Officials with the University of Maine at Presque Isle are proud to announce that the campus will host a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence as part of the Maine Historical Society’s statewide tour underway this summer and fall as the United States celebrates its Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, this year. The Declaration will be on display at UMPI’s Center for Innovative Learning from Sept. 11-12, 2026.
Through a special undertaking by the Maine Historical Society, this first-of-its-kind tour will bring one of Maine’s most treasured historical artifacts to each of the state’s 16 counties between July and October 2026, offering community members a unique opportunity to see first-hand and reflect on one of the nation’s founding documents during the 250th anniversary of American independence. The visit to UMPI serves as the halfway point of the statewide tour.
“We are honored to have UMPI and the City of Presque Isle serve as the location for the Aroostook County tour stop and to host this rare document printed on the very day of America’s independence in 1776,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “We look forward to welcoming public school students, community members, veterans, history-lovers, and people of all ages to our city and our campus for this incredibly special viewing opportunity.”
One of just 26 surviving copies of the historic Dunlap Broadside, this particular historical document was printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, to announce American independence to the colonies. Maine Historical Society is privileged to steward this rare artifact and share it with communities across the state.
“While Americans often hear the words of the Declaration of Independence, it is a rare and powerful experience to encounter an original printing in person,” Steve Bromage, Maine Historical Society Executive Director said. “This exhibition is designed to inspire reflection, civic pride, and a deeper understanding of the nation’s founding principles.”
The installation will include interpretive materials including signage and videos that explore the Declaration’s history and Maine’s role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. A planning committee that includes UMPI staff and partners with the City of Presque Isle have been meeting since spring to prepare for this important exhibition.
“We are deeply grateful to the Maine Historical Society, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and our local Presque Isle Historical Society for collaborating to bring this remarkable piece of American history to Aroostook County,” Presque Isle City Manager Sonja Eyler said. “I hope people from throughout the region, especially our young people, will take advantage of this rare opportunity to stand in the presence of history and consider what those words meant in 1776, what they mean today, and what they ask of each of us for the future.”
Community Events and Local Engagement
The Declaration will be available to the public for free but ticketed viewing on Friday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A standby line will be available, but residents are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. To secure your tickets, visit this Declaration of Independence Tour Stop webpage.
These public viewings will culminate with a commemorative event on Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. To include musical performances, remarks by local and state officials, and a group reading of the Declaration of Independence, the public is invited to attend this free event; light refreshments will be served. For more information about this event, please contact Melissa Lizotte at melissa.m.lizotte@maine.edu.
Ahead of these activities, special school visits with area middle and high school students are planned for Sept. 10. To inquire about school visits, please contact Jessica Graham at jgraham@mainehistory.org.
The Aroostook County tour stop is part of a broader effort to encourage communities across Maine to participate in the 250th anniversary in meaningful and locally relevant ways.
“America’s 250th anniversary gives us an extraordinary opportunity to bring our nation’s history closer to home and to help people see themselves as part of that story,” Kim Smith, City of Presque Isle Resource Development and Public Information Officer, who is coordinating Presque Isle’s celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, said. “We hope this visit will inspire people of all ages to learn more about the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the people and events that shaped our region, and the ways our own communities have contributed to the American story.”
About the Statewide Tour
Led by Maine Historical Society, the Declaration of Independence Tour will travel to all 16 Maine counties. The organization is responsible for the transportation and installation of the artifact, while also supporting local partners in planning events and public access. Staff from Maine Historical Society will accompany the Declaration at each stop and assist in activities at each location. For more about the tour, visit mainehistory.org/revolutionary-maine/declaration-of-independence-tour-schedule/.
About the University of Maine at Presque Isle
Located in the heart of northern Maine, UMPI is a nationally recognized institution of innovation and opportunity, providing students with an affordable and personalized education and life-changing experiences that prepare them to be career-ready graduates. Established in 1903, UMPI is a member of the University of Maine System and serves as an educational and cultural hub for the region. Learn more at umpi.edu.
About the Maine Historical Society
Maine Historical Society preserves and shares Maine’s story. We envision a Maine in which all people feel connected, empowered, and inspired by history. More information about the Maine Historical Society, located at 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101, is available by calling 207-774-1822 or visiting mainehistory.org.