UMA wins $100K grant for event series celebrating Maine's bicentennial

The University of Maine at Augusta and English professor Lisa Botshon have received a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support a series of events celebrating the state’s bicentennial.

“Maine’s Mid-Century Moment” will highlight artists, writers and innovators who shaped and chronicled Maine’s cultural evolution during the middle of the 20th century, according to a news release.

Over the course of 2020, UMA will partner with 11 cultural institutions across the state to sponsor 15 events focused on the mid-century theme. The first event, a reading of selections from 1942 Maine memoir “We Took to the Woods,” is scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Maine State Library in Augusta.

In addition to the national grant award UMA has received, the state is awarding money to fund other recognition of the Maine’s 200th birthday. In July, Gov. Janet Mills announced the launch of a $375,000 grant program that will fund bicentennial-themed events and projects.

The Bicentennial Community Grants are available for projects that benefit the public, such as parades, historic preservation efforts, lectures and curriculum. The Maine Bicentennial Commission (Maine200) will consider grant applications from nonprofits, such as historical societies, libraries, government entities and schools. Individuals and for-profit businesses can also apply in partnership with a nonprofit.