Maine State Museum

The museum's four floors of world-class exhibits provide a chance to explore and discover the best of Maine, from the Ice Age to the 1960s.

The State House collections of political portraits, furnishings and memorial wall plaques were assigned to museum care in 1971. The Adjutant General's office transferred the state's military flag collection and Hall of Flags display cases to the museum. The scientific archaeology program led to legislation in the 1980s assigning the museum to hold title to artifacts and specimens found on, in or beneath state-controlled lands and waters for the benefit of the people of Maine. A governor also ordered the museum to take over curation of historic art, furnishings and Blaine family artifacts in the governor's residence, the Blaine House.

The current staff of fourteen full and eleven part-time people is assisted by a strong contingent of generous volunteers. Together the staff and volunteers have maintained professional accreditation and continue to upgrade all aspects of the museum. Four floors of exhibits, many educational programs, and thousands of collections items from Maine's history, pre-history, and environment make the museum a popular destination for visitors, as well as a place of pride for Maine people.

Learn

To help make Maine's rich natural and cultural heritage meaningful and inspiring, the education division at the Maine State Museum works to engage visitors of all ages to connect their unique experiences with the museum's collections and exhibits.

Participate in one of our dynamic and diverse programs or tours and spend a morning at the museum, or spend the entire day!

Collections

The Maine State Museum builds and maintains systematic collections regarding Maine's pre-history, history, and natural science.

The museum also holds title on behalf of the people of Maine to artifacts and natural scientific specimens located on or beneath state-owned land, including the bottoms of navigable waterways and coastal waters.

The museum researches, interprets, and exhibits its collections for the benefit of the public. Its goal is to promote public awareness of Maine's natural resources and historical richness. The museum provides access to its collections for those interested in pursuing questions about Maine's cultural and natural history.

Maine State Museum staff are working hard during the final months of preparation for the newest museum exhibition, Maine Voices from the Civil War, set to open on June 29.

The exhibit will feature over 70 objects from the museum's collection, as well as many images and graphics that tell the stories of Mainers at home and or on the war's distant battlefields.

Watch this site for more information about opening day activities.

Explore Related Categories