4.5Victoria Mansion(797 reviews) - Not to be missed Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America’s highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. Our history, a guided tour, and our present-day efforts at restoring the Mansion convey an impression of the significance of this unique site, which is of national and even international importance.See more..
4.5Maine State Museum(301 reviews) - Adventure Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Natural History Museums • History Museums
Beginning June 24, 2020, the Maine State Museum has closed to allow significant repairs and upgrades to the building's mechanical systems. This necessary closure was unanticipated at this time. The duration of the closure has yet to be fully determined. Because the scope of work to be completed is substantial and complex, the museum could be closed for up to two years. Please see the museum's website for additional details and updates.See more..
4.5The Wadsworth-Longfellow House(291 reviews) - James Horrigan is an Exeptional Docent Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums
Part of Maine Historical Society, this historic home is where famed 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived as a boy. Also contains the Longfellow Garden, a quiet oasis in the City of Portland. Open May-October, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.See more..
4.5Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum(249 reviews) - If I were a sardine, I would give the cruise five stars Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours History Museums
Travel Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, and enjoy its natural beauty and history on an early 20th century steamboat. The Katahdin has spacious decks with ample indoor and outdoor seating. A full galley serves beverages, sandwiches and snacks. It is handicap accessible. Reservations required only for special events and special cruises.See more..
4.5Boothbay Railway Village(247 reviews) - Very enjoyable experience! Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.See more..
4.5Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum(141 reviews) - Best Civil War related site I’ve visited outside of Gettysburg Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Visit the home of Joshua L. Chamberlain: Maine's most celebrated Civil War hero, who also served four terms as Governor, and was a professor and president of Bowdoin College! Allow our knowledgeable docents to bring his home, life, and legacy alive with guided tours, available Tuesday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm. We also offer private tours by appointment only (please allow 3-4 business days for us t arrange). Please visit our website, pejepscothistorical.org, for more information. The Museum is owned and operated by Pejepscot Historical Society.See more..
The Outdoor Heritage Museum shares the Rangeley region's rich outdoor history in fascinating detail, exploring the human experience spanning 13,000 years. Collections detail the lives and work of local legends Carrie Stevens, Fly Rod Crosby, Herb Welch, Louise Dickinson Rich, Ed Grant, Shang Wheeler and more. It's a family-friendly must-see! Named "Best Outdoor Museum in New England" by Yankee Magazine.See more..
The WW&F Railway in Alna, ME, operates a historic steam-powered two-foot 'narrow gauge' railway through the Sheepscot Valley. The Railway traces its roots to 1894 when the Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad was built north from Wiscasset. With mounting debt & little business, the W&Q reorganized as the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington. Dreams of reaching Quebec, Waterville or Farmington never materialized yet, against the odds, the railway continued to provide a valuable service. Winding through pine forests, farmlands & hamlets, the WW&F connected Maine's interior to the coast until 1933. Brought back from extinction, the railway reopened in 1989. Today, you can ride our historic steam train for a trip back in time, explore our facilities and experience the art of running a steam-powered railway. See why the WW&F’s attractions & events are some of the best things to do in Midcoast. Enjoy Maine as it was a century ago. It is yours to discover and explore – we will take you there.See more..
4.5Tate House Museum(62 reviews) - So glad we stopped in here! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Libraries • History Museums
Georgian-style House, built in 1755; also has 18-century herb garden.See more..
4.5The Brick Store Museum(48 reviews) - Museum of local art history, art, and artifacts Monday: Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
The Brick Store Museum ignites personal connections to local history, art and culture through exhibitions, education and programs celebrating the human experience in the Kennebunks and its surrounding communities. The Museum is open year round, offering revolving exhibits and unique programs.See more..
4.5Stanley Museum(28 reviews) - Great Small Museum History Museums
A museum that celebrates the inventions of the Stanley family, including an exhibit of The Stanley Steamer, an 1899 horseless carriage and early automobile.See more..
4.5Lumberman's Museum(21 reviews) - The video is a must see!!!! History Museums
This lumber history museum is located near Island Falls.See more..
5.0First Amendment Museum at the Gannett House(21 reviews) - Great Educational Trip! Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
The mission of the First Amendment Museum is to inspire all Americans to live and love their First Amendment freedoms. Situated in the historic Guy P. Gannett house, just steps from the State Capitol in Augusta, Maine, the First Amendment Museum offers limited, reserved guided tours. The tours are forty-five minutes to an hour long, and focus on the First Amendment and the history of the Gannett family who once lived in this historic home. Audience participation, feedback, and photography are encouraged! Please note that while tours are free of charge, donations are welcome. We are working within the guidelines based on the State of Maine standards to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff. These guidelines include: - Masks are required - Tours must be booked in advance - Groups of no more than 6, please We would love to have you visit our institution, hear your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you!See more..
4.5Kittery Historical & Naval Museum(20 reviews) - Astonishing Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 19, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Wander through Kittery's past as you browse our exhibits, from colonial times to grand hotels, shipbuilding and lighthouses, up to the present day. Join us for community events, year-round. Open seasonally April - November, and by appointment in the winter. See our website for more information and hours. Find out what makes Kittery special... at the Museum!See more..
OUR MISSION: To collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit the history of the greater Moosehead Lake region and its watershed, and to perpetuate the contributions of the people, past and present, who populate the area.See more..
We could only be in Bangor for a few hours, and opted to take a tour with the historical society. So glad we did. Our guide “Fanny Jones” is a wealth of knowledge and took us on an amazing tour of what life would have been in the sordid underbelly of life in the late 1800s. We really enjoyed our time on the tour. If we had more time we would have done another tour. Worth the nominal price (we did a private tour).See more..
An Italianate mansion with farmhouse and barn that offers outdoor sleigh rides, cross country ski lessons and winter festivals.See more..
4.5Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum(11 reviews) - Great historical perspective of skiing Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Ski Museum of Maine was established with the mission to celebrate, preserve and share the history and heritage of Maine skiing. The museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, artwork, and documents at its location in Kingfield. It conducts educational programs for schools, historical and civic organizations and hosts social events throughout the year. Private tours can be arranged with advanced notice on Monday & Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday.See more..
4.5Skowhegan History House Museum(9 reviews) - Great Museum Monday: History Museums Exceptional small town museum of the historical town of Skowhegan. Staff have tremendous knowledge and pride in their town.See more..
4.0Elizabeth Perkins House(9 reviews) - Old House Historic Sites • History Museums Perkins, the founder of the Old York Historical Society, used to spend time here with Mark Twain.See more..
The Maine Forest and Logging Museum, is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1960. Its focus is on forest resources and culture. It offers weekly programs during non-winter seasons as well as school tours and large public events like living history days. The buildings, collections, research, and the public programs of the Museum are the accomplishments of hundreds of volunteers from throughout the State.See more..
This museum is free to the public and well worth going to learn about Sweden. After visiting the royal palace and treasury this timeline of the country gives you a great sense of knowledge.See more..
4.0The Wilton Farm and Home Museum(5 reviews) - Town History: Bass Shoes, Bottles, and a "Maine Giantess" Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
In the historic former boarding house for the Bass Shoe factory, there are displays of furnishings, artwork, past town industries, tools, clothing, and more--on four floors. Knowledgeable volunteer guides have lots of stories or you can wander through by yourself. They're also willing to give special tours outside of regular (limited) hours.See more..
5.0Biddeford Mills Museum(5 reviews) - Like walking into a history book Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
A working museum documenting the historic Biddeford mills. Located in the Pepperell Mill Campus. Offering guided tours during the summer months.See more..
4.0Marrett House(3 reviews) - Worth a visit Spent 1-2 hours History Museums Saw the exterior of this beautiful 1789 Greek revival home that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It wasn't open for tours, but I plan to go back in October when they host an open house and art festival. The 1804 wooden Old Red Church down the road is also a classic beauty and supposedly haunted.See more..
5.0Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine(3 reviews) - Unexpected treasure in Augusta History Museums The first time my husband and I drove through Augusta, we didn't stop because we didn't realize there was anything there that was of particular interest to us. After stopping at the Maine Jewish Museum and purchasing a book, we noticed the Holocaust Center mentioned on the cover. It was a great find! So a few days later we came back through Augusta, and this time we stopped. We're so glad we did! The exhibit is small, but very nicely done. Be sure to check out the 11 minute video and the rotating art exhibit. The gentleman on staff there is incredibly nice and knowledgeable, and you can tell that he's passionate about the information they're presenting. This little center will take up less than an hour of your day (likely closer to 30 minutes), but might well be the best thing you see in Augusta.See more..
5.0Counting House Museum(2 reviews) - Wonderful visit to the place that my family began life in the USA! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums I was very interested in the history of this area where I knew my paternal family began life in the USA and joined the Old Berwick Historical Society, although I live in Texas. The members have been very kind, helpful and open to accommodating our visit to the area. I wish I lived closer and could get to know more about the rich history of the area!See more..
4.0Baxter House Museum(2 reviews) - A valuable piece of local history! History Museums
The Baxter House was build in 1797 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located directly next door to the Baxter Memorial Library. The museum collection provides an interesting window into local history. It was the birthplace of James Phinney Baxter who served six terms as mayor of Portland, Maine. It also was the home of Percival Baxter who served two terms as Governor of Maine and donated much of the land that comprises Baxter State Park. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are accepted and encouraged. The Museum is open June through August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 1:00pm. or by special appointment.See more..
5.0Long Island Histoical Society(1 review) - Discover Island History on Maine’s Casco Bay Spent < 1 hour History Museums Just a short walk from the Casco Bay Lines dock at Mariners Landing is a small local museum. It takes up part of a new Community Center. Entry is no cost. Parking is in a nearby paved lot. The museum preserves and exhibits documents and artifacts related to local history. Its scope is the five islands that make up the town – Long, Cow, Overset, Vaill, and part of Little Chebeague – as well as other nearby islands. Its well-crafted displays span home life, seafaring, fishing, lobstering, and ocean navigation. On our visit, enthusiastic volunteer docents answered our every question and explained several displays. We most appreciated the exhibits’ use of captioned maps and old photos. We disliked nothing.See more..
5.0Maine Art Glass(1 review) - Beautiful and clever and intriguing Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Art Museums
I love to bring guests here for the sheer surprise of what they find. The owner has a spectacular collection of butterflies, beetles, and all manner of insects. They are no longer living but artfully displayed in dioramas enclosed in stained glass boxes.Hundreds of species large and small are shown in this old church. There is a stained glass studio in the basement as well as a store you can buy glass and other supplies There are a number of stained glass panels, lights and household decor available. If you enjoy the natural world, need inspiration for your tattoo, have been indoors too many days in a row, or just enjoy seeing different things stop in here. When you leave you can make a donation to help preserve this unique venue.See more..
5.0Phillips Historical Society(1 review) - History, Charm, Railroads, and More Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
We go to this historical house in Phillips every year during the town's Old Home Days, and I'm always impressed at some new feature they've added. Last year it was framed photos of town vets that had been part of a photographer's trove; this year it was quilts that had been identified (by design, age, material) by an expert from the Maine State Museum. There's a big section related to the local narrow gauge railroad (Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes), a reconstructed school room, various furnished house rooms-- including one that has a bread board on which a sleeping infant, jostled from the family sleigh, shot down a snowy mountainside many years ago.See more..
Mike Chasen was sitting outside enjoying the sunshine when we arrived He said the building was used as a school basketball court until the early '60s, then for a while housing fire equipment then finally bought by the historical society. They spent a lot of time and money to save the building. Now they need $100k to repair the crumbling concrete walls. They have raised $25k so far. We took an enjoyable hour looking over antiques and history of the area. Mike answered all of our questions including a POW WWII camp a few miles away for 200 German prisoners. This area was selected for its remoteness. See more..
5.0Currier Aviation Museum(1 review) - Thrilling ride in a vintage Dehavilland Beaver float plane Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
For years, we have maintained a small, interesting collection of vintage seaplanes plus associated tools and equipment. We are now in the process of expanding the scope of this museum to encompass the rich history and heritage of seaplanes in the Moosehead Lake Region and beyond. We are setting this museum up as an I.R.S. 501c3 non profit corporation which will grow as the years go by. We envision this museum to be a tribute to the generations of seaplane pilots and all others who made seaplanes a vital part of life in remote regions of Maine, and across the globe. We are incorporating all aspects of aviation, boating and other interesting history items which we are prevalent to this region and would be an interest to folks. We already have enthusiastic help from a number of interested individuals, and look forward to welcoming anyone who has anything to contribute to our quest. Admission is by donation. We also offer sightseeing tours in our well maintained vintage flotplanes.See more..
5.0Falmouth Heritage Museum(1 review) - Explore Falmouth’s Long and Unusual History Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
This place had something to excite almost anyone interested in local history. The Falmouth Historical Society’s Falmouth Heritage Museum was housed in an authentic 19th-century farmhouse and a nearby barn. The museum had maps, artifacts, period furnishings, and many displays explaining many aspects of local history. Its member volunteers offered museum tours, genealogical research, and local history presentations. A congenial guide led me on a site tour and fielded my questions about the town’s unique 300-year history. A large sign identifying the place was out front. Parking was in a dirt lot. I appreciated all that I saw and learned here; I only wished that there were road signs in the town to direct visitors toward the museum.See more..
Monmouth Museum(0 review) Monday: History Museums A collection of seven authentic historic buildings displaying thousands of unique artifactsSee more..
