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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 F O C U S A U G U S TA / WAT E R V I L L E / C E N T R A L M A I N E "We want people to ask, 'How does the First Amendment affect my life?'" he says. A big part of that is helping people understand what the First Amendment is. A 2019 Freedom Institute survey found 71% of Americans can name one of the amendment's five freedoms, with the majority knowing "freedom of speech." Only 1% can name all five — speech, religion, press, assembly and to petition the government on grievances. And only 4% can name four. e museum is apolitical, looking to empower people through knowledge. "One of the things we hope to do in the exhibits is have people ask, 'What if we didn't have this freedom in America? What would it look like?'" says Genie Gannett, a cofounder with her sister, Terry Gannett Hopkins. e underpinnings of a museum that will do just that is taking shape, but it's been a slow process. Local partners, strong team Plans were first approved by the Augusta Planning Board in November 2018. Since then, extensive work has been done to the house to get in in shape to begin renovations. In the past year, things have taken shape, with the capital campaign kick- ing off a soft launch with a $150,000 gift from Kennebec Savings Bank in November. "I genuinely believe that the First Amendment Museum will help peo- ple of all ages know and understand their First Amendment rights," says Andrew Silsby, president of Kennebec Savings. "It will also help our city grow economically and culturally. e museum will draw more tourists to Augusta and will be a community hub that will be a great source of pride for the citizens of central Maine." Cotz and Gannett say that partner- ships, both locally and farther afield, are part of the museum's game plan. ere's no firm timeline to launch the capital campaign. For now, the campaign is being promoted by a video on the museum's website. In March, the board agreed to create an endow- ment. e museum has also hired a chief development officer, Jamie O'Brien. "She will be instrumental in helping us with the campaign," said Deborah Williams, manager of outreach engagement. Local support is abundant. Besides Kennebec Savings, the museum has received support from law firm Preti Flaherty, which has offices a block north. Dale Carnegie is the industry leader in professional training and development since 1912 It's Time to Take Command #DCTakeCommand " Clark Insurance's strong growth is supported by what our people are learning in Dale Carnegie classes. " — Jeff Shaw maine.dalecarnegie.com (207) 775-DALE A family-owned business @dale.carnegie.maine / Dale Carnegie Maine / @dalecarnegiemaine C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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