The Museum

Led by village stalwarts including John Phelps, Katharine Savage, Mike Coombs, Maria Giulia Vitelli, and Peter Bell the idea of a local museum was soon gaining traction and the Great Harbor Collection opened in the summer of 1982. 

Area residents began loaning and donating artifacts that had been stored in attics, basements, and garages, and before long the entire first floor of the building was was full.  Exhibits covered a variety of topics relating to local history, and the objects on display ranged from a 1927 American LaFrance fire truck to kitchen utensils. Visitors studied old photographs, listened to a player piano, and explored the village jail. It was clear that the Great Harbor Collection was a hit!  Over time, the Museum expanded into the former Town Office spaces on the second floor and multi-year leases helped to ensure its longevity on Main Street.

Like many small town museums, the Great Harbor Collection faced challenges in terms of volunteers and donations, but it managed to survive.  A 1992 article celebrating the museum’s tenth birthday, recognized the success of the museum but questioned its future; some residents were of the opinion that the old firehouse building could be sold to earn money.

In 1997 the The Great Harbor Collection became The Great Harbor Maritime Museum. With this more focused mission, exhibits focused on the relationship between Mount Desert Island and the sea.  Events like boat parades and model boat regattas garnered attention, and interesting exhibits drew new audiences. But the museum still occupied a leased space.  Finally, in 2005, after years of research, discussion, and beating the odds, the Great Harbor Maritime Museum gained ownership of the old firehouse at the Mount Desert Town Meeting.  

Since that time the museum has raised funds to reconstruct the original garage doors, restore windows, and remove vinyl siding. Like an wooden boat, the care of an old building is continuous, but the Museum has devoted itself to the Old Firehouse and ensuring this building remains a village institution for generations to come.

Over its thirty year history, the Great Harbor Maritime Museum has amassed an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts pertaining to Mount Desert Island and its maritime past.  With a majority of the artifacts relating more directly to Northeast and Seal Harbors, items cover such topics as businesses, houses, residents, boats, and local industries.  These archives are used not only by the Museum, but are frequently shared with other Mount Desert Island museums and historical societies and are also used in research, publications, and films.  

Great Harbor Maritime Museum Board of Directors