2020: Bicentennial Vision for Maine Past, Present, and Future

FAIN: GG-266374-19

Maine Humanities Council (Portland, ME 04102-1012)
Elizabeth Sinclair (Project Director: January 2019 to present)

Implementation of scholar-facilitated reading and discussion sessions, a humanities speakers bureau, and a “Theater of Ideas” that explore the history of Maine’s road to statehood to commemorate the state’s bicentennial.

2020: Bicentennial Vision for Maine Past, Present, and Future is a 24-month initiative to provide shared humanities experiences and unique opportunities for Mainers to read, reflect, and connect with one another to gain a fuller understanding of where Maine has been and where it’s going. The initiative will leverage widespread public interest in Maine’s bicentennial to bring public humanities programming to communities big and small. Many pressing public issues facing Maine today are evident when we look to the statehood period. By bringing Mainers together around this history, we will provide context for dialogue that will equip citizens to envision the state’s next 200 years. Programs will be held in partnership with libraries and adult education programs. The initiative will consist of three program formats: (1) multi-session scholar-facilitated reading and discussion, (2) humanities speakers bureau, and (3) “Theater of Ideas” lively theater and discussion presentations.