Did you know that Rockland was once a hotbed of labor radicalism where lime workers and granite cutters founded revolutionary unions? Did you know the Socialist Party of Maine was established in Rockland? And did you know that three sisters launched the first society in Maine dedicated to universal suffrage for both women and African Americans? Join Andy O’Brien for an exciting presentation on the history of Rockland’s notorious troublemakers in the 19th and early 20th centuries who fought for equality and justice for all.

Andy O’Brien is the communications director of the Maine AFL-CIO and the former managing editor of The Free Press. He is a former member of the Maine State Legislature, and he is a regular contributor to Mainer News Cooperative, Amjambo Africa, and the Maine Beacon.

This event will take place exclusively in the library’s Community Room; the Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union Street. Following the program, we will adjourn to the Rockland Historical Society Museum for lemonade, cookies, and conversation. For more information, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov by 5 p.m. on July 19.