Donald Soctomah Reading & Booksigning of “Remember Me: Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Roosevelt” is July 20th at Calais Bookshop
Passamaquoddy historian, Donald Soctomah, will read and sign his new children’s book, “Remember Me: Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Roosevelt” on Monday, July 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Calais Bookshop, 405 Main St. Beautifully illustrated by Maine artist, Mary Beth Owens, and co-authored with Jean Flahive, the book tells the story of the special bond between a young Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tomah Joseph, the Passamaquoddy elder and former chief who made his living as a guide, birchbark canoe builder, and basketmaker.
Each summer Tomah Joseph would canoe from Peter Dana Point to Campobello where Franklin Roosevelt would stay at his family’s summer home. A master craftsman, Tomah Joseph’s work was later documented by the Museum of Anthropology at Brown University, in a book entitled History on Birchbark. The canoe he built for FDR can still be seen at Campobello as a symbol of their friendship. “Remember Me: Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Roosevelt” gives an insight into Passamaquoddy culture and tradition. For more information regarding this event, call Calais Bookshop, 454-0111.
Tags: Calais Bookshop, Donal Soctomah