[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZKtBMd2KrA]

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network has produced a wonderful series entitled, “The Story of Maine.”  The YouTube video above shows Part I of Program 3 in the series, “They Came  By Sea.”  (You can download the entire broadcast here.)

This was particularly interesting to me with deep roots in Mount Desert Island, Maine, where my 5th Great Grandfather, Capt. Benjamin B. Stanwood, was born.  The sea was a way of life for many in that region, whether supporting their families by fishing, boat building, sailing, or as in the case of Benjamin, as ship’s captain.  The video showed how many wives would take their children and join their husbands on board.  I wonder if Benjamin’s wife, Margaret (Wasgatt) Stanwood, was one of those adventuresome types, sailing abroad, or did she stay home with their children?   Another question to ponder in my ancestral search!