The Berwind Mutiny with Tim Garrity and Jaylene Roths In-Person / Online

Tim Garrity and Jaylene Roths will talk about one of the worst cases of mutiny and mass murder in American maritime history, on board the Berwind, captained by Edwin Rumill of Pretty Marsh. This fascinating story includes Rumill's history on MDI, conditions on board the Berwind, what happened on the fateful day, and the course of events after the "mutineers" were captured.

In Garrity's article in Chebacco: The Maritime Edition, he writes: "Of all the stories we tell about Mount Desert Island's histories, the Berwind mutiny is one of the lesser knowns, appearing rarely in published work or media produced for the tourist trade. The subject's obscurity is surprising since the episode illustrates so well the hardships endured by mariners and their families at home. The tale of the Berwind is also rare among Mount Desert Island stories in that it features men of color, whose lives at sea were especially difficult and became more so if they fell into the hands of the criminal justice system." 

Jaylene Roths has spent decades studying the fallout of the mutiny on Captain Rumill's family living on MDI. His widow and children struggled to piece together a life and income in the absence of Captain Rumill, and Roths' work interviewing decendents provide unique insight into their strength and resiliency.

Sponsored by the Mount Desert Island Historical Society, Great Harbor Maritime Museum, and Northeast Harbor Library. Free and open to the public.

Due to space limitations, registration is recommended. The program will be recorded for later viewing on our website.