'Constitution Day' brings a special unveiling ceremony in Augusta

Maine State Unveils Official Printing of Constitution, Paired with Historical Versions

An official printing of the Maine State Constitution will be on display this Thursday, presented alongside the state’s original 1820 constitution and its 1876 revision. The event offers residents a rare glimpse of the documents that have guided Maine’s governance for over a century and a half.

The new printing, produced by the state’s Department of Printing and Publishing, reflects the most up‑to‑date wording of the constitution as it exists today. It will be displayed alongside the 1820 version, which was adopted when Maine became the 23rd state, and the 1876 edition, the most recent comprehensive revision that introduced significant changes to the state’s structure of government and civil liberties.

While the exact location of the display has not been specified by state officials, the exhibit is expected to be accessible to the public as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to promote civic education and transparency. Visitors can expect to see the full text of the constitution, along with explanatory notes and historical context that trace its evolution from the early 19th‑century document to the modern framework that governs the state today.

Maine’s constitution has been a subject of study and debate for decades. The 1820 constitution was drafted during the country’s early experimentation with state governance, while the 1876 revision, often cited as the most progressive of its time, introduced new provisions on voting rights and judicial organization. The current official printing, by contrast, incorporates a range of amendments that have been added over the past century, reflecting shifts in societal values and legal priorities.

By placing the three documents side by side, the state aims to illustrate the continuity and change that have shaped Maine’s legal and political landscape. The exhibit underscores the importance of the constitution as the foundational legal document, while also highlighting how it has been adapted to meet contemporary needs.

State officials have emphasized that the display is intended to be an educational resource for students, scholars, and the general public. “Understanding our constitution is vital for informed citizenship,” one spokesperson said. “Seeing the original, the revision, and the current version together helps people appreciate the living nature of the document.”

The exhibition will run for an unspecified period following its Thursday unveiling, offering an opportunity for Mainer residents and visitors alike to engage with the core principles that guide their state’s laws and policies.