InUSA Museums
Orland Historical Society Museum
Main St, Orland, ME 04473 207-469-2476
Military uniforms, a mineral collection and local artifacts are on
display in the former Grange Hall. Jul-Aug Wed, Sat 2-4.
John Perkins House
Perkins St, Castine, ME 04421
Tour the only pre-Revolutionary building still standing in this
strikingly picturesque town, established by the Plymouth Pilgrims as a
trading post. Jul-Aug Wed, Sun 2-5.
Daniel Merrill House
Rt 172, Sedgwick, ME 04676 207-359-2251
This 1795 building is the centerpiece of the town's National Historic
District, administered as a local museum by the Sedgewick-Brooklin
Historical Society. Jul-Aug Sun 2-4.
Jonathan Fisher Memorial
Main St, Blue Hill, ME 04614 207-374-2459
One of Blue Hill's most creative early citizens was the town's first
minister, Parson Jonathan Fisher - a scholar, architect, artist and
inventor. The house he built in 1814 showcases his paintings, furniture
and unusual inventions. Summer tours are conducted weekday afternoons.
Holt House
Water St, Blue Hill, ME 04614 207-374-2459
This restored Federal-period home with exceptional stenciling is open
during the summer months.
Woodlawn
81 W Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605 207-667-8671
The stately brick mansion built in 1824 by Colonel John Black contains
a dazzling array of original furnishings as well as a spectacular
circular staircase. A fine example of modified Georgian architecture,
the mansion and gardens are open for guided tours Jun-Sep Mon-Sat 10-5.
Stanwood Homestead Museum
Rt 3, Ellsworth, ME 04605 207-667-8460
A memorial or ornithologist and author Cordelia Stanwood, the museum
contains an impressive collection of mounted bird specimens. Adjacent
to the museum is Birdsacre Sanctuary, a 130-acre preserve for numerous
bird species, has well-marked walking trails. The sanctuary is open all
year; the museum is open mid-Jun to mid-Oct 10-4 daily.
Natural History Museum
105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-5015
Taxidermic whales, birds, plants and land mammals in natural settings
are on display at the College of the Atlantic. Jun-Aug daily 9-5.
Bar Harbor Historical Museum
34 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-3838
View a fascinating collection of early photographs of hotels, summer
cottages and steamboats. Most of the magnificent mansions and hotels
were lost in a disastrous fire that swept the island in 1947. Jun-Sep
Mon-Sat 1-4.
Lobster Hatchery
1 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-2334
The lobster's life cycle is explained during 30-minute tours, and
visitors can view a mosquito-sized lobster projected onto a large wall
monitor via a TV microscope. Every detail of the tiny crustacean's
anatomy is visible, including its beating heart. Jun-Oct Mon-Sat 9-5.
Oceanarium
Clark Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 207-244-7330
This hands-on facility has more than 20 tanks that bring marine biology
to life. Children are encouraged to touch a wide variety of sea
creatures. Additional exhibits include commercial fishing, safety at
sea, weather and its effects, and seagulls. Jun-Oct Mon-Sat 9-5. $
Oceanarium
Rt 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-5005
Home of the Maine Lobster Museum which focuses on the lobstering
industry. It is also home to a number of harbor seals in a 50,000 gal
tank. The Thomas Bay Marsh Walk affords lessons on plants and wildlife
in the special ecosystem at the water's edge. Jun-Oct Mon-Sat 9-5. $
Abbe Museum
Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-3519
This unique non-profit institution founded in 1928 is devoted to the
preservation and interpretation of Maine's Native American heritage.
The collection includes tools, weapons, basketry, clothing and jewelry.
May-Oct daily 10-4. $
Islesford Historical Museum
Little Cranberry Island, ME 04625 207-288-3338
Exhibits of tools, household furnishings, artifacts and geneological
records that docunment early 18th century settlers. Jul-Sep, hours vary
with boat schedule.
Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 207-244-7555
An outstanding collection of hand-carved wooden birds created by the
late local artist Wendell Gilley is on display. Jun-Oct Tue-Sun 10-4.