Museums:

Exceptional collections from A to Z abound in the museums of the Midcoast. Truly these are treasuries of history with a wealth of artifacts, art works, collectibles and maritime heritage. You can easily spend a day at each of these first class museums. Pick your favorite to start…then come back for more!


MAINE’S MARITIME HISTORY
TWO GREAT MUSEUMS IN MIDCOAST MAINE

Maine Maritime Museum – Bath , ME

If you love history, especially maritime history, you will want to stop on the way to Camden to enjoy one of the top maritime museums in the country. Experience Maine ’s rich seafaring history on the banks of the Kennebec River at Maine Maritime Museum . Now housed in several buildings, right on the river, you’ll see Maine ’s maritime history unfold in front of you. Lobstering, shipbuilding and sea trade. Learn about dangerous voyages to distant lands. See how a shipbuilder’s family lived in the 1890’s. Experience the romance of the sea. Our guests just rave about this great find. www.mainemaritimemuseum.org

Penobscot Maritime Museum – Searsport , ME

Just about 45 minutes north of Camden is another great maritime experience. This 19th century seafaring village spans eight historic buildings in the heart of Searsport. There are 25 galleries within the museum with ship models, China Trade artifacts, paintings and small craft. Planned for 2009 is a major exhibit on Maine fisheries. This authentic village is another stop for those who love learning about early shipbuilding and trade routes along the coast of Maine. www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org.






OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM - Owls Head, Maine
What a surprise to most guests when they discover this great museum tucked away in midcoast Maine . Home to an incredible operating collection of antique aircraft…including the Red Baron…, antique automobiles, bicycles, carriages and motorcycles. All under one roof, it’s a day spent in yesteryear. Throughout the year the museum hosts a full calendar of special events that include vintage car rallies, antique aeroplane shows, Model T rides and demonstrations and biplane rides. There’s even an auction where you are sure to find your 50’s or 60’s model dream car…fully restored! Open daily year round. www.owlshead.org




CENTER FOR MAINE CONTEMPORARY ART - Rockport, Maine
Since 1952, Rockport Maine has been home to the contemporary art forms. Originally called Maine Coast Artists, their mission evolved over 50 years to become what is now the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA). As Maine ’s leading nonprofit institution dedicated to advancing contemporary art through exhibitions and educational programs, the CMCA is unique in New England . It exhibits work annually by over 300 living artists. Workshops and educational programs are held throughout the year. More than 14,000 visitors step through its doors each year. www.cmcanow.org




FARNSWORTH ART MUSEUM - Rockland, Maine
Our flagship museum in midcoast Maine . Over 1 million people are drawn to the Farnsworth each year to experience our American heritage in art. Spanning over 400 years of American art, with four generations of Wyeths at its center, the Farnsworth is not to be missed while you are vacationing in Maine . This national and state treasure houses over 9,000 objects and is widely recognized as the only museum in America that tells the story of Maine ’s role in the history of American art. There is a 3 acre campus in downtown Rockland , plus the Olson House in nearby Cushing, made famous by Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World paintings.  www.farnsworthmuseum.org.





MAINE LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM – Rockland , Maine

With over 60 lighthouses dotting the coast of Maine , it stands to reason there be a Lighthouse Museum . We’ve got the best! Open in it’s new home along the Rockland waterfront, the museum houses a world-class collection of first and second order Fresnel lighthouse lenses in America . Most were broken as the lighthouses were decommissioned and automated in the mid 1900’s. The museum also houses an important collection of lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia in the country.

Ask for a personal tour with “senior” volunteer Ted Panayatoff. He has been a steward of our lighthouses for many years and played a key role in preserving the Rockland Breakwater Light and development of the museum. And, this retired member of the Coast Guard and our good friend, was previously the owner of The Elms B&B, now part of the Inns At Blackberry Common. www.mainelighthousemuseum.com

Ask your innkeepers for tickets and about special events at these and other museums. We are happy to help!