Vector: A Whale’s Life in the Gulf of Maine

Exhibit

Opening in 2026

Maine State Museum

The Future Exhibit

The extensively remodeled 4,130-square-foot gallery for this exhibit features ‘Vector’, an authentic skeleton of a 45-foot-long adult female humpback whale tracked in the Gulf of Maine and studied by scientists for 35 years. The exhibition also includes a 5-6 month old humpback calf skeleton. Together, the two represent the only pair of humpback whale skeletons exhibited in the world that display the species’ range and size.

The exhibition includes engaging activities, illustrated information, and fun facts that explore the lives of humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine, such as migration, feeding, biology, identification, and the many aspects of human and whale interaction.

When the Maine State Museum reopens, a new gallery space will feature the skeletons of two humpback whales.

A whale skeleton is being carefully assembled by staff in a museum exhibit.

The Story of the Whales

Don Carrigan from 207 spent an afternoon with Dan DenDanto of Whales and Nails as Dan and his crew installed the two whale skeletons in the new museum gallery.

Go Behind the Scenes

Where did Vector and the whale calf come from and how were they installed? Find out with this video.

Dan DenDanto’s Whale Presentation

Find out a lot more about Vector – Dan DenDanto of Whales and Nails gave a talk about her history and preparation for display at the Friends of the Maine State Museum’s annual meeting.