History

HISTORY OF THE MAINE WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

1990-2023
The Maine Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1990, and co-sponsored by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation and the University of Maine.  Several Foundation trustees volunteered their time and attention to the Hall of Fame, along with their stewardship of the Futurama Foundation scholarships awarded annually to Maine women.

The Hall of Fame is dedicated to women who have met these specific criteria: The woman’s achievements have had a significant statewide impact, significantly improved the lives of women in Maine, and her contribution has enduring value for women.

Each year’s ceremony was held in March in observance of Women’s History Month. The University of Maine Augusta has generously provided a site in the Bennett D. Katz Library for the display of photographs and citations for each honoree.

For the first time, in 2024, the selection process for this award will be held in tandem with that of the Maryann Hartman Awards at the University of Maine in Orono.  This means that those tasked with selecting the winners of the Maryann Hartman Award will also be choosing the new inductees into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame going forward. For 36 years, the Maryann Hartman Awards have celebrated the specific accomplishments of women with strong ties to the State of Maine.