AUGUSTA — Maine is getting ready to celebrate its 195th birthday.

Sunday marks 195 years since Maine became an independent state in 1820.

Before that, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Maine entered the union as part an agreement designed to maintain the political balance between pro-and-anti-slavery states.

Maine was admitted as an anti-slavery or “free” state at the same time Missouri joined as a state that allowed slavery.

The Act of Admission that declares Maine an independent state can be viewed at the State Archives in Augusta.