Maine Historical Society is privileged to steward one of 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, and sent to the Colonies to announce American independence. From July to October 2026, the Declaration will travel across Maine to all 16 counties with great pomp and circumstance. Two-three day stops at Host Sites will include public and student visitation, community celebrations, readings, and special events.
Maine State Library and Lithgow Public Library Present an Evening with the Declaration
The Maine State Library and the Lithgow Public Library present an Evening with the Dunlap Broadside Declaration of Independence
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Reception - Atrium and Archives Lobby, Maine State Cultural Building, 156 Western Ave., Augusta, ME
Lecture: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Liam Riordan -Department Chair and Adelaide and Alan Bird Professor of History at the University of Maine
Title of Talk: What Should We Remember about the Declaration of Independence in 2026?
This illustrated lecture sets the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution in both a historical and contemporary context. How was the Declaration of Independence created, and what did it mean in 1776? Equally important, what should it mean to us today? The presentation is intended to spark discussion. Please come with your questions about the Declaration, the Revolution, and what they should mean to us today.
Maine State Cultural Building—Maine State Library, Archives, and Museum -
156 Western Ave, Augusta, ME, United States
Declaration of Independence Tour admission tickets are through a time process.
- Everyone must reserve a separate free ticket, this process helps manage the number of people in the gallery.
- Admission is for viewing the Declaration of Independence at 156 Western Ave, Augusta, ME.
- Ticket holders should check in at the Welcome Table upon arrival.
- Ticket holders who arrive more than 10 minutes late for their appointment time are not guaranteed access.
- Backpacks or large bags and luggage are not permitted in the exhibit.
- The use of non-flash photography is permitted, except where noted.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the exhibit.
Should Maine Historical Society or the Maine State Cultural Building—Maine State Library, Archives, and Museum need to cancel or postpone a ticketed viewing for any reason, including inclement weather, it will be posted on Historical Society’s website (mainehistory.org) and Facebook page (@mainehistory). Any delays, changes in venue, etc. will be communicated with registrants via email as soon as possible.