The Unlikeliness of It All, Part 1: An Insider's Perspective: A Small Maine Town's History of Resilience, Transformation, Collaboration, Immigration, and its Global Singularity

Recorded December 7, 2021 - Phil Nadeau discusses his new book, The Unlikeliness of It All in a program with Maine Historical Society. A Lewiston native and city official of almost two decades, Nadeau's book offers unique insight into 150 years of the complex political, cultural, and socioeconomic landscape that influenced how the city was formed, how it was shaped by the French Canadian immigrant community, and how it responded to the arrival of Somali refugees in 2001 and 2002. Nadeau uncovers little known and new information regarding notable historic moments and people through a thoughtful a careful examination of historical details and explains how the city's "global singularity" began with a world championship fight and why the eyes of the world remained fixated on this small Maine town's new Somali residents, a mayor's letter, and a rally against hate that drew over 4,000 people. Purchase the book from the MHS Store.