The Maine State House is
the 46th state capitol that
Eric & I have visited
since we retired in 2012.
The Lady of Wisdom stands atop the dome. She holds a torch in her extended hand.
Six cities vied for the honor of becoming Maine's State Capital. Augusta, being more centrally located than the other competing cities won. Thirty-four acres were purchased for $10.00 in 1827. Large additions have changed the exterior of the State House, which was originally modeled after the Massachusetts Capitol. As state government grew, portions of the property have been used for state agency buildings and the State Museum.
Eric gets a selfie of us in
front of the State House.
Getting through Security took more time than we expected. I reported the metal plate and screws in my left ankle and passed through the metal detector without incident. Both Eric and I forgot about his Knee Replacement. He "dinged," repeatedly and we were stumped. Is the metal detector picking up the zipper in his shorts? Finally, the light dawned... Eric pointed to the scar on his right knee. He was wanded and the metal in his knee was confirmed.
The designated room for
tour groups to meet in has
this intricate picture of
the State House.
The picture is made up of
business cards.
The detail in this work
is admirable.
The ceilings & hallway
go from cream to a
light golden hue.
I am happy to find a water
fountain with space to fill
a water bottle.
Eric found a Nursing Mothers
Room.
As an Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, Eric set up a comfortable space for a nursing mother at the New York State Department of Transportation.
Today is Computer Science
Day in the Hall of Flags.
Taxation, Appropriations &
Legislative Council Chambers
are open to the public today.
The flags you see are replicas
of Maine's American &
Regimental Battle Flags.
Honoring Maine residents
who served in Korea,
Fossils decorate
the floor tiles.
The House of Representatives &
Senate Appropriations Chamber
is at the end of the hallway.
The large number one above the
doorway reminds me of Robert
Indiana's artwork featuring
We look up to the rotunda.
The dark area on the inner
left is the stairway to the
interior of the dome.
The Kansas State Capitol offers tours that take groups up through the interior of the dome to the walkway at its top and unique views of Topeka.
Portraits of former governors cover the walls beneath the rotunda.
served from 2003 to 2011.
Maine did not provide funds for portraits of former governors until 1945. Since that time, the state has been purchasing portraits of previous governors, when they are found. Since 1945, each former governor selects and artist and the painting's content is approved before funds
are dispersed.
Former Governor King, now
Maine's US Senator, chose
an informal pose for his
portrait.
well-appointed waiting
area.
The hallway leading to the
is lined with photos of the
former Speakers of the
House.
Eric looks up at the Maine Seal
while standing next to the sign
welcoming visitors to the House
of Representatives a photo of
current Speaker, Sara Gideon.
Dirigo is Latin for I direct.
Natural lighting fills this Chamber &
desks for the 151 Representatives.
representthe Penobscot Nation.
The desks in this part time
legislature are the only office
space for the Representatives.
New Hampshire Representatives and Senators have only their desks to use for their legislative work.
I am allowed to stand at the
podium & "wield" the gavel.
Our tour guide, Crystal, tells us that on average, five gavels are broken per legislative session.
The Senate Chamber is a
smaller version of the
House of Representatives.
As in the House of Representatives, the only office space each Senator has is his or her desk.
Because of the natural lighting, the Maine State House doesn't have chandeliers in its chambers, as are found in many other State Capitols.
A portrait of President
presides over the
Chamber.
Rocking Chairs on the portico
are a welcoming sight.
The view from the portico
The tour comes to an end and we thank Crystal for her time.
Eric & I descend the stairs
to the first floor...
... and take a set of stairs to the underground walkway that leads to the State Museum.
Eric & I stand beneath the
skylight above the walkway
& look up at the Lady of
Wisdom.
The long lens on my Sony Camera
provides a detailed look at the
back side of this gift to the State of
The Maine State House is quite plain. The majority of the artwork is former governors and pictures of previous legislatures. The State Capitols in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, and others include artwork that represents the state's history and culture.
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