The Maine Maritime Museum – A Dream for Ship Lovers

Maine has long been important to the nation’s maritime history, and the Maine Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about it.

The United States has a rich maritime history that dates back to its founding and continues to the present day (learn about America’s early naval history by visiting the USS Constitution, the country’s most historic navy ship). Today, the United States is easily the world’s leading naval power, and Maine has played a significant role in that. The Maine Maritime Museum is an excellent place to learn about Maine’s maritime history.

Some of America’s most historic and iconic navy ships, including aircraft carriers and battleships, can be found all over the country, particularly along the coast. Maine is much more than Acadia National Park and lobster; it is a state that has made significant contributions to America’s long naval and maritime industry and traditions.

Explore Maine’s Rich Maritime History at the Maine Maritime Museum.

The museum was founded in 1962 and merged with the Portland Harbor Museum in 2010. It now houses over 20,000 objects as well as millions of documents and manuscripts related to Maine’s maritime heritage. It traces Maine’s maritime history from prehistoric times to the present.

It has grown into a large museum that is now spread across a beautiful 20-acre campus.

Established in 1962

The Maine Maritime Museum, formerly known as the Bath Marine Museum, houses a large and diverse collection detailing Maine’s regional and global role in maritime activities. The collection of the museum includes artifacts, artwork, documents, shipyards, ships, replicas, and much more.

The Maine Maritime Museum’s location is significant. Bath is dubbed “The City of Ships.” It is also located on the Kennebec River’s waterfront and includes the historic Percy and Small Shipyard.

The Maine Maritime Museum’s Exhibits, Displays, and Activities

The full-sized replica of the largest wooden sailing ship ever built is one of the more eye-catching features. It is the sculpture of the six-masted schooner Wyoming and is the largest in New England.

The Percy and Small Shipyard features five original 19th-century buildings as well as the shipyard owner’s Victorian-era home. It is the only surviving shipyard in the United States where large wooden sailing vessels were built. The museum not only displays ships and shipbuilding, but also provides insight into the daily lives of sailors and shipbuilders.

Among the permanent exhibits are:

Snow Squall: The last remaining American clipper ship, launched in Portland in 1851.

Donnell House: A Victorian-era home that is open for tours seasonally and showcases a shipyard owner’s home from 1892.

A Maritime History of Maine: Exhibit of Over 240 Objects Representing the Maritime History of Maine

Percy & Small Shipyard: America’s Last Surviving Shipyard

Building America’s Navy (BIW): Discover How America’s Navy Is Built Today

Over 140 Historic Small Crafts are on display in the Historic Boat Collection.

The Apprenticeship at 40: Discover How Wooden Boats Are Made

A Lighthouse Adventure: See Full-Scale A Cape Elizabeth Two Lights Lighthouse Tower Lantern Room Replica

Wyoming: The World’s Largest Wooden Sailing Vessel (The Is A Sculpture Of It)

The museum offers daily cruises to see some of Maine’s maritime attractions from the sea, in addition to exhibits. View Maine’s iconic lighthouses as well as Navy vessels currently being built at the Bath Iron Works.

Go On A Boat Ride To See Navy Vessels Under Construction

The museum also has a craft section. Visit the Boatshop to learn about the preservation of Maine’s wooden boatbuilding traditions. Chat with the boat-building craftsmen or take part in one of the traditional woodworking workshops.

Making Plans to Visit the Maine Maritime Museum

Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the Maine Maritime Museum is open every day.

9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Daily

There is plenty of free parking near the museum, including space for RVs and other larger vehicles.

If you get hungry while visiting, their Sail Shed by Long Reach Kitchen is open daily from 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Thursday to Sunday. The menus change and include baked goods, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages.

Plan your trip to Maine

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰