The mid-coast island of Monhegan is celebrating a significant milestone: A parade and ceremony today honored the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the English adventurer and explorer Captain John Smith - he of Pocohontas fame. Smith, of course, had already established his credentials as a colonizer a few years earlier, when he was instrumental in setting up the Jamestown settlement in Virginia.
Monhegan is a tiny island, about 10 miles from the coastal town of Port Clyde. It has fewer than 100 residents year-round, but draws thousands of tourists to its shores, particularly in the summer months. Today's celebrations included a visit by Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King. Maine Things Considered host talks with Tara Hire, the first assessor for Monhegan Plantation who also serves as assistant curator at the Monhegan Historical and Cultural Museum.