Celebrate The Pine Tree State's Coastal Heritage At The Historic Maine Maritime Museum
By Chris Dodge|Published August 31, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
We have a long history with the Atlantic Ocean here in Maine. Settlers from across the pond made their way here long ago. In fact, Popham was technically the first settlement on the mainland predating Jamestown. The settlement, however, did not make it, and so the story was lost to history. The fact remains though, that we have a long history of our coastal towns and our fisherman trades. We have a lot to owe to those who came before us to make our state what it is today. So in pursuit of maintaining the history for all to enjoy, the Maine Maritime Museum was born. Step inside and learn about our relationship with the sea.
The biggest focus was to preserve the shipyard on the property. This historic shipyard, which was called the Percy and Small Shipyard was born in 1893 and created many ships that served as a staple in our state. Most of the buildings are still intact and stand to tell the story of the great ships that once were made for the betterment of society in Maine. This is also the country's only intact historical shipyard.
Schooners were produced for coastal transportation of goods, mostly coal and lumber.
One of the biggest accomplishments that the Percy and Small Shipyard produced was the boat they called the Wyoming. This ship was the biggest one they created and was tragically lost at sea. On the same site where it was built stands a large sculpture representing the size of this sea-worthy mammoth. The sculpture of the Wyoming is the largest outside sculpture in New England.
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Inside the building, you will find all kinds of exhibits all centered around keeping the history and culture of shipbuilding in Maine alive and well.
Many of the exhibits are interactive and have fun elements for kids and adults alike. One of the favorite exhibits is called Into The Lantern: A Light House Experience exhibit.
This exhibit has you walking around a replica of the room in which the lantern for the Cape Elizabeth Two Lights Lighthouse sits. Projected screens simulate the view from the lighthouse with a timelapse of changing seasons.
Make sure to also schedule enough time for a change to get out on the water yourself in a real boat.
They have lighthouse and nature tours which you will not want to miss. It is one thing to learn about sailor life it is another to get a hands-on experience and go out yourself.
The Maine Maritime Museum is fun for the whole family. Filled with history, lessons, and hands-on experiences this is a museum you will not want to miss. Make sure to check the Maine Maritime Museum website for more information and until then, happy sailing.
