Black Salts: African American Sailors in Maine and New England

There is a long and storied tradition of Black sailors in Maine and New England. People of African heritage also worked in related shore-side industries such as longshoremen, blacksmiths and sailmakers. Maritime historian Seth Goldstein will share stories of Black mariners across time, starting with the African roots of Black sailors and progressing up to WWII. Participants will learn why the occupation of sailor was so significant to formation of Portland’s Black community and how this community participated in the activities of the Underground Railroad.

Seth Goldstein grew up on Cape Cod where he developed his passion for maritime history. He received his bachelor’s degree in European History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and his master’s degree in World History from Northeastern University. His research interests include the historic North Atlantic fishery, global piracy, New England shipwrecks and lighthouses, the whaling industry and Maine’s connection to Atlantic World African enslavement. He has worked for Greater Portland Landmarks and the Portland Harbor Museum. Seth is affiliated with the Atlantic Black Box Project, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and sharing New England’s marginalized history. He has taught at the University of New England, Southern Maine Community College and the Maine College of Art and Design. He is currently the museum and development director for the South Portland Historical Society.