Honorary Page Program
When the Senate is convened, the public is invited to visit the State House to see what happens during a Legislative Session. Visitors may observe quietly from the back of the Chamber or from the 4th floor gallery if it is open.
The Honorary Page program gives students an opportunity to participate in the process and interact with Legislators.
Students from third grade through high school are invited to serve in the Senate Chamber as Honorary Pages when the Senate is in Session.
Under the supervision of the Sergeant-of-Arms and Chamber Staff, Honorary Pages have the opportunity to see what it’s like to work on the floor of the Senate and be part of the Legislative process. Pages perform duties such as delivering messages to Senators, distributing amendments, supplements, and notices in the Chamber.
Learn more about our Honorary Page Program
If you are interested in becoming an Honorary Page, feel free to read the information below. You can also download the form here and fax it to: (207) 287-1900 or email it to: victoria.chabot@legislature.maine.gov
Scheduling an Honorary Page
The Senate schedules up to 10 Honorary Pages for each daily session. For more information and scheduling contact the Secretary of the Senate’s Office at (207) 287-1540.
Getting to the Chamber on Time
The Senate President decides what time each Session begins, and they are currently scheduled to begin at 10:00 am. Before Session begins, the Honorary Pages receive name badges, meet Chamber Staff, and receive Chamber instructions. Pages should plan to arrive a half hour before the starting time to check in at the Secretary of the Senate’s office on the third floor - Room 327. Please see the accompanying directions.
The length of a Session depends on the amount of business to be taken up and whether there is debate and roll calls. Because there is no way to predict when a Session will end, adults providing transportation are asked to stay with the children. Adults are invited to watch Pages perform their duties from the back of the Chamber. Honorary Pages are not mandated to stay for an entire Session and can leave whenever they choose. When checking out at the Senate Office, an Honorary Page Certificate is awarded.
Other Activities
You may want to do some other activities while you are visiting Augusta. Taking a tour of the Capital or taking a walk along the Kennebec River Rail Trail are just a few of your options.
Capturing the Memories
Cameras and camcorders are allowed in visitor areas of the Chamber while the Senate is in Session. Before and after Session, and during recesses, Pages are welcome to go up to the podium where the Senate President presides over the Session to take pictures and try their hand at banging the gavel. For shorter children there is a step available (just ask one of the Chamber Staff for assistance). Time permitting, a member of the Chamber Staff will be taking photos. Please know this is a public space so photos and videos may be taken.
Dress Code
We want everyone to feel welcome, confident, and ready for their time in the Senate Chamber. We ask that Honorary Pages be neatly and appropriately dressed. Office causal is acceptable attire. Office casual style is professional while also being comfortable.
Scheduling an Honorary Page
The Senate schedules up to 10 Honorary Pages for each daily session. For more information and scheduling contact the Secretary of the Senate’s Office at (207) 287-1540.
Accessibility
The Maine State Capital is an accessible building. The building offers accessible entrances, parking, elevators, and wheelchair accessible galleries and paths. There are two entrances, the public entrance to the Capital building through security which offers and elevator that leads to any floor in the building. The second entrance option is in the Cross Building and through the tunnel, which also offers an elevator leading to security. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are available by scheduling.