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Category: Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens
Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Staff Happenings, Videos
Behind the Scenes-Education Center Bird Case
Planning work continues for the newly renovated museum space. In this video, exhibit designer Brewster Buttfield shares his vision for the display cases in the new education center. Brewster is working closely with education staff to capture the spirit and unique attributes of Maine’s bird population. They will choose highlights from the hundreds of bird […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Staff Happenings, Videos
MSM Freezer for Conservation
The Maine State Museum is up and running with an important, though at first glance surprising, new collections care tool – a walk-in freezer, with over 750 cubic feet of space and the ability to reach temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer has found its home in the museum’s natural science collection storage space. […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Museum Moments: The Ice Box
The rise in the use of ice by individuals was in part due to the improvements in ice boxes, specifically incorporating insulation and circulation for better food preservation. By the mid 1800’s the ice box was commonly found in middle class American homes. The Kennebec River dominated the ice harvesting industry in Maine, providing more […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Staff Happenings, Videos
Behind the Scenes-Irish Elk Antlers
Major work to remove asbestos from structural steel beams throughout the museum has meant careful work in advance to remove objects and specimens from display so that they remain safe and protected. Displayed high on a wall on the entrance floor, the museum’s stunning set of Irish elk antlers, with a spread of nearly nine […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Behind the Scenes- Industrial Objects
Major work to remove asbestos from structural steel beams throughout the museum has meant careful work in advance to remove objects and specimens from display so that they remain safe and protected. Get a behind the scenes look at the changes afoot. See the remarkable work of Auburn-based company Cote Crane and Rigging, as they […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Behind the Scenes-Shipbuilding & The St. Mary
Shipwrecked on her maiden voyage, the St. Mary never made it to California after setting out from Phippsburg, Maine. Step onto the St. Mary, one of the last square-rigged ships built in North America. Through the shipbuilding tools left behind, discover a little bit about the people who helped build this 242 foot long vessel. […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Staff Happenings, Videos
‘Maine Quilts’ Book Launch with Author-Curator Laurie LaBar
Author-Curator Laurie LaBar gives a peek between the covers of her book Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort and Community. Laurie shares a few of the engaging stories and beautiful images in the book, which marks the first published and long-awaited study of Maine quilts. The book, co-published by the Maine State Museum and Down […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Behind the Scenes-Object Conservation-Ice Harvesting & Granite Quarrying
Exhibit changes provide opportunities to examine collections that have been on long-term display. Objects Conservator Teresa Murphy takes us behind the scenes for a close up look at some tools that were in the Ice Harvesting and Granite Quarrying exhibits. Some of these objects were on display for 40 years! Watch the video below to […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort and Community
Laurie LaBar shares insights, stories, and photographs featured in “Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort and Community”. Laurie’s engaging stories and beautiful images will make viewers even more enthusiastic for the upcoming exhibition, Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort and Community, postponed until 2026 because of the museum’s unexpected closure. “Maine Quilts: 250 Years of […]
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Objects, Artifacts, & Specimens, Videos
Judy Taylor Interview-Maine Labor Mural
In 2008, Artist Judy Taylor painted 11 panels to tell the story of Maine’s labor history. The mural was installed at the Maine Department of Labor in September 2008 and removed in March 2011. The mural was re-installed in the atrium of Maine’s state Cultural Building in January 2013 and is now a permanent part […]
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