Fourth on our list of 50 free things to do in Mid-Coast Maine:
Free admission: For one to the Penobscot Marine Museum for those staying in a Searsport accommodation.
Even if you are not staying in Searsport the Penobscot Marine Museum is a fantastic museum to visit. Did you know it’s Maine's Oldest Maritime Museum? It was founded in 1936 by descendants of Searsport sea captain families. The original building was Old Town Hall, built in 1845 and given to the Museum by the town of Searsport to display their initial collection. Within the decade, they had outgrown this first building; over the years, we have grown to encompass a total of 13 buildings, eight of which are on the National Historic Register. Be sure to pick up a map and walk the Seacoast Village!
Their collection quite varied including several boat barns featuring everything from a classic 1950s Beals Island lobster boat to pleasure craft and commercial boats from the early 20th century. They also have a world-class collection of 19th century marine art featuring Thomas and James Buttersworth, Robert Salmon, and Antonio Jacobsen. Exhibits include "Working the Bay," a virtual history of the 19th century in Penobscot Bay towns; "Travels to the Pacific Rim," a glimpse of life aboard a vessel captained by a Searsport native, trading in the Orient in the late 1800s; and "Challenge of the Downeaster," the story of Maine's seafaring and shipbuilding industry from the early 1800s. Be sure to check out a sneak peak of their permanent collection.
The Penobscot Marine Museum is definitely worth the visit.
© 2009 Maine Adventure Sails 
