Maine Bicentennial Kickoff

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 2:00pm

It’s not every day that a public library transforms into a radio station.

But that’s just what’s going to happen at BHML when ham radio operator and library friend Al Sirois sets up a portable station in the Great Room and an antenna on the lawn as part of the Amateur Radio Relay League’s Maine Bicentennial Special Event. 

On Tuesday, March 17 through Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., patrons of all ages will be able to initiate and receive calls to and from amateur radio operators all over the world. 

The ARRL’s Maine Bicentennial Special Event will involve eleven other special event call signs in both Maine and Massachusetts. Each represents one of Maine’s nine original counties, plus three special locations that have historical significance. These include the city of Boston (K1B), which was the capital of the District of Maine while it was still part of Massachusetts; Jameson Tavern in Freeport (K1J), where the papers were signed that separated Maine from Massachusetts; and the town of Portland (K1P), which was Maine’s first capital. The original nine counties will be represented by the following call signs during the event: Cumberland (W1C), Hancock (W1H), Kennebec (W1K), Lincoln (W1L), Oxford (W1O), Penobscot (W1P), Somerset (W1S), Washington (W1W), and York (W1Y). 

Certificates will be awarded to hams who contact special event stations, with endorsements available for bands, modes, and a clean sweep for contacts with each of the Maine 200 Special Event call signs.

Please visit: https://maine200specialevent.com/ for more information and announcements leading up to this special on-air activity.