Check Out the New Maine Working-Class History Instagram Page!

PHOTO: Blueberry rakers in a 1978 film about the Maine Blueberry Workers Association.

The late, great Maine labor historian Charlie Scontras used to lament that too many workers have no knowledge of the history of organized labor and the sacrifices workers before us made for fair wages, time off, workplace safety and the eight-hour day. That’s why he spent his career documenting the history of collective struggles of Maine workers. Fortunately, younger generations of Maine workers are carrying on Charlie’s legacy.

Members of the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union have launched the new “Maine Working-Class History” Instagram page to educate the public about Maine’s rich labor history with stories and videos about the Maine workers fought for dignity and fair treatment, from the first strike over wages and working conditions in North America on Richmond Island in 1636 to the Madawaska Rebellion of 1971. A recent post includes rare footage from a documentary about the Maine Blueberry Workers Association from the late 1970s.

In addition to the Instagram page, you can also follow Maine Working-Class History on Facebook and join our Maine Working-Class History Facebook group.