The museums in Camden, Maine are some of the best things you are going to see on your vacation to this gorgeous little town. The history in the area is rich and goes back centuries, as early as 1768 when Native Americans called it “Megunticook,” meaning “big mountain harbor.”
This kind of history is stored and displayed in the many museums in the area that hold displays, antiques, furniture, photographs, and other items that were everyday common use to earlier residents and settlers. Check out this list of museums in Camden, Maine for some great places to see.
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Experience 7 Great Museums in Camden, Maine
Penobscot Marine Museum
This museum is a campus of historic buildings in Searsport, ME. They host both permanent and temporary exhibits that depict the cultural stories of the Penobscot industries, global trade, and the captains and their families. Enjoy permanent exhibits like Working the Bay, which is about the history, economy, and recreation of the Penobscot Region.
Or see the Hall of Ship Models exhibit, which is a display of historical ships used at different periods in the region’s history. Another display is the Sea Captains of Searsport, an exhibit about 19th-century sea captains and their families.
You can also see their traveling exhibits and newer exhibits featuring historical photographs, stories about Searsport families and how they lived, as well as art and displays about current ecological issues in the Gulf of Maine. Visit Penobscot Marine Museum for location and visitor information.
Camden-Rockport Historical Society Museum in Camden, Maine
Visit the oldest homesteading house in Camden at the Camden-Rockport Historical Society. Simeon Tyler built the home in the 1780s. He was one of the earliest settlers in the area and a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
Six buildings on the property display what it was like to be a homesteader in the 18th and 19th centuries. The main home, the barn, and a blacksmith building have antique furnishings and equipment used during those times. In March, you can see sugaring demonstrations on Maine Maple Sunday in their Sugar Shack.
Maine Lighthouse Museum
The Maine Lighthouse Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to the maritime history of Maine. The museum features the largest collection of Fresnel lighthouse lenses and other artifacts related to the history of lighthouses in Maine. You will find a variety of exhibits that explore the history of these iconic structures, including models of lighthouses, vintage photos, and original artifacts.
Sail Power Steam Museum
Learn about the heritage of sailing at The Sail Power Steam Museum. It is a fantastic place to visit if you love learning about maritime history. You can explore the history of sailing and steam-powered vessels as well as the equipment used by common men. Take a self-guided or group tour and you will find boats, engines, and other maritime artifacts on display. The Sail Power Steam Museum is a great destination for all ages and sits right above The Coastal Children’s Museum.
Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum is both an art gallery and museum that exhibits works primarily from Maine’s historical and modern artists depicting American life in Maine. It is open throughout the year and is an iconic resource dedicated to preserving and furthering Maine’s contribution to American art.
If you visit this museum and gallery, you will see 15,000 art pieces like paintings, prints, photography, and sculptures focused on 18th-century American art to the present and from artists like Fitz Henry Lane, Winslow Homer, and many more! You will be glad you added this museum in Camden, Maine to your vacation plans!
The Coastal Children’s Museum
If you are looking for a fun and educational outing with the kids, visit The Coastal Children’s Museum. This museum has interactive exhibits that will keep your little ones entertained for hours. It is located below the Sail Power Steam Museum, making both museums a perfect pair to visit together. Plus, the museum also hosts birthday parties if you need a place to help your kids celebrate! Visit their website for more information and to book a time to visit!
Rockland Historical Society
The Rockland Historical Society focuses on preserving and maintaining the history of Rockland, ME. It is located on the lower level of the Rockland Public Library but operates independently from the library. You can visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm – 5 pm.
Learn about the town’s history through displays of memorabilia, photographs, and other items from Rockland’s past. The great thing about this small museum is the preservation of everyday life in Rockland, ME, and how past residents lived. Check out their Rockland Historical Society Facebook page to see some fascinating photos!
In conclusion, Camden, Maine, is a fascinating and culturally rich destination worth exploring with its many historical sites and museums. Whether you are interested in history, art galleries, or nature and ecology, there is something for everyone in this charming coastal town. So why wait? Plan your visit to Camden today and discover all it has to offer!
Stay at Camden Maine Stay Inn
While not a museum, the Camden Maine Stay Inn was built in 1802 and is registered on the National Register of Historical Places! It is the third oldest home in Camden. And it was renovated to give you the most modern and luxurious accommodations on your vacation.
Enjoy luxurious amenities like soft, cozy beds, and personal health and safety products. We also added hypoallergenic pillows, private en suite bathrooms, plush bathrobes and so much more in our stylish guest rooms! Enjoy all the comforts of modern living in our historical building and have a fantastic stay in Camden, Maine.
Check availability and make plans today for your best vacation!