Maine State Museum
February 20, 2008 9:31 pm Area AttractionsAt least twice a day I receive a phone call asking, “If I camp at Poland Spring Campground for a week, what’s there to do in the area?”
My answer?
Plenty!!!
Included in our check-in packet is a list of places to go and things to do, complete with directions. Most of them have been “tested out” on my own kids during our Monday outings. There’s hiking, ocean watches, shopping, beaches and museums. Over the next couple of months, I’ll occasionally talk about a few of them, giving you pictures whenever I can. In the meantime, feel free to visit our website under area/links for those that are closest to home.
Today, Ben insisted Dave and I take him to the Maine State Museum in Augusta. He’d just been with his classroom two weeks ago, yet he haaaaaad to go back and see his favorite displays again. I’ve sent plenty of campers during our eighteen years of running the campground, but had never been myself.
I really have no idea what took me so long!
It took a little less than an hour to get there, and was an easy drive up Route 202 (although you can also get there by the Turnpike). We spent approximately two and a half hours exploring three floors of exhibits like these:
Maine patents and inventions. Did you know earmuff were invented by Maine resident, Chester Greenwood?
a lawn sprinkler from the late 1800’s if I’m remembering correctly
A typical early 1900’s kitchen display in the Made in Maine exhibit
musket balls in the Struggle for Identity exhibit
an approximately 100 year old loom
Of course, my photos don’t do it justice. You really have to visit yourself!
I think my favorite was the Back to Nature Exhibit, with the wildlife display. I was amazed at the size of the fisher! And the beaver! We saw an eagle up close, moose, skunk, various birds, deer, owls and much more.
Afterward, we walked over to the Maine State House to get a peek of the inside. There are also several monuments nearby, such as the Firefighters Memorial, Police Officers Memorial, Samantha Smith Statue and the Vietnam Veterans Memorials.
February 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Sounds like an interesting museum. I remember we went to the state house in Georgia. There was a museum on the second floor that was very interesting, It also had some stuffed animals in it. The hard part of this place was getting in. You had to go through a metal detector. Well everyone ( there were 6 of us) had gotten through but me. After several tries and then the wand it was discovered that my itsy bitsy belt buckle was causing the alarm to go off. Well Joe had gotten through with a large belt buckle and a pocket knife! LOL It was our story for the longest time. BTW it was the Smiths that were with us. So ask anytime this summer about the story and you will hear the whole thing again along with plenty of laughter!
February 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
What was that belt buckle made of Terry? LOL
We are a big museum family! Tomorrow, Linda Gray is visiting, and I hope to take her to the Portland Art Museum. They have a “nail sculpture” exhibit that is supposed to be fantastic. I’m not sure if they’ll let me take pictures though!
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 am
The belt buckle was a ordinary metal belt buckle not mad e of anything to be “ALARMED”about LOL . The next time I am going with a larger belt buckle and a pocket knife..it’s easier to get int o secure buildings! Scary isn’t it!