1. Bowdoin College Museum Of Art
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 725-3275
Address: Bowdoin College
Description: One of the great surprises here is the world-class collection of classical items, including pieces from ancient Greece, Rome, and Asia. But you’ll also find a worthy assemblage of American and European paintings, sculpture, drawings, and photographs. The beautiful old Charles McKim-designed building is newly renovated with more exhibit space than ever. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. year-round. Donation.
2. Peary-Macmillan Arctic Museum
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 725-3416
Address: Bowdoin College
Description: Admiral Robert Peary was the first man to reach the North Pole. That’s what you’ll learn at this collection—whether or not it was actually the case—controversy still rages about whether Peary made it. The place is is stuffed with diaries, letters, and photographs of the trip he took with his assistant, Donald MacMillan. In these days of Gore-Tex, it’s interesting to look at some of the gear they used, and the museum has displays on the peoples and environments they found up there. Inquire about Peary’s summer home on Eagle Island. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. year-round.
3. Joshua Chamberlain Museum
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 729-6606
Address: 226 Maine St.
Description: If you wonder what it might have been like to stand in Joshua Chamberlain’s boots during his star turn at Gettysburg, you can see for yourself at his former residence, across the street from Bowdoin College in Brunswick. The very boots he wore at Bull Run are right there (of course, you can’t actually try them on), along with original furnishings and other war memorabilia. Interesting stuff, and a fine tribute to one of the state’s proudest sons. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. from late May to October.
4. Pejepscot Museum/Skolfield Whittier House
City: Brunswick, ME
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (207) 729-6606
Address: 161 Park Row
Description: The history of Brunswick is the big draw at this local landmark. On the one side you can see how Midcoast residents might have lived in the Victorian age—there are original furnishings, down to the spice rack—and on the other you can see the story of the larger community told through exhibits and 19th-century memorabilia. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursdays to 8 p.m.) and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The house is open to tours Tuesday through Saturday from the end of May through October at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Free.