FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE
Poland Spring Preservation Society Honored with 2026 Spirit of America Foundation Award During Fourth of July Celebration
POLAND SPRING, Maine (July 6, 2026): The Poland Spring Preservation Society has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of America Foundation Award, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to volunteerism, historic preservation, and community service. The award comes during a milestone year as Poland Spring Preservation Society celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Spirit of America Foundation was established to encourage and promote volunteerism throughout Maine. Each year, the Foundation presents awards honoring local individuals, organizations, and projects in appreciation of community service and their positive impact on the communities they serve.
On Sunday evening, July 5, Senator Bruce Bickford of Androscoggin County and Representative David Boyer of Poland presented Poland Spring Preservation Society Board President Jim Delamater with two Official Expressions of Sentiment from the Maine State Senate and House of Representatives. The presentation took place on the historic gazebo at Poland Spring Resort during the resort’s Fourth of July weekend celebration.
The presentation occurred during a performance by the Larry Williams Band and just prior to the grand finale of the holiday weekend, a spectacular fireworks display over Poland Spring Resort. Thousands of guests gathered on the resort’s expansive lawn overlooking The Links at Poland Spring Golf Course, with breathtaking views of Mount Washington and a picturesque summer sunset.
The first legislative recognition honored the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s receipt of the 2026 Spirit of America Foundation Award, stating:
“Be it known to all that We, the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, join in recognizing the Poland Spring Preservation Society of Poland, recipient of a Spirit of America Foundation Award. The Spirit of America Foundation was established to encourage and promote volunteerism, and the Foundation presents awards to honor local individuals, organizations or projects in appreciation of community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes; and be it ordered that this official expression of sentiment be sent forthwith on behalf of the 132nd Legislature and the people of the State of Maine.”
A second legislative recognition commemorated the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s 50th anniversary and celebrated its enduring legacy of historic preservation:
“Be it known to all that We, the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, join in recognizing the Poland Spring Preservation Society on the celebration of the Society’s 50th anniversary. For five decades, the Society has preserved the 1893 Maine State Building and the 1912 All Souls Chapel, shared the deep history of Poland Spring, and safeguarded the historic buildings, collections and stories that define this iconic destination. On July 3, 1975, a devastating fire consumed the elegant Poland Spring House. In 1976, Jim Aikman, a former news director of local Maine news outlet WMTW-TV Channel 8, gathered like-minded individuals to form the Poland Spring Preservation Society, which began its journey of ongoing maintenance and preservation. We extend our congratulations and best wishes; and be it ordered that this official expression of sentiment be sent forthwith on behalf of the 132nd Legislature and the people of the State of Maine.”
“For fifty years, the Poland Spring Preservation Society has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Poland Spring for future generations,” said Jim Delamater, President of the Poland Spring Preservation Society’s Board of Directors. “Receiving the Spirit of America Foundation Award is a tremendous honor that recognizes the countless volunteers, members, donors, and supporters who have made our mission possible. This award belongs to everyone who has contributed their time, talents, and passion to preserving this remarkable place.”
Founded in 1976, the Poland Spring Preservation Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the rich history of Poland Spring. Through its stewardship of the Maine State Building, All Souls Chapel, the Poland Spring Museums, and its extensive historic collections, the Poland Spring Preservation Society continues to educate visitors while preserving one of Maine’s most significant historic resort destinations.
The dual recognitions from the Maine Legislature, presented during one of the community’s signature Independence Day celebrations, serve as a fitting tribute to the Society’s 50 years of volunteer leadership, preservation, and service to the people of Maine. As the Society continues its golden anniversary celebration throughout 2026, the Spirit of America Foundation Award stands as a testament to the lasting impact of its volunteers and the enduring importance of preserving Poland Spring’s remarkable heritage.
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About the Poland Spring Preservation Society
Founded in 1976, the Poland Spring Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique historic architecture of the Maine State Building and All Souls Chapel, one-of-a-kind structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Maine State Building was originally constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago and later returned to Maine by the Ricker family of Poland Spring, who received an award for the purity of their Poland Water at the Exposition. It is one of only five remaining state buildings from the World’s Columbian Exposition and the only state building still standing from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
All Souls Chapel opened in 1912 under the vision of Sadie Ricker for guests and staff at Poland Spring.
The museum buildings are available for private parties, weddings, and events.
For more information, please contact the Poland Spring Preservation Society at PO Box 444, Poland Spring, Maine 04274, call (207) 998-4142, or email contact@polandspringmuseums.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Kimberly J. Poland | Poland Media Group
(401) 743-7272 | kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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