In a recent social media post, we shared a map with the locations of over 75 Searsport sea captains on January 31, 1884. The map freezes a moment in time. What came before and after? Who are the people represented by the dots on the map? Join Education Director Jeana Ganskop to answer these questions […]

This class offers practical advice on cleaning, storage, and display techniques to ensure the preservation of family letters, antiques, and heirlooms for future generations. Building on earlier classes (though not required), it reviews safe handling and display methods, then focuses on how to clean different materials, choose appropriate storage options, and recognize when professional conservation […]

In 2020, PMM received a collection of photos by world renown Life Magazine photographer, Eliot Elisofon.  Nearly 2,000 slides and negatives shot by Elisofon between 1940-1970, on or around Vinalhaven were donated by his daughter Elin. This collection has since been digitized and cataloged and ready to be explored. If you are not familiar with […]

This class teaches practical strategies for preserving antiques in everyday living spaces, recognizing that most people want to enjoy their heirlooms rather than store them away. Focusing on affordable ways to improve home environmental conditions, the course covers how to reduce risks like mold, rust, and fading, and how to place antiques in areas with […]

This hands-on course offers a practical introduction to digitizing cultural heritage photographs, helping museums, historical societies, and similar organizations plan and launch successful digital projects. Drawing on Penobscot Marine Museum’s experience since 2005, the course covers essential topics like project assessment, equipment and software selection, fundraising, and best practices for image capture and file management. […]

This class is designed for anyone responsible for handling delicate antiques—whether preserving family heirlooms, managing museum collections, or assisting historical societies. Participants will learn proper techniques for safely moving, supporting, and packaging fragile objects, with a focus on reducing breakage, mold, and environmental risks. The course includes hands-on practice, and attendees are encouraged to bring […]

While we were excited to receive the Wilbur Yacht Collection of boat plans, company archives, and design tools, and with it, some gems like the plans to Billy Joel's 38' fast cruiser, it was overwhelming. Luckily, we have a rolodex full of former high school and college interns to call upon. Belfast-native Willa Bywater, now […]

This course helps individuals manage their personal photography archives, which often include physical prints, negatives, and digital photos. It offers practical guidance on organizing and storing both physical and digital images, using metadata, naming systems, and creating finding aids. Participants will learn how to preserve their photographic materials properly, set up a searchable digital archive, […]

This course helps individuals manage their personal photography archives, which often include physical prints, negatives, and digital photos. It offers practical guidance on organizing and storing both physical and digital images, using metadata, naming systems, and creating finding aids. Participants will learn how to preserve their photographic materials properly, set up a searchable digital archive, […]

Join Executive Director Karen Smith for an update on our BIG project to restore the iconic Big Jim. This 40-foot-tall Maine fisherman has stood as a proud symbol for our coastal heritage for more than six decades. As you've likely heard, plans are underway to restore him to his original likeness, display him in Searsport, […]