In 2014, Maine conformed with federal regulations regarding interstate signage. Shaker Village lost its Maine Turnpike signs and faced prohibitive annual fees for alternative logo signs.

Rep. Ellie Espling came to Shaker Village’s aid, submitting a bill to maintain Shaker Village’s visibility. Although Rep. Espling’s bill was defeated after compelling testimony on her part and others, effective communication opened between the Maine Turnpike Authority and Shaker Village, resulting in reduced annual fees for logo signs along the turnpike.

We are delighted with our new eye-catching logo signs at exits 63 and 75.

On behalf of Shaker Village, I wish to thank Rep. Ellie Espling for her investment in our welfare, the Committee on Transportation for its support, and especially the Maine Turnpike Authority — Peter Mills, Erin Courtney, Bruce Van Note and Conrad Welzel — for working so diligently to preserve Shaker Village’s value as an historic site destination.

Michael Graham, director of the Shaker Museum, New Gloucester