Resolve, to Honor Margaret Chase Smith and Joshua Chamberlain in the National Statuary Hall Collection
Summary
LD 1648 is a resolve directing Maine’s arts, museum, and historic preservation commissions to seek approval from Congress to replace Maine’s two statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection. The bill would substitute the existing statues of Hannibal Hamlin and William King with statues of Margaret Chase Smith and Joshua Chamberlain, two figures the state seeks to honor in the U.S. Capitol collection.
If Congress approves the request, the commissions must begin the replacement process within one year and ensure the new statues meet federal requirements. The resolve also requires the removed statues of Hamlin and King to be returned to Maine and displayed in public view within the State House, or on State House grounds if feasible. The commissions are authorized to accept private gifts, grants, and donations, and to contract with outside entities to carry out the work.
Impact
The bill does not change Maine’s substantive law, but it creates a state-directed process for altering Maine’s representation in the National Statuary Hall Collection under federal law. It assigns responsibilities to the Maine Arts Commission, Maine State Museum Commission, and Maine Historic Preservation Commission, and provides a small ongoing special revenue allocation to allow expenditures if funds are received from outside sources. It also affects the disposition and public display of the existing statues within Maine.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected by the bill is positive and commemorative, with the measure framed as an honorific update to Maine’s national representation. The bill was approved by the governor and enacted as Chapter 71, suggesting no recorded final opposition in the materials provided. The absence of committee transcripts or recorded votes in the supplied context limits insight into detailed debate, but the enacted status indicates broad enough support to advance successfully.
Contention
The main practical issues likely concern which historical figures should represent Maine in the National Statuary Hall Collection and how the existing statues should be handled after replacement. The bill specifically displaces Hannibal Hamlin and William King in favor of Margaret Chase Smith and Joshua Chamberlain, which could raise questions about historical legacy and representation. Another point of potential contention is cost and logistics, including fundraising, federal approval, compliance with federal statue requirements, and whether the removed statues can be displayed publicly at the State House or on its grounds.
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