2014 Winter Education Series features talks on motorcycles, rail history and more

Owls Head, Maine - The Owls Head Transportation Museum is pleased to announce the schedule of speakers for our 2014 Winter Education Series. Each presentation begins at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to attend free of charge.

On April 12, our education series will be presented in conjunction with Maine Rail Group’s first Maine Rail Conference and Fair. While the presentation will begin at 1 p.m. the conference and fair will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is free to the public.

January 11           Jean Navarre: France’s Sentinel of Verdun
Author Jim Wilberg presents from his book of the same title, recounting the career of French World War I fighter pilot Jean Navarre, France’s first officially recognized ace.  Wilberg will have books on hand for purchase and signing following the program.

January 25           Deus Ex Machina
Join filmmaker and inventor Jack Churchill as he discusses innovations and advances in motorcycle technology.  Churchill’s focus will be on technology as driven from within the shop environment.  The program will feature a screening of the short film Deus Ex Machina as well as some of Churchill’s creations.

February 8          Maine Central 470 – Mascot of Maine
Members from the New England Steam Corporation will discuss the history, retirement and restoration of Maine Central Railroad’s last operating steam engine, Number 470.  The presentation will include details of the group’s plans to restore steam rail operations in Maine.

February 22        You Can’t Get There From Here
Historian George Barrett explores the evolution of roads, ferries and bridges in Maine beginning in the early 1900s.  Challenges such as river crossings before bridges and long distance travel over less than adequate road surfaces will be discussed.

March 8                Amelia Earhart: First Lady of the Air
Come celebrate International Women’s Day with Historical Character Reenactor, Jessa Piaia, who will present a one-person interpretation of pioneer aviatrix Amelia Earhart, one of the world’s most famous aviators and greatest mysteries.

April 12                21st century Steam and High Speed Rail in China Today
As part of the Maine Rail Group’s first Maine Rail Conference and Fair, Russ Barber will present an illustrated talk on the state of steam train technology in China.  The all-day Rail Conference will feature a variety of rail interests in Maine, from operational to historical.

April 26                Marine Engines of Maine
Join Penobscot Marine Museum Curator, Ben Fuller, as he chronicles the transition from sail and human powered vessels to internal combustion.  Maine was home not only to mariners but also the innovators and builders that drove the maritime industries.

Beginning January 1, 2014 regular Museum admission is $12 for adults 16 years and older, $10 for seniors 65 years and older and free for children and youth 15 and under.

For further information about the Winter Education Series please contact Public Relations Director Jenna Lookner at (207) 594-4418 or by email at jl@ohtm.org.