THOMASTON —  Patricia Sullivan, founder and chief operating officer of the Museum of Maritime Pets, will present An Introduction to Maritime Pets: Working and Companion Animals throughout History in a live event, Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m., at the Thomaston Public Library. The Cushing Public Library is co-sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public.

Animals have been going to sea since humans first launched boats. They have served as mascots, messengers, companions, pest controllers, hunters, rescuers, and workers.

The Museum is the only museum of its kind in the world, according to Thomaston Public Library, in a news release. Its mission is to foster an appreciation of animals living or working on or near the water, who collaborate with humans in times of peace and war. The Museum documents their contributions and promotes safe and humane treatment of these animals.

Patricia Sullivan received her B.A. and M.A. in History from the George Washington University. She managed three notable American historic house museums, including the Paul Revere House in Boston, and later became a consultant for the American Association of Museums and the Institute of Museum Services. She founded the Museum of Maritime Pets in 2006 after reviewing a number of concurrent exhibits around the world in 2006 focused on animals at sea. Her interest in this subject is a natural extension of her love of animals, and is grounded in her work as an historian and former museum administrator.

For further information, contact Wendy Roberts at wrobertsmaine63@gmail.com.