Pre-Season Sneak Peak

Thursday, May 7th, 10am–11:30am OR 12pm-1:30pm

Cost: $20/person, $10/members with discount code

Registration is required

Discover what’s new at Penobscot Marine Museum during our Pre-Season Sneak Peek! Explore new exhibit updates, learn about projects in the library and photo archives, watch newly added sardine videos, and examine historical documents. Guided by PMM staff and volunteers, this 1.5-hour walking tour is a unique chance to learn and ask questions. Sessions are limited to 20 people.

Opening Reception

Thursday, May 21, 4:00–6:00pm

Free

Celebrate the start of the season at the Penobscot Marine Museum. Join us on campus for an evening of light refreshments, conversation, and a first look at this year’s exhibitions. Meet museum staff and fellow supporters while exploring the museum and enjoying the start of another season of maritime history. 

Opening Day

Friday, May 22

We’re excited to welcome visitors back for another season of exploring Maine’s rich maritime history. Along with our core exhibits, guests can once again explore stories of the people who powered Maine's sardine industry with Sardineland.

PMM's exhibits and store will be open from May 22 to October 10, Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm. Plan your visit here.

New sessions of POP Studies begin in June.

Our summer sessions will be held in-person at Belfast Free Library. Join PMM to learn how to care for your photos, antiques, and family treasures with guidance from museum experts.

Spots are limited—register today!

We have a full schedule of hands-on workshops, interactive programs, and special events—fun and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Visit our website for a complete list of events.

Penobscot Marine Museum’s Family Fun Newsletter is a great way for families to stay connected to the Museum’s programs, activities, and stories. Each issue shares simple, engaging ways to explore Maine’s maritime history together—whether you’re visiting in person or following along from home. Join the family fun email list here.

By Kevin Johnson, Photo Archivist

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our long-time volunteers, Dave Ruberti. Dave was a "Big Guy,” both in stature and in personality. He began volunteering for the PMM photo archives in November of 2013, shortly after one of my presentations for the Belfast Historical Society. Dave had a way of making his presence known, often from the front row, where he delighted in playfully heckling the presenter.

While most volunteers give a session a week, Dave jumped in with three, only easing back to two in the past year. That kind of dedication meant we spent a great deal of time together, and grew to love him. He had a sharp wit, loved a good limerick, and enjoyed his reputation as a curmudgeon (his license plate echoed that sentiment).

As one fellow volunteer once put it, “That man has no filter!”—and while that was often true, it was part of what made Dave so unmistakably himself. He was, in fact, the only volunteer who ever required a gentle code word (subrosa) to remind him to consider the company he was with.

Dave’s deep knowledge of local history and his enthusiasm for even the smallest details made him an exceptional cataloger. When the photo archives opened to visitors, he naturally became an unofficial interpreter for the department, spending many summer hours engaging guests. In those moments, he was truly in his element. Rest in Peace Big Dave!

By Cipperly Good, the Richard Saltonstall Jr. Curator of Maritime History

Don Garrold, a longtime PMM Library and Archives volunteer, recently passed away. He was a steady and dependable presence each week, always ready to help researchers uncover the history of their homes and to delve into the depths of our collections. With a deep appreciation for organization, Don made a lasting impact on our work; he developed standard operating procedures, created inventories and finding aids for our stacks, and helped keep us focused and on track. He also took on the ambitious project of building a geographic information system (GIS) that brought together historic maps of Searsport with modern town tax assessment maps. We invite you to read more about Don’s collection and contributions in our November e-newsletter here.

Don will be missed. We will endeavor to maintain the order he created and follow his standard operating procedures.

By Cipperly Good, the Richard Saltonstall Jr. Curator of Maritime History

Sea captains could be very frugal, reusing their nautical charts from one voyage to the next. We recently acquired a collection of Captain William Heagan Goodell’s nautical charts, used in the 1870s and 1880s. Through his course markings, we can see the frequent routes used by captains leaving ports in Northeastern United States and northern Europe for ports in the Pacific. An added benefit of these charts is a visual depiction of how the prevailing winds and currents shaped the paths that the sailing vessels took.

Education/Interpretation Intern Matthew Pickarski

Matthew Pickarski is a recent graduate from the University of Vermont’s anthropology program. While much of his anthropological experience was centered around the field of archaeology, his final semesters at UVM forged an ongoing interest in museum spaces and how they pay homage to the people and cultures of the past. Aside from his academic pursuits, he is passionate about illustration, fiber arts, his dogs, and swimming. With additional experience in marine science and coastal ecology, he is excited to bring his unique skills to the team of interns here at the Penobscot Marine Museum.

Education/Interpretation Intern Emily Fredet Jackson

Emily Fredet Jackson is a Junior at UW-Madison studying Legal Studies and Finance with a minor in History. In Wisconsin, she writes for the Pre-Law Society’s blog and serves as the Treasurer of Student’s Demand Action. Last summer, she worked as an intern for an investment management law and compliance firm in Manhattan. Emily is originally from Connecticut and in her free time she enjoys reading, skiing, paddleboarding, and spending time with her friends and family.

Project Intern Izzy Healy

Izzy Healy is a masters student in the history and archives program at Keene State College in Keene New Hampshire where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in history this past May. While at school, Izzy works in the college archives specializing in the Orang Asli Collection of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. While home for the summer, she enjoys waitressing at Laan Xang Cafe in Belfast and volunteers for the Belfast Free Library archives.

Database Intern Erica Buswell

Erica Buswell is currently an MLIS Candidate at the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science where she is focusing her studies on digital libraries and collections. She also currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs at Colby College. Erica has had a varied career to date, including stints at the Belfast Co-op, Maine Farmland Trust, and Restorative Justice Project Maine, and has enjoyed volunteering at many organizations including Maine Cooperative Extension, Cooperative Development Institute, Wabanaki REACH, Coastal Mountains Land Trust, and the Carver Memorial Library. Erica has made her home in Searsport since 2004, where she homesteads with her husband Scott.

Museum Exploration Intern Cooper Pendleton.

Cooper Pendleton is a soon-to-be high school graduate from Belfast, ME with a heavy interest in anything marine. He’s got an amazing mind for science and loves all kinds of it. Cooper also loves music, his favorite genres being Metal and Rock. Cooper is very excited to start working with the staff and visitors at the Penobscot Marine Museum, so feel free to say hello.

We’re thrilled to welcome the Captain Nickels Inn as a Premium Business Member!

A big thank you for their support of our work to preserve and share Maine’s rich maritime history. Partnerships like this help keep our stories alive and accessible for everyone.

As our Big Jim restoration project continues, new stories are highlighting the process—including coverage on WLBZ and WABI.