UMF announces open to the public events celebrating statewide Maine tour of rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, Oct. 1-3
FARMINGTON, ME (September 9, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington is excited to invite members of the public to see an original 1776 Dunlap Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence, learn about Maine’s role in the American Revolution and enjoy a number of free and open to the public community events.
“We are honored to be the Franklin County host of the Maine Historical Society’s statewide tour of the Declaration of Independence,” said Joseph McDonnell, UMF president. “This is a historic anniversary for our country and for Maine, and we look forward to welcoming the community as we celebrate this landmark occasion.”
The document will be on public display at the UMF Emery Community Arts Center on Oct. 2 & 3 as part of the Maine Historical Society and its partners’ statewide tour, “Revolutionary Maine: America at 250.” Members of the public are encouraged to Reserve your FREE TICKET here. Events are free and open to the public.
Before the Declaration was formally handwritten and signed on parchment in August of 1776, copies of the Dunlap Broadside were dispatched by mounted messengers across the colonies. It was publicly read to the troops and citizens. This broadside was how the American people learned they were an independent nation.
The University of Maine at Farmington, the birthplace of public higher education in Maine, was founded only 88 years after the Declaration of Independence was written. Rooted in the natural beauty and heritage of western Maine, UMF shares many of the precepts of this foundational document of the United States as it is dedicated to preparing graduates to lead purposeful lives, fostering civic responsibility, embracing diverse perspectives and serving the public good.
UMF schedule of public “Revolutionary Maine: America at 250” events:
Thursday, Oct. 1, 5 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “Perspectives on the Declaration of Independence”
Emery Community Arts Center – lower level
Insights and perspectives on the Declaration of Independence from the fields of history and political science. This event features remarks by UMF professors James Melcher and Michael Schoeppner and UMF alumna Carolyn Kinney ’26. Seating is limited.
Friday, Oct. 2, 12-5:30 p.m.
Declaration of Independence Exhibit
Emery Community Arts Center – gallery
In addition to the exhibit of the original 1776 Dunlap Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Emery gallery will also feature “From the Archives: 18th and 19th Century Artifacts from the Farmington Historical Society.”
Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30-8 p.m.
American Legion Post 28 Reception
Emery Community Arts Center – lower level
Festive reception celebrating the statewide tour featuring remarks by UMF President Joseph McDonnell, Farmington Police Chief Ken Charles and Maine Historical Society Director Steve Bromage.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Declaration of Independence Exhibit
Emery Community Arts Center – gallery
In addition to the exhibit of the original 1776 Dunlap Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence the Emery gallery will also feature “From the Archives: 18th and 19th Century Artifacts from the Farmington Historical Society.”
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Farmington Riverside Cemetery Tours
Guided tours presented by the Farmington Historical Society featuring local history and stories from the 1700s.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 3p.m.
“Ives and the Unfinished America” featuring violinist Lydia Forbes and pianists Yuri Funahashi and Steven Pane
UMF Nordica Auditorium, Merrill Hall
Saturday, Oct. 3, at dusk – approximately 6:15 p.m.
Closing event: “Taps” played in echo
Front steps of UMF Emery Community Arts Center and American Legion Post 28
“We are so grateful to have this opportunity to collaborate with the Maine Historical Society, and local and state organizations throughout Maine. It’s a privilege to be a part of this state-wide celebration and to share this foundational historical document with the Maine public,” said Ann Bartges, director of the UMF Emery Community Arts Center.
The Emery Community Arts Center gallery is located on Academy St. (between Main St. and High St.) in downtown Farmington. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday: 12 – 6 p.m. (Closed Sundays and holidays)
For more information contact Ann Bartges, director of UMF Emery Community Arts Center at ann.bartges@maine.edu or 207-778-7461.
More on University of Maine at Farmington
A nationally recognized regional public university known for its commitment to the creative arts, teacher preparation, the health arts and sciences, the environment, business and public service, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.
# # #
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-004A.webp
Photo Caption: An original 1776 Dunlap Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on public display at the University of Maine at Farmington Oct. 2 & 3.
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/09/RP267-004B.webp
Photo Credit: UMF Image
Share this article: