maine state museum

This is a very informative and interesting museum. the exhibits are very well put together. It is fun to see stuff aboutMaine.

Went here with my brother and his wife...tried once before and it was closed...so do check the hours of operation, so you are not disappointed. This is a stellar museum for Maine's history...all aspects of it. It encompasses thousands (ice age finds--fossils) of years in a very organized and easy to follow pattern. Parking can be tough...the lot is large, but it is also for state employees and others with business in the state house or other government buildings. From agriculture and farming to fishing and lobstering and hunting...to mining and gems...to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and many other battles fought by the brave men of Maine's military. You will be pleasantly surprised to see so much history of Maine covered and explained...I guarantee you will learn more than one new thing about Maine. Something for everyone here...even kids, although I recommend at least 5th grade and up...not really for small children...just my opinion. Fees are very reasonable ...maximum for a family is $6....adult rate is $2...seniors are $1...children under 6 are free...and of course they have very reasonable group rates. They also have special exhibits (check the website) as well as scheduled lectures on various topics. Overall, this museum is one of the best in the state and maybe even the best state museum in New England. Well worth the ride to Augusta, which also has a lot to offer...a beautiful state capital rich in history, nature, and culture.

this museum has everything you want to know about the state of Maine. they show the logging operation down the river from Jackman, Maine to where they get rid of the logs for the papermill in Skowhegan, Maine.

great place for kids and adults,educational and fun some hands on exhibets,history of the state of Maine.

Really well done permanent and rotating displays with some interactive displays. Love sitting in the rocking chair "on the porch" looking out over "the lake" and hearing the loons, the bugs, and the motorboat.

Great museum of Maine history and life. Exhibits are well presented and there is something for everyone! Plan to take the grandkids when they visit next summer.

With some time to wander on a visit to Augusta, we made our way to the State Museum. We could not believe the exceptional quality and creativity of the exhibits. Obviously, a lot of money, design expertise, excellent fabrication and construction have gone into the presentation of Maine's unique history. It's been over a year since we were there, but I still have vivid recollection of the Civil War display, the evolution of the kitchen exhibit, and so much more. Maine is so lucky to have this amazing museum – congratulations to them! If you are in the area, it is well worth the time and nominal admission fee.

Tucked in the grounds of the State House in Augusta Maine is an amazing museum rich with the history of Maine. Three floors are packed with historical information from kitchens over time to the lumber industry. There most definitely is something for everyone at this museum and the exhibits are geared to all ages. Working exhibits, things to see, read, and touch vary throughout the museum. Each area of the museum had knowledegable staff that chimed in with facts and stories or answered questions. The gift shop had many made in Maine items as well as a large selection of books by Maine authors. From my admission (only $2 for an adult) until I left the gift shop to head home; every staff person was pleasant and helpful. I spent well over two hours in the museum and still need to return again to see it all.

My family is from Alabama and Florida, and we just visited the museum. While in the gift shop, my 3 year old nephew was playing with some of the gift shop toys. The clerk angrily yelled at him to stop and said it was inappropriate. If she had a problem, she should have asked the parents to watch him, and not yell. This made him cry. We did not buy anything or go into the museum after this incident.

Enjoyed the Fall colors of trees around the capitol even its under construction, took a lot of good pictures here.

You can take a quick visit or you can really do some exploring here.There are multi levels, but all are handicapped accessible.

A friend of mine used to work here, so I know all the dirt. It's nice as far as State museums go, but again: why are you in Maine in the first place? The most backwards, pro-torture, pro- forced-subjection-to-health-care, anti-spiritual, intellectual backwards, neo-fascist/quasi-liberal state in the union? Yes, the exhibit quality is on par with that of the Smithsonian, and, yes: the Museum has won national awards. However, the museum campus is part of the Capitol Complex and is run by rent-a-cops (d/b/a "Capitol Security") that will -- in fact -- feel at liberty to cart you off to one of the local psych wards if you look at one of the State workers running the joint the wrong way. Is this really where you want to take your children...even on a "field trip"? EVEN IF you don't get it about the AMHI/UN problem (about which I have kvetched, incessantly, in my other reviews), it IS a dangerous place, given "Capitol Security" and their bed-sharing with the Augusta Police Department. Sad, but true. Or "cruelle, mais juste," as we tend to say in France. Steer clear.

We have been to many fine museums throughout the US and other countries and this little gem of a museum houses some fine exhibits that will fill several hours for adults and children. The children will especially enjoy the presentations of the taxidermied animals of the Maine forests. All the exhibits are professional prepared and easily understood by the reader. The new Civil War exhibit is excellent and tells about Maine's role in the Civil War.

For a small budget museum they have First Class exhibits. I was pleasantly surprised when I toured the Civil War exhibit. The story it told of Maine's role in the war was outstanding. I appreciated that the exhibit included information on other Maine Units not just the 20th Maine. I recommend this museum to families and lone travelers.

Great for kids and history buffs. Well-maintained, friendly, and relaxed. Great thing to do on a rainy day. Only $2 for adults and $1 for kids.