FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2013
Contact: Melissa Couture
207-626-8400

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Talks to Princeton Elementary Students about Maine’s Involvement in the American Civil War

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

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AUGUSTA, Maine – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap spoke to students at Princeton Elementary School today, October 4, 2013 to discuss 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. 

?Talking with elementary students is a treat,? said Secretary Dunlap.? ?Their eyes light up and even if they don?t understand all the complexities of the Civil War, they understand the human stories.? We have so many detailed archives from the time that 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. 

Secretary Dunlap’s presentation brings the subject to a local level for students by offering accounts of people from their town or neighboring towns, who contributed to or participated in the war efforts.  In Princeton, the Secretary highlighted the 1st Maine Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, which had companies from Washington County.  The 1st Maine Volunteer Cavalry Regiment served at the Battles of Gettysburg and Appomattox Court House.

The Sesquicentennial for Schools Program is free and 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.

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