PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook County will be celebrating a major milestone next month, marking its 175th anniversary, with a special ceremony at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
The Friends of the Aroostook County Historical Center and UMPI invite the County community, friends and neighbors to attend a celebration of the 175th anniversary of the incorporation of Aroostook County on Sunday, March 16, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the UMPI library.
This special event will include: historical exhibits; local musicians and singers; County-themed refreshments; tours of the library’s Special Collections Room, which houses many County historical records; and a special presentation on Aroostook County history by Maine State Historian Earle Shettleworth.
Officials will also be opening a potato barrel time capsule that was sealed in 1989, in honor of the 150th anniversary of Aroostook’s incorporation. Honorary guest, U.S. Sen. Susan M. Collins, will lead the ceremonial opening of the time capsule.
Items removed from the time capsule will be on display for a short time. These and new items will be placed back into the time capsule, which will be ceremonially sealed so it can be reopened on March 16, 2039 — the 200th anniversary of Aroostook’s incorporation.
During the festivities, commemorative copies of “The County: Land of Promise” will be available for purchase.
Anyone interested in hosting a display for the celebration of Aroostook’s 175th anniversary at the UMPI Library on March 16 is asked to contact organizers by Wednesday, March 5. Table space will be provided on the main floor of the library. Items to be displayed can include: artifacts, photos, clothing and other pieces of Aroostook County history. The library will be open prior to the event to allow setup.
For more information, call Gayla Shaw at 768-9452 or email gshaw@umpi.edu.
