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Declaration of Independence Statewide Tour
Join Maine Historical Society and partners throughout Maine to celebrate America’s 250th. MHS is taking our rare copy of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence–printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 just hours after ratification–to museums, libraries, and other organizations in all 16 counties in Maine.
UMF/Emery Community Arts Center Tour Schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 2, 2026: 12:00pm-6:00pm – RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026: 10:00am-6:30pm – RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET
This is your opportunity to see this treasured national document, learn about Maine’s role in the American Revolution, reflect on our founding principles, and participate in the 250th in deeply local, meaningful ways. Wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a shared moment–one that sparks curiosity, inspires pride, and connects Maine’s past to its present.
For more information about the Maine Historical Society and the Revolutionary Maine: America at 250 exhibit, follow this link : https://www.mainehistory.org/revolutionary-maine/
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Local Events & Special Programs
Join Emery Community Arts Center, Farmington Public Library, Farmington Historical Society and Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 in a series of local events and special programs during September and October in conjunction with the Revolutionary Maine: America at 250 exhibit.
September Events
9/1/26-10/31/26: American History Community Reading Challenge
Farmington Public Library
An all ages challenge to read books that engage in American History! Read books of any kind that are related to American History to learn something new and win prizes. All genres and formats accepted – listen to an audiobook, read a graphic novel, pick up that historical fiction book you’ve been eyeing, or check out that biography that looks interesting. As long as it’s related to American History, it counts! Sign up at the Farmington Public Library anytime in September and October and start logging your reading. Funds for American History collection development and Reading Challenge prizes provided by the Maine State Library’s Revolutionary Maine Commemoration Grant.
9/26/26: Reading by Anna Crowley Redding, author of Rescuing the Declaration of Independence
10:00am, Farmington Public Library, 10:00am
The Farmington Public Library is excited to welcome children’s author and journalist, Anna Crowley Redding, for a special event on September 26th! Redding will read from her 2020 book, Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words that Built America, and lead creative activities with the audience. Each child who attends the event will receive a free copy of the featured book.
Before diving into the deep end of writing for children, Anna Crowley Redding’s first career was as an Emmy-award winning investigative television reporter, anchor, and journalist. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow awards and recognized by the Associated Press for her reporting, Redding now focuses her stealthy detective skills on digging up great stories for kids — which, as it turns out, is her true passion.
This event is supported by the Revolutionary Maine Commemoration Grant, awarded by the Maine State Library.
October Events
10/1/26: Panel Discussion, “Perspectives on the Declaration of Independence”
5:00pm, Emery Performance Space
Join us for a lively panel discussion and Q&A featuring Dr. Michael Schoeppner, Dr. James Melcher, and Carolyn Kinney (UMF ‘26), moderated by Dr. Linda Beck. Presenters will offer insights and perspectives on the Declaration of Independence from the fields of history and political science. Audience members are encouraged to bring questions for the panel. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. (Please note that the Revolutionary Maine: America at 250 exhibit will not be open during the panel discussion.)
10/2/26: American Legion Post 28 Reception at Emery Community Arts Center
6:30pm-8:00pm, with remarks at 7:00pm
Please join the American Legion Post 28 for a festive reception celebrating the statewide tour of Revolutionary Maine: America at 250, at Emery Community Arts Center. This special exhibit features Maine Historical Society’s rare copy of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence–printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776 just hours after ratification. At 7:00pm, UMF President Joe McDonnell, Police Chief Ken Charles, and MHS Executive Director Steve Bromage will address the audience and speak about the exhibit and its significance. Following these remarks, the Boy Scouts will conduct a Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans. All are welcome, but please note that visitors will need to register online or at the door for a time ticket to see the exhibit during the reception. Exhibit tickets are free of charge. RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET to visit the exhibit during the American Legion Reception.