About UMA

May 2026

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  • Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
  • Haitian Heritage Month
  • Jewish American Heritage Month
  • "Dismantling Democracy: 53 Days in Nazi Germany" at the Bangor Public Library
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  • "Dismantling Democracy: 53 Days in Nazi Germany" at the Bangor Public Library

    May 5, 2026  6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    Dismantling Democracy: 53 Days in Nazi Germany explores the critical weeks following Hitler’s appointment as chancellor in 1933, when the Nazi Party legally and systematically dismantled the democratic foundations of the Weimar Republic. Grounded in primary sources and historical context, the program offers an opportunity to learn about this pivotal moment in history—one that reminds us how quickly democratic institutions can erode.

    This presentation and discussion is from the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC). Executive Director Tam Huynh will begin the evening with a brief introduction, followed by a presentation led by her colleague, Holocaust Scholar Erica Nadelhaft. Erica will facilitate the Q&A following the program, creating space for thoughtful dialogue and reflection focused on this pivotal moment in history. I believe you will find it engaging and meaningful.

    At the HHRC, we work to promote Holocaust education, confront antisemitism and bias, and strengthen a more informed and compassionate civic culture across our state.  One way we pursue that mission is through educational programs that invite communities to examine history in ways that deepen understanding and inspire civic engagement.

    Learn more about HHRCMaine at their website. Follow them on Facebook @HHRCMaine or Instagram @hhrcmaine.

    See more details

  • Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month

    May 5, 2026

    Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month is observed in the U.S. since 1990 to celebrate the history and the contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Desi Americans in U.S. society.

    Local Events

    Learning Resources

    See more details

  • Haitian Heritage Month

    May 5, 2026

    Haitian Heritage Month is observed in the U.S. since 1998 to celebrate Haitian heritage and culture. The day is an extension of Haitian Flag Day on May 18th. 

    Local Events

    • Coming soon...

    Learning Resources

    See more details

  • Jewish American Heritage Month

    May 5, 2026

    Jewish American Heritage Month was launched in 2006 to recognize Jewish contributions to U.S. society and raise awareness about the history of Jewish Americans. 

    Local Events

    • The 27th Maine Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) runs from April 23 to May 3, 2026, featuring films, documentaries, and discussions at venues like The Hill Arts, the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine, and Portland Museum of Art. Highlights include Mazel Tov, Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, The United States of Elie Tahari, and Seven Blessings.

    Learning Resources

    See more details

Submit an Event Subscribe to the calendar

What is the UMA Heritage Month Calendar?

As part of the Fostering Inclusion objectives of its 2021-25 Strategic Plan to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment, the University of Maine at Augusta has taken the initiative to introduce a dynamic Heritage Month Calendar. This calendar showcases various days of importance across cultural and religious traditions, provides additional resources for community members to learn about one another’s heritage, and shares ongoing online and in-person events at the university, local, and state level that anyone can participate in.

The goals of this calendar include:

  • giving institutional recognition to the value each member of the university community adds to the institution
  • highlighting the rich tradition and history of various demographics marginalized based on economic, ethnic, gender, national, religious, sexual, and other identities and abilities
  • emphasizing the central and essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in any pedagogical project
  • helping schedule university events and classroom instructions mindful of the needs of everyone
  • highlighting which identity groups might be in need of greater efforts to be included in the community through more inclusive event planning and institutional efforts

The calendar, featuring 91 holidays at present, is not meant to be comprehensive, and members of the university community are encouraged to utilize the submission form at the bottom of this page to suggest ongoing events pertaining to the different holiday traditions featured in the calendar as well as contribute information about holidays that are currently not included. The learning resources provided with each holiday are chosen based on the renown and potential reliability of a source and should not be considered as endorsements from UMA.

Consider submitting holidays currently not featured here or submit upcoming or past events at UMA, in Augusta, or in Maine pertaining to specific holidays that you want to see reflected on the Heritage Month Calendar.

Don’t miss out on upcoming events. Subscribe to the calendar and access it easily from the convenience of your computer, tablet, or mobile device.