Maine's Lobster Industry
From the Indigenous Period to the Present
June 18, 2025 - 7pm
Bath Freight Shed and Zoom
Seth Goldstein
Today, the Maine lobster is a global icon, but historically, the crustacean was considered a trash food by many. Historian Seth Goldstein, of the South Portland Historical Society, will trace the lobster fishery from its important role in the diet of the Wabanaki to its current status as a multimillion-dollar industry. The presentation shows how fishing methods and technology changed as the fishery grew and how the market for lobster has transformed over the years. The lecture concludes with a discussion of where the fishery finds itself today and some of the challenges it faces.
This is the third of the 2025 Summer Lecture Series. The lectures are held on Wednesday evenings at the Bath Freight Shed (27 Commercial St, Bath Maine) and on Zoom. The recording is available below and on YouTube.
The lectures are free, but if you consider them valuable, please donate to Maine’s First Ship either in person or online.
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 Director of the Cushing’s Point Museum at Bug Light Park and Director of Development for the South Portland Historical Society.