The Canton Historical Society is hosting a presentation on “Maine and World War I” The speaker will be Capt. Jonathan D. Bratten of the Maine Army National Guard.

In 1917, 2,000 Mainers left their homes and families to “make the world safe for democracy.” Their travels took them directly into the heart of the Great War, where they proved that the best of the German Army was no match for the boys from Maine. Capt. Bratten will be discussing how the actions of Maine’s soldiers changed the course of World War I.

Capt. Bratten is an engineer officer in the Maine Army National Guard where he commands the 251st Engineer Company and serves as command historian. He holds a B.A. in history from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) and an M.A. in history from the University of New Hampshire. Capt. Bratten is a veteran of Afghanistan.

This event is free of admission and open to the public. The venue is handicap accessible. Refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The Canton Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization devoted to the preservation and celebration of Canton’s heritage and history.