This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the country, towns and historical organizations are planning exhibitions and events to honor the nation’s past and look toward its future. Harpswell, too, will celebrate many facets of its long and interesting history as it joins the celebration from April through September.
In early January, a group of Harpswell residents interested in celebrating the 250th met at the Town Office to discuss possibilities. Working with the Harpswell Historical Society and the town of Harpswell, these volunteers have put together an array of independent programs for a season of celebration in each part of town.
The celebration kicked off on April 26 with a presentation by Cundy’s Harbor lobsterman and Harpswell Select Board member Matt Gilley about the history of fishing in Harpswell.
In May, the group will participate in the Memorial Day parade.
July will feature the debut of Harpswell History Hunters, a summer-long scavenger hunt with 15 sites to visit throughout town. As families visit each locale, they will learn new facts and mark their forms. When they finish the hunt, they can claim a prize.
July 18 is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being read at the historic meetinghouse in Harpswell Center; it will be read at 2 p.m. in the same location. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Coastal Maine Living History Association will reenact Colonial life near the meetinghouse with demonstrations of cooking and musketry. The day will also feature activities for kids and tours of the Historical Society and the Centennial Hall gardens. Food for sale will include lobster rolls from Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor and baked goods from the Elijah Kellogg Church Women’s Fellowship, as well as hot dogs and beverages.
In August and September, the commemoration will continue with tours of Harpswell’s historic buildings and graveyards.
The programs will end on Sept. 27 with an exploration of Harpswell’s farm tools and traditions at Merriconeag Grange.
There will be children’s activities at both the Cundy’s Harbor Library and the Orr’s Island Library throughout the summer. Other events, such as a bean bake-off and a tour of historic sites from the water on the schooner Alert, are in the works and will be announced when plans are finalized.
A schedule is available online at harpswell.maine.gov/250th.
“The town appreciates the leadership role of the Harpswell Historical Society in bringing together many community groups and members to plan for how Harpswell will mark the 250th birthday of our country,” Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said. “This collaboration has led to the scheduling of multiple activities and events across Harpswell over the course of months, creating varied opportunities and occasions for people to mark this historic year.”
More than a dozen Harpswell organizations are participating. In addition to those already mentioned, they include Girl Scout Troop 1263, Harpswell Aging at Home, the Harpswell Anchor, Harpswell Bandstand by the Sea, Harpswell Community Television, the Harpswell Garden Club, the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, the Harpswell Islands Genealogy and History Center, Harpswell Recreation and Community Services, the Holbrook Community Foundation, the Merriconeag Foundation, and the Mingo Club, plus individual volunteers and businesses.
Funding is being provided by the town and local individuals. For more information or to volunteer or donate, email liliott@gmail.com.
