Orono, Maine embraces AWTT
Through a collaborative effort, the Town of Orono and RSU 26 will bring a community exhibition and presentation of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits, Oct. 2 through Nov. 8, 2023. Thirteen portraits will be displayed in a variety of spaces in the Orono area. These spaces will include retail businesses, banks, offices and community spaces. In addition to the portraits, biographies of the portrait subjects and information about the exhibit will be available.
A scavenger hunt component will encourage community members to visit all of the locations that display a portrait and encourage community conversations around topics of equity and inclusion.
There will also be a community showing of the documentary film Truth Tellers at the library on October 10th.
On Nov 1, Robert Shetterly will visit the three RSU 26 schools to talk about the project. And that evening, Shetterly will meet with portrait subjects Sherri Mitchell, Tim DeChristopher and Rachel Talbot Ross to discuss perspectives on activism and building connections. That panel discussion will take place at 6 p.m. in the Orono High School Performing Arts Center.
AWTT Education Director Connie Carter will speak with RSU 26 faculty on Oct. 6 to discuss how to enhance the education of Orono students by encouraging teachers to work the concepts and messages found in Americans Who Tell the Truth into their curricula.
The following portraits will be part of the exhibit:
- Doris “Granny D” Haddock
- Van Jones
- Pete Seeger
- Samantha Smith
- Emma Goldman
- Ida B. Wells
- Chief Joseph, Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it
- Fannie Lou Hamer
- Becci Ingram
- John Hunter
- Steve Ritz
- Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Bryan Stevenson
View online version of the portraits here
