AUGUSTA – The Maine Women’s Hall of Fame will mark its 12th annual induction ceremony and gala celebration Saturday, March 17, at the Bennett D. Katz Library, University of Maine at Augusta.

The Maine Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs established the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990, dedicated to women who have made an outstanding contribution to improving opportunities for all Maine women. The BPW-Maine Futurama Foundation and UMA are co-sponsors.

The three criteria for selection for induction are:

.A woman’s achievements have had a significant effect statewide;

.A woman’s achievements significantly improved the lives of women in Maine; and

.A woman’s contribution has enduring value for other women.

This year two outstanding Maine women will be inducted: Linda Smith Dyer of Winthrop, founder of the Maine Women’s lobby, and Sen. Chellie Pingree of North Haven, Maine Senate majority leader. Dyer was sponsored by the board of directors of the Maine Women’s Lobby, while Pingree was sponsored by the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community and the Maine Equal Justice Project.

Before the induction ceremony at 1 p.m., Melissa MacCrae of Brewer will speak about the subject of her book “It Takes a Woman.”

For information contact Sally Ann Parks, 453-6004, or Nancy E. Davis, 582-7745.