The Maine Historical Society in Portland will celebrate its state’s 200th anniversary with an exhibit that tells the story of becoming Maine from the perspectives of the Wabanaki, Acadians, African Americans, and English-speaking people.
Until 1820, Maine was part of Massachusetts. The District of Maine had been on the frontier of the quickly growing United States, strategically situated between Europe, Canada, and the US Eastern seaboard.
Called State of Mind: Becoming Maine, the exhibit will explore the state’s path to statehood: separation from Massachusetts, economic growth, changing demographics, and how entry into the Union as a free state was pivotal in the debate over slavery and development of the nation.
The exhibit, running from March 13, 2020 to January 30, 2021, will feature manuscripts and items related to statehood, historic maps, and contemporary artwork.
Learn more on Maine Memory Network, the society’s digital museum with resources from 270 Maine organizations.
Exhibit entrance fees, opening hours, and location are available on the society’s website.
