LEWISTON — Among Lewiston and Auburn’s many professional success stories, Ken Hodgkins’ journey from sheep farming in Auburn to serving in the United Nations stands out.

Hodgkins is director of the Office of Space and Advanced Technology in the U. S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science. He also serves as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. He is a member elect of the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law. On May 19, he will join Museum L-A as a featured presenter at the Maine Innovation Expo.

After graduating from Edward Little High School, Hodgkins didn’t have a clear idea of what he wanted to do with his life. He was used to hard work, but decided farming wasn’t for him. Hodgkins packed up and went to the University of Maine, Orono. After graduation he joined the Federal government in 1980 as a Presidential Management Fellow. He began his work on space through diplomacy, not science. 

During his presentation at the Maine Innovation Expo, Hodgkins will share the story of how he ended up where he is today. He has given talks across the country, and is a down-to earth, honest speaker who connects with people of all ages. He particularly looks forward to talking with students who are spending their days in the same classrooms he sat in as a student at ELHS. Hodgkins also plans to speak about the latest efforts in international space collaboration, including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, orbital debris, and the use of nuclear power sources in space.  

“Bringing back and showcasing our own accomplished creative and innovative stars to remind us of how great a people we are is one of the new initiatives being launched at Museum L-A,” says Rachel Desgrosseilliers, executive director. 

Hodgkins will meet and greet visitors at the Bates Mill throughout the day on May 19. This year’s Maine Innovation Expo will have a full space section, including an award-winning student-created documentary and exhibit from Maine’s 2018 National History Day state competition.

To further celebrate the legacy of Mainers on space, the Margaret Chase Smith Library will be on hand to share the story of U. S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who, in addition to being the first woman to be elected to both houses of Congress, served on the Senate Space and Aeronautic Science Committee which funded the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs that eventually put man on the moon. The library will offer a rocket building station and let people design their own space mission patches.

To meet Ken Hodgkins, Maine’s own spaceman, in addition to entertainers and over 50 exhibitors with hands-on games and activities, join Museum L-A for the Maine Innovation Expo. This jam-packed day celebrates the businesses, students, artists and entrepreneurs doing inventive work across the state of Maine. It is free, fun and open to all ages.

The Expo will be held on Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Museum L-A in the Bates Mill Atrium, 35 Canal St, Lewiston. Attendance is free and tickets can be reserved in advance at www.museumla.org.

For more information, please contact info@museumla.org or call 207-333-3881.

Ken Hodgkins