Science & technology museums in Maine

Portland Head Light, located in the US state of Maine, holds the distinction of being the oldest lighthouse in the region. Its construction began as early as 1787, making it a significant historical landmark.

The Portland Observatory, located at 138 Congress Street in the Munjoy Hill section of Portland, Maine, is a historic maritime signal tower. Constructed in 1807, it holds the distinction of being the only known surviving tower of its kind in the United States.

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located in Portland, Maine, was established in 1993. This came after the Edaville Railroad, a museum railway in Massachusetts, was forced to close in 1991 due to financial difficulties. The museum's establishment was a way to preserve the history and legacy of the Edaville Railroad.

The Maine Maritime Museum, previously known as the Bath Marine Museum, is a rich source of information about Maine's maritime heritage and culture. It also highlights the significant role that Maine has played in regional and global maritime activities. The museum offers a diverse collection of millions of documents, artifacts, and works of art, providing a comprehensive insight into the maritime history of the region.

The Pemaquid Point Light is a historic lighthouse in the United States. It is located in Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine, at the tip of the Pemaquid Neck. This lighthouse is a significant part of the region's history and offers a unique experience for visitors.

West Quoddy Head is a unique geographical location in the United States. Situated in Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, Maine, it holds the distinction of being the easternmost point of the contiguous United States. This makes it a significant point of interest for tourists who are interested in geographical landmarks.

The Seashore Trolley Museum, located in Kennebunkport, Maine, USA, is recognized as the oldest and largest museum of its kind in the world. It houses a vast collection of public transportation vehicles, making it a unique destination for those interested in the history and evolution of public transportation.

The Burnt Island Light is a significant historical landmark in Maine, having been built in 1821. This makes it the second oldest surviving lighthouse in the state. Its long-standing history offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in maritime history and architecture.

The Penobscot Marine Museum, situated in Searsport, in Penobscot Bay, Maine, holds the distinction of being the oldest maritime museum in the state. It was established with the aim of preserving and educating people about Maine's and Searsport's rich and unique maritime and shipbuilding history.

The Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway experienced a revival in the late 1980s when Harry Percival took over the company and planned to rebuild part of the route. This led to the establishment of the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum, Inc. in 1989. The Sheepscot–Alna Center section was reopened in 2002 and has since been operated as a museum railway, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Maine's railway history.

The Depot House Museum, located at 114 Central Street in Pittsfield, Maine, is a historic former railroad station known as the Pittsfield Railroad Station. This location offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and architecture of the late 19th century.

The Tate House Museum is a historic site located at 1270 Westbrook Street, near the Fore River in the Stroudwater neighborhood of Portland, Maine. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. The house is one of the oldest in Portland, providing a unique opportunity to explore the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.

The Maine Discovery Museum, situated in Bangor, Maine, holds the distinction of being the largest children's museum in the state and the largest located north of Boston, Massachusetts. This makes it a significant destination for families and children looking for educational and interactive experiences. The museum, which opened in 2001, offers a variety of exhibits and activities designed to engage and educate young minds.

The Bucksport Railroad Station, located on Main Street in Bucksport, Maine, is a historic site that dates back to 1874. It was constructed by the European and North American Railway, making it a significant part of the town's history. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich railway history of the region.

Oakfield Station, located on Station Street in Oakfield, Maine, is a historic former passenger rail station. It was constructed in 1911 by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. This station serves as a significant reminder of Oakfield's past prominence as a railroad center.

The Portland Fire Museum is a unique attraction located in Portland, Maine. It is situated at 157 Spring Street, which was the former home of Fire Engine 4. This museum offers a glimpse into the history of firefighting in Portland, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and firefighting.

Grindel Point Light is a significant landmark in Islesboro, Maine. It marks the west entrance to Gilkey Harbor and is located at the westernmost point of the island. This lighthouse is not just a beacon for sailors but also a point of interest for tourists visiting the area.

Monhegan Island Light is an active lighthouse that has been serving the area since 1824. It is located on Monhegan Island, in Lincoln County, Maine. This historic lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 7, 1980, marking its significance in the region's history. The current tower dates back to 1850 and was the last project of architect Alexander Parris.

The Katahdin is a historic steamboat that is berthed on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine. This steamboat was built in 1914 at the Bath Iron Works and has a rich history of serving the tourist trade on the lake before being converted to a towboat for hauling lumber. It was fully restored in the 1990s by the nonprofit Moosehead Maritime Museum and is now again giving tours on the lake.

The McCurdy Smokehouse, located on the waterfront of Lubec, Maine, is a former industrial fish processing facility. It was operational from around 1906 to 1991, making it a significant part of the region's history. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's industrial past.

The Fort Kent Railroad Station, located at the intersection of Main and Market Streets in Fort Kent, Maine, is a historic site that dates back to 1902. It was constructed by the Fish River Railroad and remained in service until 1979. This station is a testament to the region's rich railroad history and offers a glimpse into the past.

Curtis Island Light, previously known as Negro Island Light, is a significant lighthouse that marks the entrance to the harbor of Camden, Maine. The lighthouse is situated on Curtis Island, a location that provides a protective barrier for the harbor against ocean storms. This strategic location not only makes it an important navigational aid but also a point of interest for visitors.

In 1970, railway enthusiasts in Phillips took the initiative to preserve the legacy of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. They decided to rebuild a part of the route for museum operations. Since 1985, the name “Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad” has been revived and used again, adding a touch of authenticity to the museum.

Orgonon, located in Rangeley, Maine, served as the home, laboratory, and research center of the Austrian-born psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich. Spanning 175 acres, this site is also Reich's final resting place. Today, it is open to the public as the Wilhelm Reich Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Reich's life and work.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Maine. It serves as a marine science center and research institute, dedicated to the study and preservation of marine life and ecosystems. Visitors to the institute can learn about the various research initiatives and educational programs that the institute undertakes.

The Loring Military Heritage Center, located near Limestone, Maine, was established in 2005. The founders were former military personnel and local civilians who aimed to preserve the rich history of the base and the memories of those who served there.

The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (Maine MILL) is situated in the Bates Mill Historic District in Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its accessibility to tourists visiting the area.

The Northern Maine Museum of Science, located in Presque Isle, Maine, is a natural history museum. It offers a wide range of exhibits that cover various scientific disciplines. This museum is an excellent destination for those interested in natural history and science.

If you like trains then this museum is well worth the detour. Marvel at the historical locomotives and wagons and take a train ride.

The Ski Museum of Maine, situated in Kingfield, Maine, United States, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history and heritage of skiing. The museum places a particular emphasis on the state of Maine, showcasing artifacts and documents that reflect the region's rich skiing history. The museum is conveniently located on Route 27 in downtown Kingfield, near the historic Herbert Hotel and just 15 miles from Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Blacksmith Shop Museum, originally known as the Chandler-Parsons Blacksmith Shop, is a historic blacksmith shop located at 107 Dawes Road in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of blacksmithing in the 19th century.