The Maine Historical Society and the University of Maine at Augusta will present an online screening of Lost Boundaries, a 1949 film, representing race in Mid-Century Maine, on November 12 at 7:00 pm. A discussion of the film follows with Dr. Ardis Cameron, USM Professor Emeritus.
Cost: Free and open to the public, however, registration is required.
Location: Online via Zoom, limited to 500 attendees
The University of Maine at Augusta and the Maine Historical Society present a screening of LOST BOUNDARIES (1949, Alfred Werker, director) followed by a facilitated discussion with University of Southern Maine Professor Dr. Ardis Cameron.
The film is based on William Lindsay White’s book of the same name and narrates the experiences of a black doctor who passes for white to work in a New England hospital. Based on the real story of a black family in early 20th century New England, LOST BOUNDARIES was filmed in Kittery and York, Maine, as well as parts of New Hampshire, and released in 1949.
Historically, this film is part of the movement that spawned socially conscious films in Hollywood in the 1930’s and 40s, but few such films directly addressed racism in New England. This film provides an opportunity to consider the larger context of racial politics in mid-century Maine and the significance of setting a story of racial “passing” in New England.
This event is part of University of Maine at Augusta’s bicentennial events exploring the artists, writers, and innovators who shaped and chronicled Maine’s mid-century cultural evolution. Maine’s Mid-Century Moment has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
What Do You Know campaign seeks your input.
Be a part of the celebration! Share your memories of Maine’s Mid-Century Moment through our What Do You Know campaign! Oral histories are an important part of any community. If you have a story about a mid-century individual or experience please share it with us via self-addressed stamped postcards disseminated at each event or online as we seek to illuminate the interconnectedness of the Maine experience at mid-century.
More information about National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor*.
*Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs, resources, and related websites, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.
The Maine Historical Society preserves the heritage and history of Maine: the stories of Maine people, the traditions of Maine communities, and the record of Maine’s place in a changing world. Because an understanding of the past is vital to a healthy and progressive society, we collect, care for, and exhibit historical treasures; facilitate research into family, local, state, and national history; provide education programs that make history meaningful, accessible and enjoyable; and empower others to preserve and interpret the history of their communities and our state.