School Resources for field trips, education, and professional information for educators.

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Museums

Abbe Museum

Celebrating Maine's Native American heritage, the Abbe Museum offers vast resources for teachers and students, including exhibits and specialized educational programs. Check hours on website, admission.

PO Box 286 Bar Harbor 04609

http://www.abbemuseum.org

info@abbemuseum.org

Maine Granite Museum

Learn about the role that granite has played in the area's history and economy.

70 Beech Hill Crossroad Mt. Desert 04660

rockycoast@midmaine.com

Maine State Museum

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4,
Admission: Adults $2.00, Children (6-18) $1.00. Take a virtual tour of the museum by clicking on the link at the right.

  83 State House Station - Augusta Me. 04333-0083

207-287-2301

www.state.me.us/museum/exhibits/mainebounty.html

Penobscot Marine Museum

Maine's Oldest Maritime Museum. School Presentations - Programs can be brought directly into the classroom for one class or repeated for multiple classes during a day.  They can be tailored to the length of your class period.  Most last 45 minutes to 1 hour.  See webpage for specific information on these programs: Life at Sea , Working the Bay, Shipbuilding, Lobstering with Kenny
Or visit the museum: buildings are open Memorial Day weekend through October 20. Monday through Saturday - 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday - 12 to 5 PM. Fees are waived for Maine school groups thanks to the generous underwriting of Hamilton Marine Supply, of Searsport, ME; and Portland, ME; teachers and chaperones are also free.

Church Street , Searsport

www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org

museumoffices@penobscotmarinemuseum.org

548-0334

Wendell Gilley Museum

Discover Where Art and Nature Meet in Maine. Showcases the work of world-renowned bird carver Wendell Gilley, a Southwest Harbor native who was one of the two or three recognized pioneers of this indigenous American art form. Eagles, puffins, bluebirds and loons are the favorite "stars:" of the Gilley Museum's video presentations. Lectures on environmental topics are offered year-round, in association with local conservation organizations. Bird carving workshops are offered. Museum hours and fees: Check website for hours. Admission--Adult  $5.00
Children (5-12): $2.00. Museum Members and Children under 5 admitted free.

4 Herrick Rd. SW Hbr 04679

244-7555

http://www.wendellgilleymuseum.org

 info@wendellgilleymuseum.org

Wilson Museum

The Wilson Museum was founded by Dr. John Howard Wilson, who spent most of his youth in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, NY and Nantucket. He came first to Castine with his mother 1891.Three other buildings were added to the property in the late 1960s: The John Perkins House, Blacksmith Shop and Hearse House. Admission is free, except for the John Perkins House, where there are guided tours. Group visits can be arranged by appointment.

107 Perkins Castine 04420

www.wilsonmuseum.org

info@wilsonmuseum.org

326-8753

Woodlawn Museum

Woodlawn sits on the crest of a hill overlooking the city of Ellsworth and surrounded by majestic trees. Visitors may tour the museum, stroll through formal gardens, picnic on lush lawns, explore trails where the Blacks' horses once cantered, browse the gift shop or investigate the carriage and sleigh collections. A visit to Woodlawn Museum offers the chance to step into the American past! Contact the museum for hours and fees for school groups. 

Rt. 172 PO Box 1478, Ellsworth 04605

667-8671

www.woodlawnmuseum.com

info@woodlawnmuseum.com

Libraries

Ellsworth Public Library

The Ellsworth Public Library is located on the banks of the Union River in downtown Ellsworth, Maine. The Federalist-style building built in 1817 for Colonel Meltiah Jordan is listed on the National Register of Historic Houses, and is commonly known as the Tisdale House. The house has been a public library since 1897. More than 36,000 books & audio books for all ages, Large type books, Videos - Fiction and Non-Fiction for all ages, 120 Magazines covering a wide range of topics, Hancock County newspapers, Vertical files of pamphlets, brochures and clippings on Maine subjects. HOURS: 9-5 Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 9-8 Wednesday & Thursday.

20 State Street Ellsworth 04606

667-6363

www.ellsworth.lib.me.us 

marybeth@ellsworth.lib.me.us

Blue Hill Library

The Blue Hill Library, serving an area of 1,980 residents, has a collection of 32,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 1,100 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 1,200 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.

Parker Point Road, Blue Hill 04614

374-5515

Jesup Library (Bar Harbor)

Jesup Memorial Library, serving an area of 4,800 residents, has a collection of 31,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 1,260 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 720 video items, such as DVD's and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.

34 Mount Desert Street Bar Harbor 04609

288-4245

North East Harbor Library

A basic circulating collection of 35,000 bound volumes is augmented by videos and audiobooks. The Milliken Room offers a special collection of non-fiction works on Mount Desert and the State of Maine. The Library also offers bound pamphlets, archives and other materials concerning the history of its community. Programs include a series of exhibitions in the Patterson Room, Storytelling for children, and occasional special programs. Interlibrary loan service is available through the Maine Regional Library System for our patrons' convenience. A patron access photocopier and computers are maintained, and staff reference help is available as time affords. Hours:10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday through Saturday, and Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

PO Box 279
Northeast Harbor 04662


207-276-3333

home.acadia.net/library/nehlib 

nehlibrary@prexar.com

 Education Institutions

College of the Atlantic

College of the Atlantic offers numerous programs and facilities that help meet the needs of teachers and student alike, in the areas of science and natural history. The Natural History Museum offers more than 50 educational exhibits of animal life on Mt. Desert Island and the Gulf of Maine.
Allied Whale

Blum Art Gallery

Center for Applied Human Ecology

The George B. Dorr Museum

Island Research Center

Teacher Certification Program

Geographic Information Systems Lab

105 Eden St., Bar Harbor 04609

288-5015

http://www.coa.edu 

Hancock County Higher Education Center

The Hancock County Higher Education Center is a partnership of  University College and Eastern Maine Community College designed to increase access to college courses and programs in our community. In addition to our Ellsworth center, we also offer university and community college courses via interactive television at six convenient Hancock County sites.

248 State St., Suite 1, Ellsworth 04605 

1-800-696-2540 (in state) or 667-3897

http://www.maine.edu/ellsworth/

sparks@maine.edu

Maine Maritime Academy

Integrate classroom knowledge with career options. Use the community as an extended classroom. Address Learning Results objectives. Most high school students do not yet realize that their professional careers have already started.  They may not understand why they have to study their least favorite subjects just as much as their favorites, or where they might ever apply their knowledge “in the real world”. Discovery Voyage seeks to stimulate students’ intellectual and educational goals, as well as fuel their career aspirations.  Students will be challenged to think and do. Two highly interactive programs are offered, each about five hours long. 

Contact MMA for more information about these programs or for campus tour options.

 

66 Pleasant St., Castine 04420

326-4311

www.mainemaritime.edu 

Maine Support Network

The Network was established to provide quality-learning opportunities, which celebrate, support and connect all members of the learning community. Since 1986 the Network has offered support and professional development for educators from all grade levels and areas of specialty. The Network serves educators and other professionals from all over the state by providing activities regionally and statewide. The Network maintains a large multi media lending library and an interactive website. 

Teamwork for Kids mini-grants are offered to school districts to insure ALL Maine students have the opportunity to achieve Maine's Learning Results and Promising Futures. Visit the website for more information.

8 Church Rd. Readfield 04355

http://www.mainesupportnetwork.org 

davisj@dises.csd13.k12.me.us

Newspapers

Bangor Daily News

The Bangor Daily News provides the Newspapers in Education program for school students. The website offers demographic information about all counties in Maine, as well as current and archived news articles.

491 Main St Bangor 04401

www.bangornews.com 

bdnnie@bangordailynews.net

Bar Harbor Times

The Bar Harbor Times and Ellsworth Weekly are sister publications that cover news and events in Hancock County. They are published by Courier Publications.

76 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor 04609

288-3311

www.courierpub.com/barharbortimes

Ellsworth American

The Ellsworth American is Maine's largest weekly newspaper, serving Hancock County. The news paper offers current news and archived information on its web page, in addition to information about all county towns. The Mount Desert Islander is the paper's sister publication.

PO Box 509 (30 Water Street) Ellsworth 04605

667-2576

http://ellsworthamerican.com 

info@ellsworthamerican.com 

Camps

Camp Beech Cliff

Camp Beech Cliff, located on Mt. Desert Island, offers outdoor education programs for adults and school students throughout the school year. Among the programs they offer are: Seeing Animal Tracks & Sign, Acknowledging the Web, Leave No Trace, Trainers Courses, Wilderness First Responder and First Aid, Canoe Paddle Carving, and more! Camp Beech Cliff also offers full day and overnight Challenge Courses for groups. Start with the low ropes elements and progress to the Indiana Jones challenge for the final push. We welcome ages 10 and up for a session of learning more about yourself and each other. School groups, nonprofit organizations, teachers, businesses and sports teams can all benefit from our program.

PO Box 381
Mount Desert 04660

244-0365  

www.campbeechcliff.org

kevin@campbeechcliff.org

Camp Kieve

Founded in 1981, the award winning Leadership Decisions Institute educates young adolescents, primarily from Maine, to make healthy decisions about risky behaviors, relationships and peer pressure. LDI utilizes an experiential learning model where students learn by doing, in an environment that is both challenging and nurturing.

In their student-centered classes, LDI instructors aim to help students learn about themselves while learning and practicing new skills. Students are encouraged to use these new skills to take positive risks, set higher goals, and make healthy life choices. LDI offers both residential and outreach programs throughout Maine and all of New England.

 

PO Box 169 Nobleboro 04555

563-5172

www.kieve.org 

bobg@kieve.org

Chewonki Foundation

The Chewonki Foundation is a non-profit educational institution organized in 1962. The diverse programs of the Foundation are drawn from Chewonki's educational mission and include a summer camp, a semester of academic and personal challenges for high school juniors, a variety of educational group programs, wilderness excursions, and environmental education for adults, families and individuals.

 

485 Chewonki Neck Rd. Wiscasset 04578

882-7323  

http://www.chewonki.org/Home 

dlamson@chewonki.org

Specialty Schools

Haystack School of Crafts

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is an international craft school located on the Atlantic Ocean in Deer Isle. The school offers intensive studio-based workshops in a variety of craft media including clay, glass, metals, paper, blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking and more. Programs range from short workshops to three-week sessions and anyone may participate, from beginners to advanced professionals.

PO Box 518 Deer Isle 04627

348-2306

www.haystack-mtn.org 

haystack@haystack-mtn.org

Wooden Boat

Wooden Boat School has a wide range of course offerings that may just present the opportunity, or even the challenge that you've been looking for. The School offers just about something for everyone who shares an interest in the unique worlds of boat building, woodworking, and seamanship. Amateur or professional, you'll find courses that have been designed with your needs and gains in mind. 

PO Box 78, Naskeag Road
Brooklin 04616

359-4651  

http://www.woodenboat.com/wbschool.htm 

rich@woodenboat.com

Laboratories

Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory offers educational programs for scientists at various stages in their careers starting with talented high school students. The nationally renowned Summer Student Program provides high school  students with an opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of staff scientists. More than 2,000 students, including two Nobel laureates, have participated in the program. Other educational opportunities at the Laboratory include an academic-year internship program for local high school students. Contact the Lab for other opportunities for your younger students.

600 Main Bar Harbor 04609

288-6000

http://www.jax.org 

jrg@jax.org

MDI Biological Laboratory  The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory offers educational programs for students at nearly all levels.  High school students have a special place at MDIBL. Like undergraduates, high school students are awarded long-term research fellowships to work in the laboratory of an MDIBL investigator. Unlike undergraduates, high school students have two mentors; one, their primary mentor in the laboratory; two, an MDIBL investigator who is always available outside of the lab to answer questions and provide assistance. Most full fellowships awarded to Maine high school students. Support for students outside the State of Maine may be available on a limited basis PO Box 35 / Old Bar Harbor Road
Salisbury Cove 04672

288-3605

http://www.mdibl.org  

mmckernan@mdibl.org 

Banks

Bar Harbor Banking and Trust

 

PO Box 400 Bar Harbor 04609

swhite@bhbt.com

Machias Savings Bank

 

93 High Street Ellsworth

dmarston@machiassavings.com

667-3378

Union Trust Bank

 

66 Main St Ellsworth 04605

customerservice@uniontrust.com

Industries

Bangor Hydro

 

PO Box 932 Bangor 04401

lwilliams@bhe.com

945-5621

Bridges Program

 

 sparks@maine.edu

Other Science Resources

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park provides a variety of activities suitable for visiting educational groups.  Although staff limitations are such that park personnel cannot be provided for all group visits, the park staff is eager to help leaders plan their own trips.  Some planning materials are available upon request.  The park offers free ranger-led, curriculum-based programs in natural sciences and social studies topics for the third through eighth grades in the local school districts. Educator guides that supplement the park’s programs are available online.  The Schoodic Education Adventure residential program is offered to middle schools during the fall season. Teacher workshops are planned during the school year.  Eastern National, the park’s bookstore partner, gives a 15% discount for current teachers.

PO Box 177 Bar Harbor 04609

288-8822

http://www.nps.gov/acad 

cynthia_ocel@nps.gov

Down East Audubon Society

 Environmental education is at the absolute core of Maine Audubon's mission. To be sure, environmental topics are increasingly integral to the curricula in classrooms around the state, but a key component of what  Maine Audubon offers is the opportunity for children to experience nature first hand. Maine Audubon is not in the business of creating nature videos; they are in the business of bringing children outside to explore the woods and fields and mudflats-to see and hear and feel nature for themselves. 

Maine Audubon Society's natural history programs are based on the philosophy that curiosity and awareness of natural wonders excite an interest in learning and that the learning process stimulates further awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the environment and a concern for its protection. Many of their programs can be modified to reflect topics being discussed in the classroom.  Maine Audubon's programs are readily incorporated into the new Learning Results initiative.

P.O. Box 5267
Ellsworth 04605

http://www.maineaudubon.org/explore/teach.shtml 

deaudubon@downeast.net

664-4400

Union River Watershed Coalition

 

COA, 105 Eden Street , Bar Harbor 04609

jredman@ecology.coa.edu

288-5015 #424

Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary This 130-acre nature preserve is owned by the Stanwood Wildlife Foundation. The grounds include a picnic area, gift shop and marked nature trails. 
Has federal permit for bird rehabilitation.  Located on the Bar Harbor Road, past the Maine Coast Mall.  Variety of cages used mainly for migratory birds.
PO Box 485
Ellsworth, Me  04605

667-8460
Bar Harbor Oceanarium & Lobster Hatchery Located on Rt. 3, you'll enjoy the up-close experience of learning about lobstering. Guided tours and the Maine Lobster Museum are available. The working lobster hatchery is a fascinating look into the life of lobsters. Combination tickets, group discounts and tours available. Located 4 miles north of the park entrance. Open Monday through Saturday. Call for more information.
 288-5005
Other Historic Resources
Fort Knox Located on the banks of the Penobscot River, this fort was built in 1844 to protect citizens from the British. Explore the fort's many tunnel passageways. Bring a flashlight. Small admission fee.
469-7719
Parson Fisher House Parson Jonathan Fisher was the Congregational minister from 1794 to 1837 in Blue Hill. Although his primary duties as a country parson engaged much of his time, Fisher was also a farmer, scientist, mathematician, surveyor, and writer of prose and poetry. He bound his own books, made buttons and hats, designed and built furniture, painted sleighs, was a reporter for the local newspaper, helped found Bangor Theological Seminary, dug wells, built his own home and raised a large family. The parsonage which he built in 1814 offers a fascinating picture of his many talents. His library includes books on national history and poetry written by him. Jonathan Fisher's home is open to the public at selected times throughout the year.  P.O. Box 527
44 Mines Road Blue Hill 04614

374-2459

www.jonathanfisherhouse.org 

parsonfisher@hypernet.com

Recreation

Down East YMCA

 

238 State St Ellsworth 04605

pfarragher@midmaine.com

667-3086

Bar Harbor YMCA

   

Music Resources

Kneisel Hall

With roots back to 1902, Kneisel Hall has been called "The cradle of chamber music teaching in America." Kneisel Hall's mission is to foster the art of chamber music through teaching and performance in an intimate environment steeped in tradition and artistic excellence. They exist to enrich the artistic skills of their students and the cultural life of the surrounding community, and to represent the highest ideals of ensemble performance. Contact Kneisel Hall to discuss performances in your school or about their Young Musicians Program for students age 9-19.

P.O. Box 648, Blue Hill 04614

274-2811

http://www.kneisel.org 

festival@kneisel.org 

Pierre Monteux School

While this internationally renowned school with a rich history and tradition operates in the summer, it is a valuable destination for your serious music students. 

French-born conductor Pierre Monteux (1875-1964) premiered many masterworks of the last century. Monteux became an American citizen in 1942 and made his permanent residence in Hancock, Maine, the childhood home of his wife Doris Hodgkins Monteux. In 1943, Pierre and Doris Monteux founded a summer school for conductors and orchestra musicians in Hancock, inspired in part by Monteux's earlier conducting classes in France. Musicians came from all over the world to Hancock to study with their beloved "Maître." Monteux once said: Conducting is not enough. I must create something. I am not a composer, so I will create fine young musicians.

Route 1, Hancock 04640

www.monteuxschool.org 

pmonteux@aol.com

Other Resources

Hancock County Planning Commission

Their services now include special projects such as support for healthy communities, housing and community development planning, promotion of local agriculture and hazardous waste planning. Explore these developments along with ongoing work in land use, transportation, economic development, solid waste and recycling.

395 State Street , Ellsworth 04605

667-7131

www.hcpcme.org 

hcpc@hcpcme.org

 

 

Institute for Global Ethics

Ethical Fitness® ensures that tomorrow's leaders already are asking "what's right?" today. It provides all members of the school community with a language for talking about ethics and the skills to solve tough ethical decisions. Services for school leadership, staff, students, and their communities.

P.O. Box 563 Camden 04843

236-6658

www.globalethics.org 

ethics@globalethics.org

 

Teaching About Asia

Primary Source Primary Source is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing educators' ability to teach about peoples and cultures often left out of the mainstream American classroom. Our programs span the globe from China, Islam, and Africa to African-Americans and women's history. Primary Source is proud to present this year's Maine program schedule. For more information about Primary Source Maine programs or to inquire about our other programs around New England, contact  www.primarysource.org/maine 

Ryan Bradeen, Maine Program Coordinator 

207 989 6098, ryan@primarysource.org 

National Consortium for Teaching about Asia The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) is a multi-year initiative to encourage and facilitate teaching and learning about Asia in world history, geography, social studies, and literature courses. www.smith.edu/fcceas/conference.html 
Five College Center for East Asian Studies FCCEAS aims to support, encourage, and improve the teaching of East Asian cultures in elementary, middle, and secondary schools  in New England. They work to improve the quality, quantity, and distribution of resources for teaching about East Asia at the college and pre-college levels and to offer opportunities for pre-college educators to experience East Asian cultures firsthand. The Center maintains a Resource Library, publishes a newsletter three times a year, and conducts seminars, institutes, conferences, and workshops for college and pre-college educators. www.smith.edu/fcceas 

Lesson Plans On Line

General Motors Education Resources

On-line resources for science teachers. Lesson plans on energy, technology, and sustainability for K-12.

 

http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/edu_k-12/teachers/index.html