"The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham & Windham, Maine" to Air on Maine Public Television

A documentary, produced by Saco River Community Media's Executive Director Patrick Bonsant (former Gorham Community Access Media Specialist) and Gorham Community Access Media (GoCAM) Manager Georgia Humphrey, will reveal the little known, but consequential story of the Towns of Gorham and Windham's history. Gunpowder mills once served as a major employer and an integral contributor to the Union troops during the U.S. Civil War.

In The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham & Windham, Maine, Patrick and Georgia take viewers on a journey back in time. Not long after Maine was incorporated as a state in 1820, the mills were established along the banks of the Presumpscot River. Based on late author and University of Southern Maine chemistry professor Dr. Maurice Whitten's book The Gunpowder Mills of Maine, the story emphasizes the process of making gunpowder and the people who worked in the mills under dangerous conditions for 81 years.

Of the collaboration, Patrick shared that Georgia "conducted the most essential documentary interview featured in the film in the GoCAM studio. Georgia was also instrumental in gathering valuable footage and archival materials, including a critical scene of the late Dr. Maurice Whitten, the respected author of the book, adapted into a documentary. Georgia also "lent her smooth narrative voice to the documentary."

The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham & Windham, Maine will air on Maine Public Television on Thursday, August 31 at 9pm and Saturday, September 2 at 2pm. Congratulations to Patrick and Georgia on this achievement!