FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016
Contact: Kristen Muszynski
207-626-8404

Maine State Archives hosting National Archives display "The Bill of Rights and You"

AUGUSTA ? The Maine State Archives is hosting an exhibit from the National Archives of the United States, commemorating the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, a document regarded as essential to the foundation of American government.

?The Bill of Rights and You? exhibit spotlights one of the most remarkable periods in American history, explores the origins of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution (collectively known as the Bill of Rights), and illustrates how each amendment protects U.S. citizens.

The exhibit is on display in the Maine State Archives lobby through the end of February 2017. The Maine State Archives has prepared a video presentation to accompany the national exhibit, highlighting items in the Archives? holdings that relate directly to the fundamental rights of citizenship.

Visitors can also try their hand at making a Colonial-style signature by signing a Bill of Rights ratification scroll as part of the exhibit.

?The Bill of Rights and You? is organized by the National Archives and Records Administration and provided to the Maine State Archives by the National Archives Traveling Exhibits Service (NATES). This exhibition was developed in collaboration with the National Archives? National Outreach Initiative to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights.

The exhibition is presented in part by AT&T, Seedlings Foundation, and the National Archives Foundation.

The Maine State Archives is located in the Cultural Building, 230 State St., across from the statehouse in Augusta and is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.