Friends of Acadia, the 1932 Criterion Theatre, and Somes Pond Center invite the public for an evening with award-winning writer, producer, and historian Dayton Duncan on Monday, September 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is part of the Acadia National Park Centennial celebration.

Dayton Duncan was the writer and co-producer of the 2009 documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, a six-episode series by filmmaker Ken Burns. Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales — from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

Portions of the documentary will be screened, with an emphasis on Acadia, followed by a Q & A with Mr. Duncan.

“Acadia was the first national park east of the Mississippi, and the first ever created from land donated to the nation by private citizens,” Mr. Duncan said about the upcoming event, “beginning a tradition of philanthropy and the parks that continues to this day. It's an inspiring story about an inspiring and beautiful place, and I'm looking forward to being back in Acadia to help celebrate its centennial."

Mr. Duncan last appeared on stage at the 1932 Criterion, together with Ken Burns, for a sold-out preview event in advance of the documentary’s premiere on public television in 2009. In addition, that premiere was simulcast at the Criterion to an enthusiastic audience.

Tickets are $6 and seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased online at www.criteriontheatre.org or at the box office starting at 4:30 p.m. the day of the event.