Contact Semiquincentennial Commission
Sarah Hansen, Director
Maine Semiquincentennial Commission
Maine State Archives
Phone: 207-446-6587
Semiquincentennial Resources
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National Resources
Maine is one of 56 states/territories with a commission that helps coordinate activities and programming for the upcoming Semiquincentennial. Maine is connected to these coordinating programs primarily through two organizations.
Events
Commission Meetings
The Commission will meet on the second Wednesday of every other month during 2025, from 3–4:30 p.m.
Meetings will be held at the Maine State Archives and/or over Zoom. The Maine State Archives is currently closed to the public as the office prepares to move back into the cultural center.
Maine Semiquincentennial Commission Members
- Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, sworn into her first two-year term in the position on Jan. 4, 2021. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s first female Secretary of State.
About Maine Semiquincentennial
To guide its work, the Commission developed three foundational pillars.
Connect: Uniting Maine’s Stories with America’s Legacy
- Foster a sense of community and shared heritage through collaborative events and discussions.
Share: Illuminating Maine’s Legacy in America’s Story
- Provide engaging and informative programs that highlight Maine's role in American history and the broader national narrative.
Learn: Examining Maine’s Role in America’s Ongoing Journey
Maine Commemorates America’s 250th Birthday
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial”) of its founding. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation and make progress in becoming a more perfect union.
BMV Unveils Plan For New Standard License Plate Featuring 1901 Maine Flag Design
AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Deputy Secretary of State for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Cathie Curtis presented the BMV’s proposal for a license plate reissuance to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. The new plate, replacing the current chickadee, would feature the design of the 1901 Maine flag.
“License plates serve not only to identify vehicles, but are a way of expressing our love for our state,” said Secretary Bellows. “We’re excited to present this new design proposal for the coming license plate reissuance.”