portland harbor museum

Portland Harbor Museum is small but interesting-enough to warrant a visit on an outing to view lighthouses in the Greater Portland area. It is located adjacent to Spring Point Ledge Light and Fort Preble. So, you get three attractions on this one stop; and, that is part of the basis for my VERY GOOD rating. The museum was founded in 1987. In June 2010, it became part of Maine Maritime Museum which is located in Bath, Maine. The museum celebrates Portland Harbor’s lengthy, rich maritime history. There you will learn how wooden ships were built in the 19th century. There are numerous photographs documenting different stages of the construction of World War II Liberty Ships built in South Portland. My most-recent visit focused on the building of Liberty Ships. Between 1941 and 1945, South Portland Shipyards built 236 Liberty Ships that contributed greatly to the Allied victory in World War II. It was interesting to learn that the ships were launched from the shipbuilding basins with their bows facing out.From Memorial Day to Columbus Day, the museum is open 7 days a week 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.Admission:$4.00 - AdultsFREE - Students and childrenThe gift shop Gift shop has cards, mugs, T-shirts, DVDs, prints, and items made by regional artists and craftsmen.Outside, hike out to Spring Point Ledge Light and/or explore Fort Preble. See my reviews on those for details. There are also park benches for simply viewing and enjoying excellent views of Casco Bay and the marine traffic. And, of course, BRING YOUR CAMERA and BINOCULARS. As a follow-up, visit the Liberty Ship Memorial in Bug Light Park about 1+ miles away. There you will also find Portland Breakwater Light a/k/a Bug Light. The park is a place where you can easily spend another 1-2 hours, depending on how involved you want to become with gazing at Portland Harbor, the Portland skyline, Casco Bay, and the marine traffic, plus the Liberty Ship Memorial and its structure, info boards, and markers. Many people fly kites in the large open area of the park. Bicyclists frequent this park. Also, dogs are allowed in the park. See my TripAdvisor reviews on Bug light Park, Portland Breakwater Light, and the Liberty Ship Memorial.Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth Light (a/k/a Two Lights), Two Lights State Park, and Crescent Beach State Park---all in Cape Elizabeth---are just minutes away. See my TripAdvisor reviews on these. And, Portland's Old Port and downtown areas are only about 15 minutes away. Sunscreen and insect repellent are advisable if you plan to spend time outdoors taking in these other attractions. Visiting all these places could become a three-day weekend trip for out-of-staters. If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.

Portland Harbor Museum is small but interesting-enough to warrant a visit on an outing to view lighthouses in the Greater Portland area. It is located adjacent to Spring Point Ledge Light and Fort Preble. So, you get three attractions on this one stop; and, that is part of the basis for my VERY GOOD rating. The museum was founded in 1987. In June 2010, it became part of Maine Maritime Museum which is located in Bath, Maine. The museum celebrates Portland Harbor’s lengthy, rich maritime history. There you will learn how wooden ships were built in the 19th century. There are numerous photographs documenting different stages of the construction of World War II Liberty Ships built in South Portland. My most-recent visit focused on the building of Liberty Ships. Between 1941 and 1945, South Portland Shipyards built 236 Liberty Ships that contributed greatly to the Allied victory in World War II. It was interesting to learn that the ships were launched from the shipbuilding basins with their bows out.From Memorial Day to Columbus Day, the museum is open 7 days a week 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.Admission:$4.00 - AdultsFREE - Students and childrenThe gift shop Gift shop has cards, mugs, T-shirts, DVDs, prints, and items made by regional artists and craftsmen.Outside, hike out to Spring Point Ledge Light and/or explore Fort Preble. See my reviews on those for details. There are also park benches for simply viewing and enjoying excellent views of Casco Bay and the marine traffic. And, of course, BRING YOUR CAMERA and BINOCULARS.As a follow-up, visit the Liberty Ship Memorial in Bug Light Park about 1+ miles away. There you will also find Portland Breakwater Light a/k/a Bug Light. The park is a place where you can easily spend another 1-2 hours, depending on how involved you want to become with gazing at Portland Harbor, the Portland skyline, Casco Bay, and the marine traffic, plus the Liberty Ship Memorial and its structure, info boards, and markers. Many people fly kites in the large open area of the park. Bicyclists frequent this park. Also, dogs are allowed in the park. See my TripAdvisor reviews on Bug light Park, Portland Breakwater Light, and the Liberty Ship Memorial. Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth Light (a/k/a Two Lights), Two Lights State Park, and Crescent Beach State Park---all in Cape Elizabeth---are just minutes away. See my TripAdvisor reviews on these. And, Portland's Old Port and downtown areas are only about 15 minutes away. Visiting all these places could become a three-day weekend trip for out-of-staters. If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.