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The Quest for Quebec: Benedict Arnold's March Through Maine

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About this event

In the first year of the American Revolution, exactly 250 years ago this fall, a bold plan to attack the British-held stronghold of Quebec was put into action. The leader of the expedition was Benedict Arnold and the route went right through the District of Maine. The bateaux to be used were built and launched into the Kennebec next to the Colburn House, now a State Historic Site in nearby Pittston. If Quebec fell, French Canadians, defeated only a dozen years before, would naturally join with the colonists against their old enemy. What could go wrong?

In this four-week course, we will examine why the plan to storm that fortified citadel was proposed, how, when, and where it was carried out, and why it took such a disastrous turn. We will look at the short- and long-term consequences of the failed mission for the American colonists, for Arnold himself, and for the course of history in general. The course will include a visit to the Colburn House.

Instructor Jayne Gordon has taught many courses for Senior College including The American Revolution Revisited, Dilemmas of Democracy, History and Memory, Maine in 1820, and the history and literature of Walking. A public historian and educator for more than 50 years, she was the former Director of Education and Public Programs of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and ran NEH-supported institutes for teachers on the beginning of the American Revolution. She first encountered the Quebec debacle reading the novel Arundel.

Members must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to register for this course.
We will follow the current mask policy of the course site.

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Date and Time

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9:30 AM until Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 11:00 AM

Location

Saint Andrew's Church
11 Glidden St
Newcastle
USA

Event is full

Event Contact(s)

Jayne Gordon
Instructor

Registration Info

Registration is closed - Event is full

Payment In Full In Advance Only

You must be an active CSC member to register for this course.

Registration cancellations will be accepted until Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:45 PM

Cancellation Policy:

A member may cancel a course registration up to 3 days prior to the start of class and will receive a course credit that can be used for a future registration. No refunds will be given.

Capacity

32 Total Slots

Event is full - Waitlist available