February/March 2020

By Troy Bennett

Maine is a small place. It’s out of the way, on the edge of the map. Nobody comes here by chance. If you’re in Maine, you were either born here or arrived on purpose. However, for its size and geography, the Pine Tree State has drawn—and produced—more than its fair share of dazzling dreamers, doers, and thinkers in its 200-year history.

Poets, painters, statesmen, and entrepreneurs have all called Maine home. Civil rights leaders, designers, movie stars and scientists have recharged their batteries here. This is the place where ideas are focused and amplified before radiating out into the universe, to see if anyone is listening.

As Maine celebrates its birthday, here are some of the brightest stars in its galaxy.

Read the full story in the digital magazine above.

This is by no means a complete list—it’s intended as a beginning. Please look forward to more Bicentennial breakthroughs coverage throughout the year.

We hope to make the biggest tent possible. Send us your Bicentennial voices and breakthroughs on Facebook @portlandmag.