The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is pleased to present a public lecture by historian, James Kences following our Annual Meeting.
During the American Revolutionary War era, York, Maine — then part of Massachusetts — was a small yet active coastal town deeply involved in the struggle for independence. Rather than remaining a passive bystander, York actively resisted British taxation policies, most notably staging its own tea protest in 1774 akin to the Boston Tea Party. Throughout the war, many local men enlisted in the Continental Army and fought in critical campaigns such as Saratoga and operations near Philadelphia. Though York avoided being attacked and burned like nearby Falmouth (now Portland) in 1775, the seacoast town remained on high alert throughout the conflict, contributing vital troops and unwavering support to the Patriot cause. Join us to discover the rich history, brave local patriots, and forgotten stories that shaped our region’s revolutionary legacy!
EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Public Lecture Starts: 4:00 PM
Address: Historical Museum, 505 Main Street, Springvale
The museum is handicapped accessible.
FREE ADMISSION
Sign up at revolutionary-war-in-york-maine.eventbrite.com
Admittance to this event is FREE to the public, although donations are always welcomed. Signing up in advance is not required but does help us prepare for the number of attendees. For questions, please call 207-490-1028 or email info@sanfordhistory.org.
This lecture is generously supported and sponsored by: Harry A. Mapes Charitable Trust.
GUEST SPEAKER
James Kences is an accomplished freelance history column writer for Seacoast Online. He is the Town Historian of York, Maine; a former reenactor and has run educational workshops at the York Public Library. Mr. Kences earned a bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst in Anthropology. He has received numerous awards and recognitions such as the 2022 York, Maine, Spirit of America Foundation Tribute; The Baxter Prize from the Maine Historical Society, and citizen of the year award in York, Maine in 2017.