BATH - There's a place where Maine's maritime history is on display and offers visitors a unique perspective on the life of hardy mariners, master shipbuilders, the state's shipping industry, and the role it played on the high seas.
Last Sunday, the Maine Maritime Museum threw open its doors to the public for free to celebrate its 50th anniversary. You could say our ship came in for this family of three. A visit would have cost us $40.00 for the day. That was generous of the museum to do this for a public who undoubtedly enjoyed its fine exhibits, the back drop of the Kennebec River and its life-affirming sea breezes.
My son has a passion for maritime history - especially naval vessels from all nations. For a baseball fanatic, this is like going to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox come undone.
My son has a passion for maritime history - especially naval vessels from all nations. For a baseball fanatic, this is like going to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox come undone.
A cool fall day and brilliant sunshine made for spectacular afternoon to catch a glimpse of the Bath Iron Works, which is just up the river from the museum. It took us nearly four hours see everything the museum offers. If you enjoy walking, love the ocean and all its lure, and had a secret desire to become a swabby and sail the seven seas, this is the place to spend a day.
There are numerous exhibits and illustrations inside the main lobby and there are also informative outdoor displays.
If you are a reader, it will take you about 90 minutes to visit the indoor exhibits. During our tour, the museum featured "The War of 1812" display, cannon and a two-shot flint-lock pistol, two cannons from the HMS Boxer, gowns from the Saco Peace Ball, and Letters of Marque signed by President Madison.
Model ships of the past will make you pause and stare as you marvel at these complicated exhibits. There is a large, working engine of a ship, whaling gear, a ship's doctor's surgical instruments, sabers and numerous pictures of Maine's maritime past.
The gift shop has an impressive array of books about the maritimes.
For children, there are working displays, and what child wouldn't want to get behind the helm of a ship, watch a boat launch or tour a mansion.
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| Master Anthony aboard the Sherman Szwicker |
One of the most impressive, working exhibits is the Sherman Szwicker - a sailing yacht that is a twin-mastered schooner built in Canada in 1942. It offers a great deal of room thanks to its deep draught, and the entire yacht is 142 feet long. It is beautiful sailing vessel that is moored at the museum.
The museum is also restoring a section of the Maine-built, American clipper ship, Snow Squall.
According to the museum's Web site: "She made voyages all over the world, carrying valuable and time dependent cargoes. In 1864, she was heavily damaged trying to round Cape Horn and was abandoned in the Falkland Islands. Through conservation efforts, In 1987 she was brought back, a fragment of her former self, as a unique surviving artifact of the age of American clippers. The bow section and others parts of the Snow Squall were recovered and are now housed at Maine Maritime Museum."
The museum's location is so large it includes numerous outdoor exhibits. There is the Boat Barn that features small, sleek boats, and the Lobster Shack houses about dozen lobster boats.
Across from the museum sits the Donnell House - a roomy Victorian-era home. According the Museum's Web site, the home of shipbuilder William T. Donnell is being restored. You will marvel at its rooms and priceless furniture.
If you are drawn to the sea, then hop aboard and take cruise through time as the Maine Maritime Museum helps all visitors navigate the Pine Tree's ocean-going past.
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