-4245 or mrice@jesuplibrary.org.
