Penobscot Marine Museum

Just off Main Street, this downtown museum explores the maritime culture of the Penobscot Bay region. Exhibits of artifacts and paintings are spread throughout six nearby buildings, most dating to the first half of the 19th century, and one of the former sea captain's homes has period rooms. Outstanding marine art includes a notable collection of works by Thomas and James Buttersworth. There are photos of local sea captains, model ships, lots of scrimshaw, navigational instruments, and tools from the area's history of logging, granite mining, and ice cutting. There are also exhibits just for kids.