The 2018 selection for the Medford Public Library’s Community Read is “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks. This historical novel, set in Massachusetts in the 1660’s, tells the tale of Bethia Mayfield, a restless and curious young woman growing up amid a small band of English Puritans. At age 12, she meets Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the two forge a secret bond that draws each into the alien world of the other.

In this Community Read presentation, speaker Darius Coombs of Plimoth Plantation will talk about the Wampanoag’s 13- moon cycle and way of life that existed before the arrival of the Pilgrims interrupted Wampanoag culture. The talk will describe how European traders affected native culture, as well as major interactions with the Pilgrims and what these events mean to native people today. Coombs will also talk about Harvard University’s first native graduating class of 1665 which helped bring back the Wampanoag language.

Coombs,  a Mashpee Wampanoag, is known for his extraordinary dedication to sharing knowledge about Wampanoag cultural heritage. He has inspired the ongoing transformation of the interpretation and use of Plimoth Plantation’s Wampanoag Homesite. In 2014 he was chosen for the New England Museum Association Excellence ward.  Additionally, one of his ancestors was a classmate of Caleb’s at Harvard in the 17th century.