Maine's Capital Area

For over one hundred years, Camp Keyes has been known as the headquarters for the Maine National Guard in Augusta. But how did that site on the hill come to be chosen? Who is it named for? Who trained there, and why? Come listen as Captain Jonathan Bratten (historian for the Maine National Guard) answers those questions and describes the role that Camp Keyes has played in five different conflicts and for generations of Maine soldiers and airmen.

Our February speaker, Captain Jonathan Bratten is the Command Historian for the Maine National Guard. In this capacity, he has produced multiple articles on the history of Maine's soldiers, appearing in such publications as “The New York Times,” “The Washington Post,” “Army History,” “On Point,” and “Army Magazine.” He has also appeared in the Smithsonian Channel documentary, “Americans Underground: Secret Cities of World War I” and served as a historian in France for the Army’s World War I Centennial commemorations. Additionally, Captain Bratten is the commander of the 251st Engineer Company and a veteran of Afghanistan. He and his wife live in Portland, Maine.

The Kennebec Historical Society February Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted). The presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hope Baptist Church, located at 726 Western Avenue in Manchester.