© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Story of Malaga Island, Maine

Photo montage by Kate Philbrick, 2009.

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Catie/Where%20We%20Live%2002-20-2013%20Seg%20C.mp3

The state of Maine has never been considered a “diverse” place - the population of blacks has always been less than one percent. And as you can imagine, this minority group hasn’t always been treated well. Today we'll talk to a radio producer who dug into the history of one very small mixed race community - 45 adults and children  - who lived on Malaga Island in Southern Maine, after the Civil War to the turn of the 20th century. 

In 1912, all 45 residents were kicked off the island by the state of Maine - an act motivated by economics, racism, eugenics and political retribution. The community was erased, and for generations descendants haven’t talked much about their history. They are only now beginning to speak up.

Rob Rosenthal explored this little-known history in an hour long documentary called Malaga Island: A Story Best Left Untold.

He’ll be at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford Thursday 2/21 at 7PM. 

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content