FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2013
CONTACT: Melissa Couture
(207) 626-8400

*** Media Advisory***

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap to Speak to Machiasport Students about Maine’s Involvement in the American Civil War

Presentation is part of the Secretary of State’s Sesquicentennial for Schools Program

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AUGUSTA, Maine – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap will be speaking to students at Fort O’Brien Elementary School in Machiasport today, September 19, 2013 at 12pm.? He will discuss with students the impact that Maine had on the Civil War and the impact that the Civil War had on Maine.

As part of an ongoing commemoration by the Maine State Archives of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of America’s Civil War, the Secretary of State has created the Sesquicentennial for Schools Program.? The intent of the Program is to help Maine students get a?better understanding?of the important part their state played in one of our Nation's most prominent? historic events.?

?History is a special passion of mine, and I am delighted to work with our State Archivist, David Cheever to bring history to life for students,? said Secretary Dunlap.? ?The students really respond to stories of Maine?s role in the Civil War, and we have so many detailed archives from the time, we can share vibrant local anecdotes that they relate to, even in the twenty-first century.? I am very proud of the seemingly limitless information contained in our State Archives as we continue to receive new records each month.?

The Maine State Archives holds the most extensive collection of Civil War documents in the nation, including photographs of thousands of Maine soldiers, muster rolls, battlefield reports, official papers, and correspondence.

The Sesquicentennial for Schools Program is free and is especially recommended for grades 7-12. Visits are currently being scheduling on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in scheduling a visit for your school or would like more information, please contact Melissa Couture SOS.Office@maine.gov or (207) 626-8400.