A True Hero: History of a Maine-Built Research Vessel

Posted April 08, 2021

The library is pleased to welcome back maritime historian Charles H. Lagerbom on Tuesday, April 13, at 6:00 pm for a slideshow talk about a rugged little research vessel called Hero. The program will explore the story and impact of this important piece of Maine maritime history. To request a link to join in this presentation via Zoom, please email [email protected].

The wooden R/V Hero was built by Harvey Gamage in 1968 for the National Science Foundation. It played a major role in the history of U.S. involvement in the Antarctic and Cape Horn waters throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. It is one of the few remaining examples of Maine-built wooden ship construction from the Harvey Gamage Shipyard of South Bristol, Maine, and is an important link between Maine and polar exploration. Lagerbom's talk will delve into Hero's construction and reveal a fascinating history of science accomplishment.

Charles H. Lagerbom received his MA in History and Archaeology at the University of Maine with the research and excavation of a Revolutionary War truckhouse on the Penobscot River. An avid scuba diver, he has organized underwater surveys of ship remains in Maine lakes as well as the 1779 Penobscot Expedition and the 17th Century English galleon Angel Gabriel off Pemaquid. He worked in Antarctica with glacial geology research teams from UM Quaternary Institute, now Climate Change Institute.

Lagerbom is a published author who has written, lectured, and given presentations on board cruise ships, sailing vessels, and ashore. He covers topics related to history, life, politics, and science of Antarctica, Cape Horn, Maine whaling, and colonial Maine and New England maritime history. Lagerbom teaches AP US History at Belfast Area High School and makes his home on the coast of Maine.

This program is part of the library's Maritime Month series, and is generously sponsored by Camden Riverhouse Hotel & Inn. For more information on this and other library programs, visit librarycamden.org.