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Welcome friends, visitors and compatriots to the website of the Maine State Society Sons of the American Revolution. Our organization devotes itself to promoting history and patriotism and we strive to teach and inspire a new generation about the exploits of the Revolutionary War generation. Abraham Lincoln admired the men and women of that generation and it's easy to see why. Our ancestors made extraordinary sacrifices in the struggle for independence from Great Britain.
Maine has a rich history in the Revolutionary War. The first ship-to-ship battle was fought in Machias in June of 1775. The British ship Margaretta was captured in the battle and today "Margaretta Days" is celebrated in Machias each year with the Maine SAR Colour Guard taking part. George Washington sent Benedict Arnold and his troops on an expedition to Quebec and the boats that Arnold and his men used to go up the Kennebec River were built by Reuben Colburn in Pittston, Maine. The Colburn house still stands to this day and many books have been written about the Arnold Trail expedition. Speaking of books, the Arnold Trail chapter of the Maine SAR has donated over 200 books to our veterans in Augusta. The Maine SAR honors all veterans.
There are three chapters in the state and they are based in and around Bangor, Augusta and Portland. The chapters are the life blood of the state organization. There is a camaraderie among the descendants of the Patriots of the Revolutionary War. The meetings provide a place for compatriots to gather and socialize as well as make plans for future events. There is so much to do and get involved with. There are community events to take part in, some in conjunction with the DAR; there are Eagle Scouts to keep up with and there are many Patriot graves to mark and decorate. This past December, the Maine SAR took part in a Wreaths Across America event in Augusta. If you are a visitor to this site, and know something of your family genealogy, you may want to reach out to the state registrar for information regarding the membership process. Each chapter has a registrar as well.
One of the great things about the Maine SAR is the terrific members that you meet and with whom you will become friends. Our members are dedicated, knowledgeable, resourceful and energetic. Everyone has something that they can contribute. It is a huge honor for me to lead this organization. My patriot ancestor fought at the Battle of Saratoga as a 20 year old. Later, he was captured by the British and endured 8 months of captivity before being liberated. I've seen his land grant application in the Maine State Archives and I visit his grave in Starks, Maine every year. I am inspired by what he, and all our patriot ancestors, accomplished. And I am inspired to do my best to represent us as President. I look forward to seeing you at a future event or meeting and hearing the story of your ancestor - heroes all.
Jeffrey R. Williams
President, Maine State Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Benedict Arnold Trail Chapter Members and Out of state Maine Members with No Chapter Listed
Will meet on the FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH at 10AM at the Manchester Grange, 943 Western Avenue, Manchester, Maine.
Please contact MESSAR@DwyerFamily.ME to verify meeting time, location and date a day before attending. Some meetings are changed month to month.
About the Maine Society SAR
The Maine Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (MESSAR) is the state affiliate for the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR). It was organized in Portland in 1891. The preliminary meeting was held February 21; a proposed Constitution and By-Laws were presented for consideration February 28, and were adopted March 14. The election of officers followed March 28.
Any man shall be eligible for membership in the Maine Society Sons of the American Revolution who: Being of the age of eighteen years or over and a citizen of good repute in the community, is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to and rendered active service in, the cause of American independence, either as an: officer, soldier, seaman, marine, militiaman or Minuteman, in the armed forces of the Continental Congress, or of any one of the several Colonies or States; or as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, or as a member of a Committee of Safety or Correspondence; or as a member of any Continental, Provincial, or Colonial Congress or Legislature; or as a recognized patriot who performed actual service by overt acts of resistance to the authority of Great Britain.
Maine's Role In The Revolutionary War
Maine In 1776- At the time of the American Revolution, Maine, not a State until 1820, was part of Massachusetts. Because of Maine's remoteness from the authorities in Boston and the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the inhabitants received little military support despite the proximity of the British across the border in Canada and constant pressure from the Royal Navy along the coast. Apart from Benedict Arnold's ill-fated expedition to Quebec through the wilderness of western Maine, most military action took place up and down the vulnerable coast.
The memorial above was placed at Valley Forge by the Maine Sons of the American Revolution in the early part of the 20th century.
Please look at some links regarding the Revolutionary War in Maine.
Also visit our Facts page for more information about the Revolutionary War in Maine