In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary (“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.

The Maine Semiquincentennial Commission was established in state law in 2023. Housed within the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Chapter Resolve 126 states the Commission “shall develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, referred to in this resolve as ‘the commemoration,’ through educational and historical events, activities and programs throughout the State.” Read the full authorizing legislation.

The Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, chaired by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, will kick off planned celebrations of the country’s birth by commemorating Paul Revere’s famous ride of April 18-19, 1775, and a “Two Lights for Tomorrow” celebration.

“Two Lights for Tomorrow” April 18 Events:

Augusta (Maine State Capitol)

• 11:30 a.m. press conference at Hall of Flags with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and excerpts of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, "Paul Revere’s Ride," read by Maine’s Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma
• 7:30 p.m. Capitol Park lighting

Castine

• Lanterns in John and Phebe Perkins House (ca. 1763-1783, 111 Perkins Street)

Falmouth

• Lights at the Falmouth Historical Society, Falmouth Town Hall, Falmouth Congregational Church, Emmaus Lutheran Church, and OceanView at Falmouth 

Gorham

• Gorham Historical Society will hold a lighting at First Parish Church and ring the Paul Revere bell

Hampden

• Hampden Garden Club  potluck, reading of "Paul Revere’s Ride," story sharing, music, and other activities at Harmony Hall, 7:30 p.m. ringing of the Paul Revere bell and lantern lighting.

Orrington

• Lanterns in the Town Hall cupola 
• Lanterns in individual homes

Portland

• Lights at Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House
• Lights at Maine Historical Society
• Spirits Alive at Eastern Cemetery
• 7 p.m. reading of "Paul Revere’s Ride" and lighting
• Saturday, April 19 special tour of Eastern Cemetery featuring Revolutionary War graves.

Presque Isle

• Lights at City Hall
• Lights at Presque Isle Historical Society

South Portland

• 6 p.m. bell ringing at Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse 

Thomaston 

• Lighting and ringing of Paul Revere Bell at the Henry Knox Museum

Winterport

• 7 p.m. lighting at the Union Meeting House and a reading of "Paul Revere’s Ride"