InUSA Museums
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum
Rogers Rd Extension, Kittery, ME 03904 207-439-3080
Local nautical artifacts, shipbuilding exhibits, and model ships,
including John Paul Jones' Ranger launched in the
Piscataqua in 1777, are on display. Jun-Oct Mon-Fri 10-4.
Old Gaol Museum
Lindsay Rd, York Village, ME 03909 207-363-4422
Thought to be the oldest remaining public building in America (c.1720),
the museum is one of many 17th and 18th century structures that form
the National Historic District.
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011 207-725-3416
Exhibits on the famous Peary and MacMillan expedition to find the North
Pole. MacMillan was a graduate of Bowdoin College, and both men had
homes in the area.
117 Main St, Kennebunk, ME 04043 207-985-4802
This complex of 3 restored 19th century buildings, including William
Lord's Brick Store (c.1825), has changing exhibits of fine and
decorative arts, plus historical and maritime collections. In summer,
take a 90-minute architectural walking tour of some of Kennebunk's
elegant antique homes. Tue-Sat 10-4:30.
Richard A Nott House
Maine St, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-2513
This handsome 1853 Greek Revival mansion, aka "White Columns", is
decorated with original furnishings and wallpaper. Jun-Oct Wed-Fri 1-4.
Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-2712
Ride an authentic antique trolley from the world's largest collection
of old trolley cars. Watch craftsmen use old skills and new materials
to restore the trolleys to mint condition. Eat the museum's trademark
Trolley Dog at lunchtime (picnic areas are available. Daily 10-5:30. $
York Institute Museum
317 Main St, Saco, ME 04072 207-282-3031
Exhibits explore the region's cultural and social history.
Children's Museum of Maine
142 Free St, Portland, ME 04101 207-828-1234
The hands-on exhibits on the arts, humanities, nature and science are a
kid's dream come true. Visit a bank, a paper factory, marine life, a
farm, cave, television studio, computer lab, and view exhibits on
astronomy, biology and physics. Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat 10-5; Tue, Sun 12-5;
Fri 10-8. $
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101 207-772-4841
This elaborate 19th century townhouse has intricate Italianate
architecture and fanciful decor. Although rather somber on the outside,
the hand-carved balusters of the flying staircase to the
floor-to-ceiling mirrors in the drawing room make the inside of this
brownstone a small palace. Jun-Aug Tue-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-5. $
Maine History Gallery
485 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 207-879-0427
You will find a variety of entertaining and curious exhibits in this
well-designed space. Jun-Oct Tue-Sun 10-4.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
487 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 207-879-0427
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of Portland's most honored sons, grew
up here. Almost all of the furnishings in this Colonial-style house,
built by his grandfather in 1785, are original. Jun-Oct Tue-Sun 10-4.
Spring Point Museum
Southern Maine Technical College, South Portland, ME 04106
207-799-6337
In one section of what was once Fort Preble is a portion of the bow of
the 19th century clipper ship Snow Squall retrieved
from ruin in the Falkland Islands. The display shows the conservation
efforts to preserve the rotting timbers. Outside is a children's
playground and a panoramic view of 3 lighthouses. Jun-Oct Wed-Sun 1-4.
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 207-799-2661
Built in 1791, Maine's oldest lighthouse stands on a bleak, rocky
promontory that provides a panoramic view of Casco Bay islands and the
crashing surf below. A small but well-appointed museum offers insights
into lighthouse history. Daily 10-4.