Burnt into Memory: How Brownfield Faced the Fire

Drawing on interviews with townspeople, letters, photographs, and newspaper reports, Jo Radner tells the history of the furious 1947 wildfire that in a few hours destroyed almost all of the little town of Brownfield in western Maine. Neighbors fought and fled the fire, saving what they could and supporting one another, then returned to the devastated town to rebuild their community. In the Brownfield citizens’ own words, Jo Radner tells an epic story of terror, courage, generosity and hope. Friday 17 April 2026. 7:00 pm. UMF Emery Community Arts Center, $10 for adults. Free for UMF students. Community youth 18 and under also free through our Arts Inspire Youth fund. Tickets online at artsfarmington.org or at the door.