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The Northwood University Margaret Chase Smith Library is an archive, museum, educational facility, and public policy center
devoted to preserving the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith, promoting research into twentieth-century political history,
advancing the ideals of public service, and exploring issues of civic engagement. The library houses the political papers,
documents, honors, photographs, and memorabilia stemming from the thirty-two year congressional career of former United
States Senator Margaret Chase Smith. The library is located on fifteen picturesque acres overlooking the banks of the Kennebec River in Senator Smith's hometown of Skowhegan, Maine. Dedicated in August of 1982, the facility opened to researchers the following year. It stands as a worthy tribute to Margaret Chase Smith's personal integrity, commitment to public service, and historical legacy.
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 Dr. Gregory P. Gallant, Director |
"Since Senator Smith's passing, the library staff and I have been asked a variety of questions regarding the future of the Margaret Chase Smith Library. The great range of speculation prompts me to address this issue. It should be stated unequivocally that the people involved with the library, from the Board of Directors to Advisory Committee members to Senator Smith's family to the library staff, are committed to carrying on her vision, hopes, and intentions for her lasting legacy, the Margaret Chase Smith Library. Senator Smith never wanted the library to become simply a museum of her political memorabilia. Her post-political life was dedicated to Maine's primary and secondary school students. She wanted to create an institution where students could learn the value of performing public service and could study the important events of this century. Her life and career serve as an ideal role model on both counts. As such, we are making plans for the further development of programs which will make the library an educational center for students. We want to take the lead in providing resources for field trips to the library. Among the possible plans is the creation of an annual mock U. S. Senate for high school students; symposiums for social studies teachers; and other programs through which students, educators, and the public can appreciate the accomplishments and service through which Senator Margaret Chase Smith enriched the lives of so many. We look forward to the future with confidence that we can fulfill this important mission in a manner and dedication of which Senator Smith would be proud."
Gregory P. Gallant, Ph.D. |
Copyright ©1999 Margaret Chase Smith Library. | |
