Gunnar Hansen who died in 2015, was known for his role in the popular film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, in addition to being a multi-dimensional man.  Locally on Mount Desert Island, he was known as an historian, with several books and films to his name.  In 2013 the Jesup hosted Hansen when his book Chainsaw Confidential was published.  Some people attended because of his acting, some because of his work in history and writing, some for his local history film-making, and others who just knew him as a friend. That presentation allowed all who participated to know him as a complete human being. 

 Join three speakers at the Jesup for a retrospective discussion about Hansen’s life during a hybrid talk on Thursday October 27th at 7 p. m.

 The speakers include:

 Betty Tower, who was Hansen’s partner and worked in the tourism industry in Las Vegas, Nevada for 37 years. She moved to Mount Desert Island after meeting Gunnar Hansen in 2002.  She retired from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in 2021 where she worked as a personal banker.

Ann Flewelling, a friend of Hansen’s, who worked in the hospitality industry in Southern California and pursued her passion in the horror genre of film and filmmaking.  Ann's friendship with Hansen, whom she met in 2002, introduced her to Maine and Mount Desert Island, and led her to relocate here in 2017.

Jeff Dobbs was his historical film-making partner. He met Hansen at Geddy’s Bar in Bar Harbor in the late 1970’s and their friendship led to film collaborations on several historical documentaries about this area, a couple of its famous boat builders, and Maine’s Passamaquoddy Tribe.

There will be a small book sale before the program which will include books from Gunnar Hansen’s collection that were donated to the Jesup Library by Betty Tower. Books will be for sale by donation with a few select titles already priced.

This program will be held in person, as well as Zoom.