EXHIBITS On view through Nov. 1: “Making the Best of It: The Spirit and Work Ethic of Maritime People” General Admission
Experience the captivating story of the achievements of Maine people who work on the water, near the water, and behind the scenes in their vital role to forge Maine’s place in global maritime lore.
Making the Best of It brings the spirit and work ethic of maritime people to life through work by contemporary Maine artists and photographers. On view July 18 through Oct.18: “Out of the Fire: A Toolsmith’s Art” General Admission
Out of the Fire: A Toolsmith’s Art, on view in the Kramer Gallery, features nine tools and their attachments, all forged and carved by Blacksmith Ray Larsen. The exhibition reveals the beautiful ergonomic shapes that can be generated by allowing the elements of the smith, hammer, heat and material to work in harmony. EVENTS Lecture: Harrowing Survival: The Tale of a Great Banks Lobsterboat Wednesday, July 22, 6:30-8 p.m. Members $5; nonmembers $7
Michael Tougias is a lecturer and award-winning author of 18 books. His book “Fatal Forecast: An Incredible Tale of Disaster and Survival at Sea” was praised by the Los Angeles Times as “a breathtaking book-Tougias spins a marvelous and terrifying yarn.” He also co-authored the bestseller “The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue.” A dynamic public speaker, Michael will read from “Fatal Forecast” and present the harrowing story of a Great Banks lobsterboat’s tale of survival. Lecture: The History of the Maine Lobster Fishery Thursday, July 23, 6:30-8 p.m. Members $5; nonmembers $7
From the first recorded Maine lobster catch in 1605 to the 127.2 million pounds caught in 2012, the history of this fishery is filled with incredible trials and tribulations. Join Cathy Billings, Associate Director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute, for a look into the more fascinating stories in the fishery timeline. Grand Opening Celebration: Lobstering & the Maine Coast Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids and Maine Lobstermen’s Association members FREE; adults pay the per-pound dock price of lobster (average $3-$6)
Join us to celebrate the grand opening of our new, 6,200-square-foot exhibit, Lobstering & the Maine Coast. This day of family fun will feature all kinds of lobsterrelated activities, including demonstrations, crafts, music, food, the soon-to-be-worldfamous Lobstermobile, and more. Exhibit-goers will have the opportunity to explore Maine’s largest, most comprehensive exhibit on the lobster industry. Film: “Islander” Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8 p.m. Members $5; nonmembers $7
This dramatic feature filmed in Rockland and Vinalhaven stars Thomas Hildreth (Eben) as a man trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family after a stretch in prison. Eben is a lobsterman who takes pride in his work and works hard to provide for his wife, Cheryl (Amy Jo Johnson), and daughter, Sara (Mackenzie Young), but has a temper that makes him the black sheep of the community. Eben finds a connection with a veteran fisherman (Philip Baker Hall) and tries to put his life back together. Join us after the film for a Q&A with star and writer Thomas Hildreth. Kayak Merrymeeting Bay: Androscoggin River to the Bay Friday, July 31, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fees with rental equipment: Members $70; nonmembers $75; ages 12-16 $35 Fees with own equipment: Members $30; nonmembers $35; ages 12-16 $20
Enjoy unique educational explorations of Merrymeeting Bay and its tributaries. Paddle, solo or tandem, alongside seals and sturgeon while ospreys and eagles soar overhead for an experience you won’t forget. Led by Seaspray Kayaking guides and narrated by members of local environmental organizations. Pack a lunch and bring your camera. Made possible by the support of the Merrymeeting Bay Trust. No experience necessary. Advance reservations required. Navigating Midcoast Maine Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 3-12, 6-8 p.m. Members $80; nonmembers $85
This course is taught by members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and serves as an introduction to navigation using The Three Rivers Chart. This way you’ll become familiar with the coastal waters of our local region between Small Point and Pemaquid before ever setting sail. Students will learn terms such as true and magnetic headings, variation, lines of position, chart symbols, piloting, latitude and longitude, dead reckoning, and aids to navigation and be able to use these skills to safely plan and plot a trip. The Three Rivers chart and a copy of a chapter on navigation principles are included. Suddenly In Command Boating Class Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 4 & 6, 6-8 p.m. Members $45; nonmembers $50
This is the ideal course for those who enjoy boating but are not often at the helm. Boating problems and emergencies can occur, and you may find yourself suddenly in command. Topics include pre-underway planning, developing situational awareness, understanding how boats handle, VHF radio introduction including how to get help in an emergency, Coast Guard required safety equipment and regulations, and accident assessment and reporting. Industry Tour: Brooks Lobster Trap Mill Wednesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon Members $15; nonmembers $20
From wood saplings bent by hand to today’s scientifically studied entry and escape points, the lobster trap’s history and technological advancements are a fascinating story. Three generations of the Brooks family have been making lobster traps since 1946 and are now manufacturing them at their 45,000 square foot mill in Thomaston. Join co-owner Mark Brooks for a behindthe scenes tour of the mill, an introduction to how traps are made and a history of the technological evolution of the lobster trap. Advance reservations required. Lecture: Science, Lobstering and Lobstermen Thursday, Aug.13, 6:30-8 p.m. Members $5; nonmembers $7
The history, science and lobstering is a relationship filled with controversy and passion. Penobscot East Resource Center works to improve that relationship. Join the organization’s executive director, Robin Alden, for a talk about the history of the personal relationship between scientists and lobstermen, what that relationship will look like in the future-and why, and what projects her organization has in the pipeline. Kayak Merrymeeting Bay: Cathance River Sunday, Aug. 16, 7-11 a.m. Fees with rental equipment: Members $70; nonmembers $75; ages 12-16 $35 Fees with own equipment: Members $30; nonmembers $35; ages 12-16 $20
Enjoy unique educational explorations of Merrymeeting
Bay and its tributaries. Paddle, solo or tandem, alongside seals and sturgeon while ospreys and eagles soar overhead for an experience you won’t forget. Led by Seaspray Kayaking guides and narrated by members of local environmental organizations. Pack a lunch and bring your camera. Made possible by the support of the Merrymeeting Bay Trust. No experience necessary. Advance reservations required. Boatshop Workshop: Heart-Shaped Box Making Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19 & 20, 5-8 p.m. Members $70; nonmembers $75
Due to the popularity of our Shaker box making workshops, we have designed a “Shaker-inspired” heart shaped box that can be created in as little as 6 hours. Using similar techniques as the oval boxes, the heart shaped box is made of steam bent, locally grown cherry with bookmatched tops and bottoms. Boatshop Workshop: Steam Bending Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 24 & 25, 5-8 p.m. Members $65; nonmembers $70
In this class, students will learn the basics of bending wood, which is an integral piece of small boat building. The Boatshop bends wood for everything from boat planks and frames to Shaker boxes and surfboard fins. The focus will be on understanding how to get wood to bend specifically for medium-sized projects such as furniture and woodworking accents. Tips and tricks as well as common pitfalls will be discussed and tried. Students are encouraged to bring questions and/or ideas for bending projects.
For more information or to register for any of these events, call (207)443-1316 or visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org.
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