History of the Camden Conference

The Camden Conference was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to foster informed discourse on world issues. In the years since, it has convened its annual Conference on the third weekend of February in the historic Camden Opera House, drawing some of the best minds on foreign policy to share their insights and expertise on a range of global issues with the community. Conference topics have included The Making of American Foreign Policy, The Influence of the News Media on Foreign Policy, US-Japan Relations, Globalization, The Politics of Energy and Water, Religion, Global Leadership and a number of conferences focusing on regions of the world.

In addition to the annual Conference, 50-70 theme-related outreach events are organized throughout the year. They usually consist of lectures, study groups and film series related to the conference theme. They are offered free of charge or for a minimal price in order to encourage attendance by a socioeconomically diverse audience. Three area libraries are the Conference’s chief partners in offering community outreach programs. Other events have been convened in collaboration with other public educational organizations such as the University of Maine, area Senior Colleges, the Farnsworth Art Museum, Bay Chamber Concerts, and the Camden International Film Festival. The Camden Conference also collaborates with local museums and other nonprofit organizations to offer art exhibits, films, concerts and other events designed to appeal to a wide audience. Our community events draw 2500-3000 each year.  Most recently, the Camden Conference made a considerable investment in internet technologies. This has increased its presence significantly, facilitating the live streaming to the growing number of satellite venues and making the Conference available to people throughout the world.

The Camden Conference is a volunteer-driven organization committed to keeping registration fees low and accessibility high. Funding comes from individual gifts and memberships, local business sponsorships, and grants from institutions, foundations and corporations.

The University of Maine at Augusta- Rockland Center is one of eight UMA centers around Maine where you can take university courses, pursue certificate programs and full college degrees, and receive all the support you need to earn a degree close to home. You may take college classes on a schedule that fits into your family and work life. Hundreds of courses are taught each semester by faculty on-site and online

The UMA Rockland Center has served the midcoast area for more than 40 years, graduating thousands of local students. We provide local access to more than 50 university degree and certificate programs. We offer small classes, personalized support services, tutoring in math and writing, and local scholarships to  approximately 500 students each semester. 

Our student population includes local high school students seeking dual credit, students returning to complete an unfinished degree, and those with no previous college experience. 

Call URock today at 596-6906 or email them at umarockland@maine.edu and get started with a free academic advising appointment. We will get you started no matter what your educational goal!