FARMINGTON — Local author Luann Yetter will give a reading from her book, “Portland’s Past,” at Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Portland as “the beautiful town that is seated by the sea.” In her book, Yetter shares stories from its past that not only showcase its charm, but also illuminate its diverse history.

Portland naval officers battled pirates, and privateers confiscated Caribbean rum. And while at least one Portlander traded slaves, many others worked the Underground Railroad as staunch anti-slavery crusaders.

Yetter explores Portland from its beginning as a rugged outpost through its development into a quintessential New England seaport.

Yetter is also the author of “Franklin County Remembered” and wrote a local history column for the Lewiston Sun-Journal for 10 years. She has published dozens of articles for other regional publications, including Yankee and Down East.

Yetter, who holds a master’s degree from the University of New England (Portland), teaches writing and journalism at the University of Maine at Farmington, and regularly involves her students in local history research.

DDG Booksellers is at 193 Broadway. For more information on the reading/book signing, call 778-3454 or email info@ddgbooks.com.