The Natural Science Division of the Maine State Museum serves as an important regional repository for researchers from Maine and northern New England. The museum’s geological collection dates from the 1830’s when systematic collecting was first undertaken in the region and is especially strong in minerals from the historic pegmatite district of western Maine. The biological holdings were significantly expanded in 2004 with the incorporation of the University of Maine Department of Ecology’s comprehensive statewide and regional collections of birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and vascular plants. Other important recent acquisitions include the 2006 transfer of the Maine Geological Survey collections.

Questions?

For questions about collections, feel free to contact a staff member. 

Natural Science Collection Loans to Other Institutions:

During the museum’s collecting moratorium, natural science collections loans may still be considered, according to the museum’s loan policy.