Colony, Chapter I: Dawnland

Maine's path to statehood began long before you think it did.

Maine Events: Join the party at bicentennial celebrations across the Pine Tree State

Dances, concerts, exhibits, bean suppers, historical talks and a film festival are among the special events planned in Maine this year to mark the 200th anniversary of statehood.

The horrors of child labor is the focus of new Museum L-A exhibit

'All Work and No Play' exhibit opening Jan. 30 features photos by ground-breaking photographer and sociologist Lewis Hine.

On this date in Maine history: Jan. 6

Jan. 6, 1854: Novelist Sarah “Sally” Sayward Barrell Wood, known colloquially as “Madame Wood,” Maine’s first novelist and the first female American writer of gothic fiction, dies at the age of 95. She published four novels and a collection of stories, all under pseudonyms – either “A Lady,” “A Lady of Massachusetts” (when Maine was […]

On this date in Maine history: Jan. 4

Jan. 4, 1832: The Maine Legislature convenes in the newly completed Maine State House for the first time. The building, located on Weston’s Hill in Augusta, took three years to erect and is built of Hallowell granite. Despite its completion, Portland officials try for decades to convince the Legislature to move the state capital to […]

On this date in Maine history: Jan. 3

Jan. 3, 1787: A fourth convention about a proposal to separate Maine from Massachusetts is held. An “Address to the People” about Maine residents’ grievances had drawn a 645-349 vote in favor of separation, but the total vote count was a tiny minority of those citizens eligible to vote, and they came from only 32 […]

On this date in Maine history: Jan. 2

On this date in Maine history: Jan. 1

In 19th century, Maine’s statehood became inevitable

In this bicentennial year, a crowded schedule of events highlights history and identity as the state celebrates its 200th birthday.

It’s Maine’s 200th anniversary of statehood, and the party begins

Gov. Janet Mills visits Portland and 3 other communities via helicopter to launch a 15-month celebration of Maine's bicentennial.