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Field Trips, Programs and Tours
The Maine State Museum is currently closed. Check back for more details
as we get closer to reopening in 2026.
Planning on bringing in your group for a self-guided tour after we reopen in October 2026?
Bringing a group to the Maine State Museum? When you visit, you can either explore the exhibits at your own pace or schedule a guided program with our experienced educators.
Please note: Guided in-person programming will not be available when the museum first reopens in October 2026. Tours and programs will begin again sometime in early 2027. In the meantime, we will be accepting reservations for group visits that are self-guided at the Museum. The State House and Blaine House will remain open for regular guided tours. To schedule a visit fill out our reservation form.
As you are planning for your visit keep in mind that the Museum’s reopening in October 2026 is the first phase of a 3 part reopen. During this first phase, two of the museum’s four floors will be open with exhibits. The public will be able to visit the 3rd and 4th floors which have the Lunder Education Center, the whale gallery, Beyond the Postcard, At Home in Maine, and Maine Quilts. The Lower levels which include Made in Maine and 12,000 Years in Maine will open during phase 2 and 3 at the end of 2027 and 2028. Stay up to date by visiting our Countdown to Reopening!
A full schedule of programs takes place in the museum’s galleries and features inquiry-based discussions, in-depth focus on artifacts, and hands-on, minds-on experiences designed to inspire and educate.
Most gallery programs and tours are 30 minutes in length. There is a maximum of 20 people per program, so larger groups will be split up into separate programs.
Tours of the Blaine House and State House are also available for field trips.
SCHOOLS
There are no admission or program fees for K-12 schools, including public, private, charter, or parochial school groups. A minimum of one chaperone per ten students is required, but more are welcome!
HOMESCHOOLS
There are no admission or program fees for homeschool families or co-ops. A minimum of one chaperone per ten students is required, but more are welcome.
SCOUTS, CAMPS, AND DAYCARE
There is a $6 fee per program. We offer a discounted group rate for museum admission- $2.00 per adult, $1.00 per senior, and $1.00 per child. A minimum of one chaperone per ten kids is required, and those chaperones will be free.
ORGANIZATIONS & ADULTS AND SENIOR GROUPS
There is a $6 fee per program. We offer a discounted group rate for museum admission- $2.00 per adult, $1.00 per senior, and $1.00 per child.
Helpful links
Have a special request or questions? Call 207-287-2301 or e-mail Maine.Museum@Maine.gov.
Museum Programs
In-person programming will resume January 19, 2027. To schedule a visit after this date please fill out our reservation form.
The following programs are also available in a virtual format. Visit our online programs page to learn more.
- Logging Camps, River Drives, and Sawmills (Grades 2-12; Adult)
An exploration of what life was like in a 19th-century Maine logging camp and the dangers of river drives. We will examine some of the machinery involved in the harvesting and transporting of timber. - Ice Harvesting on the Kennebec (Grades 2-12; Adult)
An introduction to the history and tools of ice harvesting on Maine rivers. We will learn about the science behind keeping food cold and discuss the economic significance of one of Maine’s most successful 19th-century businesses. - Formation of Rocks and Minerals (Grades 2-12; Adult)
We’ll examine significant rock and mineral specimens found in Maine. Emphasis is placed on the formation, identification, and historic uses of these rocks and minerals. - Life Under a Log: Maine Reptiles and Amphibians (Grades K-6)
We’ll talk about the characteristics of specific reptiles and amphibians found in Maine. Students are encouraged to compare and contrast these characteristics with those of other Maine animals. - Sail Making and the Story of the St. Mary (Grades 2-12; Adult)
This program examines the techniques and history of sail making and shipbuilding in Maine. We will talk about the science behind harnessing wind power and discover the story of the St. Mary, one of the last wooden square-rigged sailing ships built in North America. - Landing the Lobster: Sustainable Lobstering in Maine (Grades 2-6)
Learn about the early history of the lobster industry and discuss the techniques and economic significance of lobstering in Maine today. We also take a closer look at the lobster’s anatomy and life cycle. - Wool, Water, and the Industrial Revolution (Grades K-6) Hands–on!
This program focuses on the process of preparing woolen yarn and how it has changed over time. Students will have an opportunity to card wool and then begin spinning it into yarn. - Available starting July 2027 – Defence: Uncovering a Revolutionary War Ship
- Available starting July 2027 – Flying with Feathers
- Available starting July 2027– Flint Knapping
- Available starting July 2027 – Petroglyphs
- Available starting July 2027 – Meet Vector: Whales in the Gulf of Maine
