CAMDEN — How many people have passed the Joshua Chamberlain statue near Camden Public Library without noticing the crack on his leg? Ever consider that the amphitheatre shrubbery mimicking open stage curtains with a view over Camden Harbor may not be coincidence?

Chamberlain’s statue originally sat on Mountain Street, until one day when the cold metal of a truck unceremoniously made its acquaintance. Along with the statue’s restoration, it was moved away from the direct line of traffic.

The view from the amphitheatre is a resourceful use of nature's perfect backdrop, a design tactic used by many production houses of the era when it was built. The fact that most audience members today don’t see the backdrop behind the performers is because performances are not set up as the original designer intended.

In the designer’s mindset, the audience sits on the tiered rocks looking down on the actors in the bowl. However, as tour guide Dave Jackson pointed out, the seating area makes for a great stage.

These anecdotes, and many more, allow for an intriguing historical review of the library and its surrounding landmarks, as well as the Village Green next to the 100-year-old post office (formerly the old library) on Elm Street.

This condensed history is part of the free Camden Public Walking Tours, which commence every Friday at 4 p.m. in the children's garden of the library. The hour-plus tour takes tourists and locals to the top floor of the library before circling down to the theater grounds for quick lessons of the outside features.

Jackson and Amy Rollins do not try to talk as they walk; instead, they stop in an open space and wait for the line of listeners to gather around. The tour is relaxed enough to allow questions.

And, as life happens, it does so regardless of scheduled tour groups. This past Friday's group tromped passed a wedding party just under the library's east wall, and the rehearsal for a Shakespearean production upon the sitting stones.

At the Village Green, the group said goodbye to the library portion, and entered the Opera House, climbing in style up the carpeted grand staircase, though elevators are also available. In the room decorated by Kay Tucker, the group sat for a brief slide show of historical pictures and facts presented by a volunteer tour guide.

Then everyone was up again, standing on stage or sitting in seats to inhale the mystique of yesteryear as it mingles with the freshness of modern day performances.

Those who wish to stay just a little longer are allowed to see a couple other rooms within the 120-year-old Opera House where old combines with new.

Tour members, whether they knew it or not, placed themselves in the timeline of Opera House history between the performances of yesterday — Fred Gwynn, John Legend, Seth Meyer — and today’s entertainment — Luis Caracol Trio, Bob Marley, Suzy Bogguss.

The Opera House, now home to the Camden International Film Festival, Camden International Film Festival Selects, and Winterfest is always looking for volunteers.

Click here for more information on the Camden Opera House.

Click here for more information on the Camden Walking Tours.