This webpage is dedicated to exploring the stories of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells and Arundel. It is a work in progress with new research and resources added often, thanks to dedicated research volunteers and staff. If you have ideas for what should be included, please contact us at info@brickstoremuseum.org.
Free & Enslaved People of Color in Kennebunk Database
This database has been thoroughly researched and painstakingly organized using the limited records that exist documenting the lives of Black, Indigenous and Peoples of Color who lived here in our region up to the end of the 19th century. In some cases, we have been able to use primary resources to tell their personal stories. For others, their lives remain a mystery due to lack of record-keeping at the time. New information is continuously sought and will be updated once vetted. The Brick Store Museum is dedicated to researching the lives and impacts of these individuals.
Research Articles & Highlights
Beyond the BIPOC Database, let’s explore the lives of those listed here. This section will be updated with new stories and research notes thanks to lead researcher Bill Grabin and other guest writers.
Questions? Contact us at info@brickstoremuseum.org
Sheppard Bourn – a Story of Impressment at Sea
Sheppard Bourn was the son of Salem and Peggy. His father Salem (DOB 1755) had been enslaved by John Bourne (1708-1788), the “ancestor of all the Bourne families in Wells and Kennebunk”[1] and a major shipbuilder. “A great many vessels of all sizes were built by him, on the Webhannet, Mousam and Kennebunk Rivers. He continued in the business more than fifty years. Most of his sons were educated to the same profession.”[2] Salem Bourne served in the Revolutionary War in 1778, and married Peg in 1784. Sheppard was born in Wells on May 2, 1787. He was married to […]
The First Enslaved Person in Arundel
The First Enslaved Person in “Arundel” was paid for by the Town. “In August 1729, the town by their vote dismissed Mr. Eveleth from his relation to them as a Minister, and he ceased preaching. In the beginning of the next year Mr. Thomas Prentice was engaged as a preacher, received a regular call in June, and was ordained in November following. At this time a Church was duly organized.”[1] Prentice was “the first settled minister in town.”[2] This was the town of Arundel, what is now Kennebunkport. More specifically, it was in the settled area that is now Cape […]