READFIELD — Maranacook Adult and Community Education will host two historical presentations in April by local historian Dale Potter-Clark.

The first, “Early Religion in Readfield,” will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 23, in the Senior Cafe, Maranacook Middle High School Cafeteria.

Readfield was settled years ahead of the War of Independence and before the U.S. Constitution assured religious freedom. In those days the Congregational Church and Puritan lifestyle still prevailed. It was not long, however, before Baptist, Methodist and other evangelists and missionaries came into this back country and converted many residents. Still later the Universalists appeared. Early Readfield became a hotbed of free thinkers, movers and shakers.

Potter-Clark will share information about the coming of early religions in Readfield, which was on the missionary circuit in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Methodists, Baptists, Universalists and even the Shakers impacted Readfield in its earliest days.

The second program, “Patriots of the Revolutionary War,” will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Maranacook Adult and Community Education, Maranacook Community High School.

Soon after the first shot was fired at Lexington 243 years ago, 19 men from Winthrop, ages 14 to 46, picked up arms and marched off to fight for independence; others soon followed. Some had also fought in the French & Indian War. Several of them were living in the part of Winthrop that later became Readfield (1791) and North Manchester (1850). Over the years more than 90 Patriots lived in Readfield alone and many are buried here.

In this presentation the audience will hear some of their stories. A $12.50 registration fee will help support a “Museum in the Streets” project in Readfield.

FMI on MACE or the Senior Cafe: contact Susan Simons or Nicole Cushing or at 207-685-4923, ext. 1065.

FMI on presentations: contact Dale Potter-Clark, crossings4u@gmail.com or call 207-441-9184.