Maine State Museum

Our mandates are to collect, preserve and exhibit Maine's cultural and natural history. Our collections tell the story of Maine and her people from the original inhabitants of 12,000 years ago to the present century.

Description:
The museum is housed in Augusta and is the "flagship" museum for the State. We have responsibility for collections in the State House and the governor's mansion, the Blaine House, as well as the core museum collections. Our collections reflect the diversity and richness of Maine's culture over 12,000 years of human habitation. We provide educational resources for teachers, conduct programs in the exhibits and do outreach through the Internet and distance learning.

History:
The original mandate for Charles Jackson to collect geologic specimens came from the state legislature in 1836. Those were the first "artifacts" that started the museum. After the legislature passed an act in 1966 to create the museum, construction began in 1969 on the building that currently houses exhibits, office space, labs and some storage. The building was opened in 1971 and has undergone many renovations and exhibit changes since then. Come see for yourself!

Contact people:

Kris Weeks Oliveri, Educator, (phone), (email) Gabrielle Stanhope, Administrative Secretary, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (207) 287-6633

Address:

83 State House Station (230 State St.) Augusta, ME 04333 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.mainestatemuseum.org

Directions:

The museum is located in the Capitol Complex, south of the State House in Augusta. The building houses the museum, state library and archives.

Last updated on August 27, 2009