Sebago, a small town in Maine, recently celebrated its 200th anniversary with a community event held on February 10, 2026. The occasion not only commemorated two centuries of history but also marked the beginning of a significant initiative to develop the town’s new comprehensive plan, its first since 2006. This new plan is being crafted by North Star Planning, with the aim of addressing both development needs and the preservation of Sebago’s rural character.
During the celebration, planners Natasha Kypfer and Annarosa Whitman engaged with residents to discuss the comprehensive planning process. Whitman emphasized the importance of building upon the previous plan while inviting community feedback to shape the future. “We want to know what the citizens of Sebago prioritize,” she stated. The planning process is expected to take approximately one year, during which residents can actively contribute their ideas through surveys and public meetings.
Residents expressed a desire for various improvements, including the creation of a business district, the construction of a new school building, and enhancements to beach and boat landing facilities. Kypfer highlighted the importance of balancing development with the town’s historical and rural essence, stating, “This is definitely a balance, but public engagement is crucial.”
The event commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local Girl Scout troop, followed by remarks from Carolyn Calarese, Chair of the Select Board. She thanked the community for their participation and acknowledged the countless volunteer hours dedicated to the town over the past two centuries.
As part of the celebrations, Terri Welch reenacted the town’s founding meeting, which took place on February 10, 1826. Through her presentation, she transported the audience to the time of Sebago’s inception, where voting was limited to white male property owners over the age of 21. Welch’s depiction of the challenges faced by early civic leaders highlighted the enduring spirit of community governance. “Though the circle of those who have the vote has widened, the civic spirit remains,” she noted.
Adding a formal touch to the event, Halsey Frank, a representative from Sen. Susan Collins’ office, read a proclamation from the senator commemorating Sebago’s bicentennial. This proclamation outlined the town’s rich history, originally founded as Flintstown by Revolutionary War veterans. Over the years, Sebago grew significantly, benefiting from key developments such as the opening of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal in 1832 and the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad in the 1870s.
The proclamation also acknowledged several local sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Dyke Mountain Annex and Fitch’s General Store. “The celebration of Sebago’s 200th anniversary is not merely about the passage of time,” the proclamation read. “It is about human accomplishment in the face of adversity. We celebrate the people of Sebago who stand together, work together, and have created community for 200 years.”
As Sebago embarks on this new chapter, the town’s leadership and residents are committed to ensuring that the legacy of the past informs a vibrant future. The comprehensive planning process will be a pivotal step in shaping Sebago’s development while honoring its unique heritage.
