Maine Maritime, Fort George, Allie Ryan Museum, Intelligent Beachcombing

MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY
FORT GEORGE
ALLIE RYAN MARITIME MUSEUM
INTELLIGENT BEACHCOMBING

The trip to the Maine Maritime Academy, Fort George, and the Allie Ryan Maritime Museum was designed to give the students and awareness of Maine’s relation to the sea and to explore the significance of Castine’s participation in the history of Maine. Tours of the Academy and Museums may be arranged [by contacting the Academy]. No contact is necessary for visiting Fort George. Intelligent Beachcombing may be contacted by calling Maine Maritime Academy…

The Maine Maritime Academy my be reached by traveling to Bucksport via Route 15 from Bangor and then Routes 175 and 166A to Castine. Total traveling time from the Bangor area is approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes.

The Maine Maritime Academy offers a specialized and highly unique program for the young people interested in a career at sea, in the shoreside maritime industry, and marine sciences. The highlight of the visit to the Academy centered on visiting the training ship “TV State of Maine.” This portion of the day’s activities lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes and involved a both to stern walking tour of the ship with a knowledgeable guide who explained the operation of the ship and answered questions posed by students and staff. A walking tour of the campus lasted approximately one hour. Students and staff had the opportunity to visit various buildings on the campus. The Allie Ryan Maritime Museum visitation lasted approximately thirty minutes. The collection of photographs, oil paintings, ship models, and other memorabilia depicts our 19^th Century Atlantic Maritime Heritage in sail and steam.

“Intelligent Beachcombing” is a program designed to introduce people, regardless of their ages and educational background, to the world of water. Sessions on various topics are held daily either in the morning or afternoon. Cost of this activity is $4.00* per person. Prior arrangements should be made for this activity. Length of each session is approximately three hours.

Fort George, located in Castine, is rich in early history of the Castine area. Built on the highest point on the peninsula by the British beginning in 1779. the Fort withstood the Penobscot Expedition and remained in British hands until January, 1784. The British returned again in 1814, garrisoned the Fort until April 25, 1815, at which time they destroyed it. The history of Fort George is depicted on display boards at various points in the earthen fort. Time spent at Fort George was approximately one hour.

It would be a very long day if all activities listed were scheduled. It is suggested that Fort George be visited upon arrival in Castine and then the activities at the Academy.

“Intelligent Beachcombing” could be part of a separate trip to the Castine area, coupled with a visit to the Wilson Museum which provides guided tours. Contact would have to be made with the Wilson Museum. Students should bring lunches which may be eaten at Fort George or the academy football stadium.

The journey to Castine gave the youngsters an insight into our Maritime Heritage and an opportunity to visit one of Maine’s post-secondary educational facilities. It was well received by both staff and students and will be included in future summer journeys.

Student Rating – 3.7
Teacher Rating – 3.9

*Cost per person may have changed

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.5-6.)

Lumberman's Museum and Katahdin Iron Works

THE LUMBERMAN'S MUSEUM - PATTEN
KATAHDIN IRON WORKS - BROWNVILLE JUNCTION*

This trip wsa selected to expose students to a way of life that was at one time very common in the State of Maine. The Museum is located in Patten, just north of Maine's Katahdin country. In this area, the lumbering industry boomed during the period of time depicted at the museum. Arrangements for the visits to the museum may be made by contacting the Lumberman's Museum...The museum is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours are 9 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays except holidays. From Labor Day through Columbus Day, the museum is open weekends and by appointment. Organized groups of students are admitted free, however a donation is acceptable.

The museum may be reached by traveling I-95 to the Sherman-Patten Exit. A rest area just before the Medway-Millinocket Exit makes a good stopping place after an hour and twenty-five minutes travel from Bangor. From the Sherman-Patten Exit proceed one mile on Route 11, nine miles to Patten. The museum is located one mile on Route 159 which intersects Route 11 in Patten.

Activities at the Lumberman's Museum included a guided tour of the several buildings at the site. This tour lasted approximately one hour and a half. It is best to divide in small groups with sufficient adult supervision. Students and staff were exposed to every type of lumbering tool imaginable, as well as old photographs, dioramas, models, actual camps, boats, lookout tower, old steam powered log haulers and early snowmobiles. These collections are housed in nine buildings. This experience was exceptionally educational for students as well as staff members. The guides were excellent and the exhibits were very well explained. It is suggested that following the guided tour, the students have their lunch at picnic tables available and then visit the exhibits again in very small groups of not more than ten, each led by an adult. This will allow the students to spend more time examining areas of interest.

As an additional option to this trip, one may retrace the route to I-95 and journey south to the Medway-Millinocket Exit. Following Route 11 west the buses will pass the Great Northern Paper Mill in East Millinocket. Traveling Route 11 south to Brownville, one must turn right at the "Prairie" and drive six miles into the woods to visit Katahdin Iron Works State Memorial. Here one will see a blast furnace and charcoal kiln which have been restored at the site of a once thriving iron works. The history of the Katahdin Iron Works is depicted on display boards at various points.

Student Rating - 3.3
Teacher Rating - 3.8

* Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.7.)

Maine State Prison, Montpelier, Museum of Transportation

THE MAINE STATE PRISON - THOMASTON*
MONTPELIER MANSION - THOMASTON
MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION - OWLS HEAD

In a survey made of students as to places they would be interested n visiting during the Maine Journey, several indicated and interest in The Maine State Prison. This trip was made part of the "Maine Journey" to familiarize students with our penal system and to give them a view of prison life. This was related by two inmates who participated in an educational progam on Crime and Prevention, aimed at school age children. The visit to the Knox [Montpelier] Mansion was designed to familiarize students with a famous Maine person and the style of life depicted at the mansion. . .The Knox Mansion is open May 30th through Labor Day from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. State and Federally funded programs are admitted free. The Museum of Transportation is open mid May to mid October, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. seven days a week. Call for information concerning group rates.

The Rockland-Thomaston area is best reached by traveling Route 1 and Route 7. From the Carmel-Etna area it is best to travel Route 7 through Dixmont Hills and Coastal highlands to Belfast and then Route 1 to Rockland-Thomaston. Traveling time is approximately two hours.

Activities at the prison may include a tour of the Minimum Security Unit at the Prison Farm in Warren. Tours of the prison itself are not allowed. The tour of the farm includes the wood and metal shops, eating facility, sleeping quarters and store. A slide presentation showing prison life can be arranged. This program is also available for presentation at your school. A question and answer period may follow the presentation. Plan to visit the Prison Store located on Route 1 in Thomaston. Items for purchase are made by the inmates of the prison.

Lunch may be acquire at [various local eateries], all within walking distance in Rockland. A picnic lunch may be enjoyed at Lucia Beach in Owls Head, however, there is difficulty in maneuvering a bus if there is a crowd. The beach is reached by driving to the Knox County Airport, turning right after the main entrance, following that road to the approach lights to the airport, turning left and bearing left to the beach. A picnic area is also located at the Museum of Transportation.

The Knox Mansion is a reconstruction of the original house built by Major General Henry Knox in 1794. Although the building is a reproduction, the furniture is all original and much of it belonged to the Knox family. Collections of glass, china, silver, as well as portraints and prints may be seen. All tours are given by experienced guides.

The Museum of transportation located at the Knox County Airport is very unique. Its collection includes airplanes, vehicles and other machinery in working order. The Museum has one of the most significant aircraft collections on the Eastern Seaboard. Automobiles include a 1907 Cadillac, a 1908 motor buggy, Stanley Steamers, Models S, T, and A Fords, to mention a few. On weekends, these machines are demonstrated.

If plans are made to visit all three sites in the Rockland area, it is suggested that the Prison be visited in the morning, followed by lunch and a visit at the Museum and then a tour of the Knox Mansion. If your day begins about 9:30 A.M. at the Prison, you should finish the Mansion tour by 3:30-4:00 P.M.

Montpelier
Student Rating - 3.7
Staff Rating - 3.9

Museum of Transportation
Student Rating - 3.4
Staff Rating - 4.0

*Not visited in 1980 due to "lockdown."



(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.8-9.)

Bath Marine Museum

BATH MARINE MUSEUM

The Bath Marine Museum consists of four locations with exhibits depicting Bath and the shipbuilding industry of yesterday and the present. In a period of 100 years, 1820 to 1920, more than 1,000 ocean going vessels were launched in Bath. Arrangements may be made by contact The Bath Marine Museum...Cost to the students is $.70 for the first site visited. One adult receives free admission for each ten students. Other adults in the group pay the student rate.

Bath may be reached from Bangor area by traveling Interstate 95 to Augusta, the Maine Turnpike to the Gardiner exit and Interstate 95 to the Topsham exit and then Route 1 east to Bath. Traveling time from the Bangor area is approximately two and one half hours. This allows for a rest stop along the way. Lunch may include a picnic in the City Park or at Percy & Small Shipyard or at [a local eatery] in Bath. An alternate return route to the Bangor area may be Route 1 to Wiscasset and Route 27 to Augusta. From the Portland area travel I-95 north to U.S. 1 to Bath.

The Bath Marine Museum consists of a choice of four sites for school group visitation. The Winterstreet Center, 880 Washington Street, opposite City Park, has three floors of exhibits including a history of the Kennebec River, shipyard workers, and a sailor's life at sea as well as articles brought from foreign ports. Before starting a tour of Winterstreet Centar a 15 to 20 minute slide orientation to the museum is given. The amount of time spent at any site will vary accordingly.

The Sewall House, 963 Washington Stree, is a short walk from the Winterstreet Center. Her one finds displays of ship models, half models, maritime paintin, dioramas, navigational instruments, plus an exhibit on the Bath Iron Works.

The Apprenticeship, also within walking distance, encompasses a training program in small wooden shipbuilding and a related loft exhibit. Visitors may watch apprentices in the process of learning their trade.

The Percy & Small Shipyard, located at 263 Washington Street, is the last intact shipyard in the country where large wooden sailing vessels were built. On exhibit are a number of Maine watercraft, shipbuilding tools and memorabilia. From the shipyard you may take a guided tour aboard the M/V "Sasanoa" on the Kennebec River and view the Bath Iron Works.

The Bath Marine Museum is open seven days a week, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., May 20th to October 29th. After tht the Museum is open every Sunday, 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Sewall House on Washington Street.

Student Rating - 2.5
Teacher Rating - 3.0


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.14-15.)

Downeast, Quoddy Head, Campobello

DOWNEAST MILBRIDGE
QUODDY HEAD
CAMPOBELLO ISLAND

This trip was designed to afforf the students and opportunity to observe the life of a coastal community of central Maine and that of the easterly coastal section of the state. Also we wished that the students experience a border crossing to another country and experience moving from one time zone to another. Only one contact was necessary for this trip. Jasper Wyman & Son sardine packing plant was arranged by contacting Jasper Wyman & Son....

This trip followed Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 1 to Milbridge. A good rest area is located at Long Cove just outside Hancock and about one hour and fifteen minutes from Bangor. After leaving Milbridge we followed Route 1 to Route 189 east of Machias. Route 189 took us to Lubec where we ate our lunch at Quoddy Head State Park. From there it is a short ride to Campobello International Park and the Roosevelt summer cottage.

The activities were numerous on the trip. The tour of the Wyman Plant in Milbridge proved very interesting to the students. For many this was the first time they had seen a production line operation and were aware of payment by piece work.

If the schedule permits, another valuable trip would be to the Wyman Packing Plant where students can observe blueberries and other produce being packaged. Arrangements for this tour can be made by contacting Jasper Wyman & Sons, Milbridge.

Exploring the many paths at Quoddy Head State Park was an adventure for the students. A beautiful view of Grand Manan Island is likely if the fog is out. Our visit to Campobello Island was the high point of the day. For many students, this was the first trip to a foreign country and also their first time outside the borders of the State of Maine.

At the Tourist Center on the Island, pamphlets and a movie are offered explaining the history of the island and what drew people to this spot in the 1900's. The movie is approximately thirty-five minutes in length. It is advised that the movie be seen before the tour of the Roosevelt Cottage is taken. The Roosevelt Tour is guided and very worthwhile. One receives a good idea of life in the early 1900's. This tour is about forty minutes in length. There is no charge for any activity at the Roosevelt Cottage or the Tourist Center. Two days each year, the Park Commission opens to the public two additional summer homes owned by the Park. These homes are very beautiful and it would be well worth investigating the open days the summer your travel to Campobello so that you could plan your visit to include these additional sites.

Also available in the park are hiking trails, swimming areas, picnic areas and nature study areas. The park is open from late May to mid October, seven days a week, 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., July and August 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and other months from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Crossing back into the United States at Lubec offered students the experience of re-entering the U.S. and going through U.S. Customs. Following Route 189 west to Rout 1, a group may turn right and follow Route 1 approximately five miles to Cobscook State Park. This beautiful park has picnic facilities, as well as camping, sailing, hiking, and golfing activities available. It is best to contact the Parks and Recreation Department in Augusta to ascertain if a fee will be charged. State or Federally funded projects are admitted free.

The return trip to Bangor can be varied by leaving Route 1 at Cherryfield and following Route 193 across the blueberry barrens. One may prepare information on blueberries by reading the approriate chapter in "Afoot in Maine."

From the Bangor area this trip involved 309 miles and thirteen hours traveling.

Wyman's Packing
Student Rating - 2.7
Staff Rating - 3.8

Campobello
Student Rating - 3.6
Staff Rating - 4.0

Quoddy Head and Cobscook State Parks
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.8



(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.16-17.)

St. Regis Paper Company--Bucksport, Fort Knox

ST. REGIS PAPER COMPANY--BUCKSPORT*
FORT KNOX STATE PARK*

This trip to the Bucksport area was designed with two objectives in mind: First, to expose the students to Maine's larges industry, paper manufacturing, and second, to visit and discuss Fort Knox's place in the history of the State of Maine. A guided tour of the St. Regis Mill in Bucksport may be arranged... Reservations for Fort Knox may be made by contacting Fort Knox State Park, Stockton Springs, Maine...There is no charge for school groups at Fort Knox State Park. Bucksport is approximately a forty minute drive from Bangor either by Route 1A or Route 15. The visitation of these two sites called for the division of the fifty-four students and ten adults into two groups. While one grou toured the St. Regis Plant, the other group explored Fort Knox. The tour of the St. Regis facility lassted approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The process of papermaking was explained as students walked through the plant. Students saw in action St. Regis Paper Company's new Number 5 papermachine which offers the ultimate in programming technology with a computerized coating preparation process. This machine can produce a sheet of paper wider than two expressway lanes at a speed of 34 miles per hour. Students were also exposed to many of the employment opportunities in the paper industry.

Discovering Fort Knox is always a joy to students. The Fort, named after Major General Henry Knox of Thomaston, who served Washington as his Secretary of War, was begun in 1814 to protect the reaches of the Penobscot River. A history of the Fort is depicted on display boards as one enters the Fort Area. Uniformed park rangers are ready to help in assisting groups. The activities available at FOrt Knox are only limited by the group leader's imagination and expertise. A cookout at lunch time at the fireplace area is enjoyable. This allows for a break between the two activities and for the group to join together for lunch.

Other paper companies having public tours of the facilities are:
Boise Cascade Paper Group, Rumford, Maine....
Diamond International Corp., Old Town, Maine....
Fraser Papers LTD,. Madawaska...
Georgia Pacific Corp., Woodland...
Great Northern Paper Company, Millinocket...
Keyes Fibre Company, Waterville...
Scott Paper Company, Winslow...
Scott Paper Company, Somerset...
S.D. Warren Company, Westbrook...

*Not visited in 1980

[No Ratings]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.18-19.)

Swan Island, Colonial Pemaquid, Railway Museum

SWAN ISLAND, RICHMOND*
COLONIAL PEMAQUID
RAILWAY MUSEUM, BOOTHBAY

Swan Island is a game preserve located in the Kennebec River at Richmond. Here one finds a large herd of deer as well as other animals. The island is relatively unknown to the public, and therefore quite private. On the island are a number of older homes circa 1700 with one of particular interest in which Benedict Arnold and later Aaron Burr stayed. This island was once a fairly large farming and fishing community of about thirty families. To arrange this trip contact The Department of Fish & Wildlife in Augusta....They will make arrangements with the caretaker of the island to pick up visitors at the dock in Richmond and transport them by boat to the island. The cost for the boat ride and riding tour of the island is minimal. Colonial Pemaquid, which is approximately one and one half hours ride from Richmond, offered students a chance to learn about archeological digs and visit the museum. Contact for this trip is Colonial Pemaquid, Pemaquid, Maine....Pemaquid is open during the summer months.... The cost for entrance to the museum is $.25, although State and Federally funded projects are free.

Swan Island is reached by following Maine Turnpike to the Gardiner Exit and then I-95 to the Richmond Exit and Route 197. From the south travel I-95 from Portland to the Richmond Exit and Route 197. Once your reach Richmond turn left at the bottom of the hill and the parking area is on your right a few feet along the road.

We spent about four hours at Swan Island touring and picnicking. Students saw deer, ducks and other wildlife as well as a large eagle's nest. The island also affords shelters for those who wish to camp. Guides pointed out interesting features of the island as well as answered questions of students and staff.

At Pemaquid students visited the museum which has displays of life as it was in Colonial Pemaquid. Artifacts uncovered in the digs are also on display. Arrangements may be made ahead of time to have a very interesting slide presentation of the digs presented to the students. One should visit the museum before exploring the archaeological digs. The restoration is still in progress and students may actually see the work taking place. A must activity is a visit to the cemetery where old stones give a history of the area. Also Fort William Henry can be visited. Our stay at Pemaquid was two hours in length. Students may wish a snack at the snack bar before leaving.

One may wish to spend a full day at Swan Island, and combine Colonial Pemaquid with Ft. Popham, Popham Beach and Popham Colony for another day's activities. Arrangements may be made for the Ft. Popham visit by calling....Construction of Fort Popham was begun at the beginning of the Civil War and never finished due to the improvement in techniques of building fortifications. It was manned during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I. There are picnic tables available for lunch.

There are many other attractions on the Phippsburg Peninsula. They include: sites of Fort Noble, Dromore Burying Ground, Stonybrook Manor House, Historical Society's Museum, Parker's Head Village, Popham Colony Site and many others. A brochure is available from the Phippsburg Historical Society, Inc., Phippsburg, Maine.

Plan to visit one are in the morning and one in the afternoon. Coming from central and northern areas of the state, it is suggested the Phippsburg visitation be planned for the A.M. and Pemaquid for the P.M. those coming from the south might wish to visit Pemaquid in the A.M. and Phippsburg in the P.M. This eliminates a longer return trip home after a long day.

Another option to this trip might find one visiting Colonial Pemaquid in the morning and the Railway Museum in Boothbay in the afternoon.

Located on Route 21, the Railway Village offers one a view of antique cars and fire apparatus, as well as a country store, doll collection, railway artifacts, school, post office and bank.

Arrangements may be made by contacting the Railway Museum...Group rates are available upon request.

Students are afforded the chance to ride a coal burning locomotive as part of the museum tour.


Colonial Pemaquid
Student Rating - 3.2
Staff Rating - 3.7

Railway Museum
Student Rating - 3.8
Staff Rating - 3.7

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.23-4.)

Bangor Daily News, Bangor Historical Society, WLBZ TV

THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS*
BANGOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY*
WLBZ TV 2 - BANGOR*

The Bangor area activities were scheduled to expose students to the different media and the history of the Bangor area. Students were divided into three groups and rotated among the three sites. Each visit was approximately one hour in length...

The tour of the TV 2 Studio on Mt. Hope Avenue lasted approximately forty-five minutes. Students met some of the TV personalities and were given guided tours of the newsroom, film laboratory, control room and studio as well as other offices. Tours are also available at Studio City, WABI, where students can visit both radio and television facilities.

The Bangor Historical Society's Penobscot Heritage Museum located on Union Street has a number of different exhibits which change periodically. The depict the area history as well as exhibits and items concerning American history and its connection with Maine. The museum is located on two floors. For a small fee, schools may rent traveling exhibits for display at their school.

The tour of the Bangor Daily News Building on Main Street gives the students an excellent insight into how a newspaper is prepared and distributed to the public. A very able guide explains the part played by the writing staff, the teletype system, the photography laboratory, the classified ad department and graphics department. Students are shown how the written and pictorial information are placed on plates and how printing presses themselves operate. Finally the students are shown the distribution area where papers are counted, packaged and shipped by truck to areas of Maine or sent to the post office for mailing.

The three tours were completed in approximately four hours after which students ate at...food establishments...in Bangor.


*Not visited in 1980. [No ratings]

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.26.)

Trolley Museum, Old Orchard Beach, Portland

TROLLEY MUSEUM - KENNEBUNKPORT*
OLD ORCHARD BEACH
PORTLAND

This trip was both educational and a fun time for the students. Students were exposed to a mode of transportation prevalent in the past and almost non-existant today.

Our visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport found us traveling I-95 to Augusta and the Maine Turnpike to the Kennebunkport exit. Total traveling time to the museum was three hours and thirty minutes. Follow Route 1 East until you see the signs for the Seashore Trolley Museum.

The activities at the Seashore Trolley Museum were arranged by contacting [ahead of time]. Group rates can be arranged. In the two and one half hours spent at the museum, the students had rides on two different types of cars, were given a guided tour of the trolley car barn which has many varieties of cars, and wandered about exploring other cars at the museum. A picnic area and gift shop are located at the museum. Visitors may also purchase snacks at a trolley snack bar.

At Old Orchard Beach students may go to the beach or to the amusement areas. Students were divided into groups with staff at each area. Students were allowed to go off on their own, however, they were required to stay in pairs. Students stayed at Old Orchard for approximately three hours enjoying the beach and amusement.

A driving tour through Portland is a possible addition to this trip. The waterfront, Old Port Exchange, Civic Center, Congress Street, Longfellow House and Baxter Boulevard can all be included. However, we recommend that a full day be spent in Portland.

Our travel to Bangor was via I-95 to Brunswick and Gardiner. From Gardiner we followed Route 9 along the Kennebec to the historical site where the Arnold Expedition left their ocean going vessels. We ate...in Augusta and traveled I-95 to the Bangor area arriving at approximately 8:15 PM.

Old Orchard Beach
Student Rating - 4.0
Staff Rating - 3.9

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.28.)

Portland: Tate House, Victoria Mansion, Old Port

PORTLAND AREA: TATE HOUSE, VICTORIA MANSION, OLD PORT AREA

A visit to Maine's largest city is a must. This tour can be as varied or as simplistic as one wishes. Our tour consisted of three stops: the Tate House (1775), the Victoria Mansion (1859), and the Old Port area. However, other houses could be visited: the Wadsworth Longfellow House (1785) and the McLellan-Swerr House (1800). These houses are all registered as National Historic Landmarks.

The Victoria Mansion, located on Park and Danforth Streets, is open mid-June through September 15, Tuesday through Saturday. Built in 1859 by Henry Austin, the celebrated New Haven architect, for Ruggles Sylvester Morse, a native of Maine, this house is the finest example of a Victorian Italian villa in the French style in this country. Of special interest are: frescoed waslls and ceilings by Giovanni Guidirini and ten Italian artists, a flying staircase with 337 hand-carved balusters of San Domingo mahogany, 10 great gold leaf mirrors from France, 7 hand-carved marble mantlepieces, a magnificent double gasolier suspended from the third floor, and many other furnishings. Victoria Mansion was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971.

The Tate House located at 1270 Westbrook Street is open July 1 - September, Tuesday through Saturday. The Tate House was built for George Tate, a mast agent for the Royal Navy and a aleading citizen in the Portland area in 1755. It is colonial outside, like a London townhouse inside. Of special interest are: the clerestory treatment of the gambrel roof, the cove ceiling and original staircase of the hall, the exceptional panelling of the parlor and dining room, the hand-hewn timbers of the third floor, the reconstructed ell, the 18th century furniture and the letters of George Tate, Jr., First Admiral of the Russian Navy. A nomincal fee of $.50 is charged per home.

State parks in the Portland area (Portland Headlight and Two Lights) offer one excellent picknicking facilities.

One may wish to undertake a walking tour of the old Port Area to view the reconstruction and the various and varied shops.

This trip can prove to be lengthy but it is well worth the time spent and also very educational. This was one of our better trips.

Portland Area

Student Rating - 3.3
Staff Rating - 4.0

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.29.)

Maine State Capitol, State Museum, Fort Western

STATE CAPITOL, STATE MUSEUM, FORT WESTERN*

This trip was typical of those taken by school groups each year to our State Capitol. It did, however, afford us extra time at each site since we were not under pressure to return in time to make normal bus departures at our schools. This would have been the case if we had taken the trip during the school year. All arrangements for this trip were made by contacting...Division of Community Services, Augusta, Maine....Students were divided into three groups and then rotated among the sites.

The Capitol Building Tour lasted one-half to one hour. A guided tour of the Senate and House chambers, the Rotunda and the Hall of Flags was included. One group was given a chance to sit on the floor of the House, to play the role of house leaders and were shown how votes were taken. This is not always available since the time of your visit and the availability of staff members are factors.

The Maine State Museum visit lasted approximately one hour, however, the time spent at the museum can be much longer. The Maine Wildlife Exhibit is very interesting as are the other exhibits which change periodically. Exhibits available to yor group may be axcertained when you arrange your visit. The museum also offers classes to school groups in various areas....

Fort Western is a marvelous place for youngsters to visit. Guides escorted groups from room to room explaining its use and the many items within each. Cost for school groups is minimal. Fort Western is open May 15th through Labor Day....THis is a must for any group visiting the Augusta area. Fort Western is best reached from the Capitol by following State Street to the rotary, crossing the new bridge, reaching the second rotary and following Cony Street down the hill toards the Kennebec River.

Lunch was enjoyed at the park across from the Capitol. An alternative is...located on Western Avenue traveling from Augusta towards the Maine Turnpike.

The highpoint of a trip to Augusta would be meeting with the Governor. A meeting would be determined by his schedule. Groups interested may make initial contact with the Office of the Governor, Augusta, Maine..., to make your wishes known and arrange a possible meeting.

A tour of the Blaine House could also be arranged through the Division of Community Services. This tour includes the history of the Hames G. Blaine family and the current utilization of the home. This visit does not include the second floor private quarters of the Governor.

The Augusta trip scored one of the highest ratings from both teachers and students. It was one of the most enjoyable and educational trips. All Maine youngsters should visit their State Capitol.

*Not visited during Summer, tour planned for Fall of 1980.

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.33-34.)

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Area

BAR HARBOR, MOUNT DESERT AREA

It seems that young people always enjoy visiting Mount Desert Island. Here they are exposed to Maine's tourist trade, see beautiful Maine scenery, receive a lesson ngeography and geology, visit a national park, see mansions belonging to the wealthy and tour Frenchman's Bay. We are able to combine a fun time with a broad educational experience and have the students come away with a wealth of information on many aspects of Maine. The only contact necessary for this trip is The Frenchman's Bay Boating Company....Special group rates can be arranged depending on the size of the group. Tours of Frenchman's Bay are dependent on the weather.

Mount Desert Island is reached from the Bangor Area by following Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 3 to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. Travel time by bus from Bangor is just a little under two hours.

Once on Mount Desert Island, you may enjoy a one hour boat sightseeing tour on Frenchman's Bay. The trip affords students the opportunity to see the mansion built along the shore, the Porcupine Islands, and some abrupt and beautiful coastline, much of which is the same as when Samuel Champlain first sailed the area. At Acadia National Park Headquarters a twenty minute movie is shown every hour on the hour telling about life on Mount Desert Island and the many facets of Acadia National Park. This showing is free to the public. Groups may also visit Sand Beach swimming area, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and the Summit of Cadillac Mountain. Maps of all of these locations are available at the Park Headquarters or Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and it is advised that they be procured. From these and other activities available in the park, you may choose those appropriate to your group. You may wish to write to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine...for information prior to your visit.

Weather permitting, this should be a very enjoyable trip. If weather is bad, it is suggested the trip be postponed until another time.

Bar Harbor
Student Rating - 3.5
Staff Rating - 3.9


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.35.)

King's Landing, New Brunswick, Canada

KING'S LANDING, PRINCE WILLIAM, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

Although King's Landing is not located within the boundaries of Maine, it does depict life as it was in this area in the middle 1800's. This reconstructed village is located twenty-three miles west of the City of Fredericton, New Brunswick on the Trans-Canada Highway. The village is composed of buildings brought to the site from the St. John River area when the construction of a dam threatened them. The New Brunswick Department of Education operates the site which attracts tourists during the summer months and serves the school children of the area year-round.

King's Landing is reached by following I-95 north from Bangor to Houlton. It is approximately three hours to Houlton allowing a rest at the Medway rest area. It is advisable to fuel your buses in Houlton before proceeding. From Houlton King's Landing is fifty miles via I-95 to the Canadian border, Route 2 to the Trans-Canada Highway and south towards Fredericton to exit 259. There are very visible signs giving you directions to the attraction.

On arrival you enter a reception building where a fee is collected. If you make arrangements at least thrity days in advance, special rates are given for groups over 25. Contact: Education Officer, King's Landing Corporation....Our cost was $1.00 for students, $2.00 for adults. One adult was admitted free for each ten students. All bus drivers and directors were free. The walking tour is self-guided and begins within the reception building with murals depicting the history of the area. From there you walk through the settlement where you may visit an operational river craft, working saw mill, small theatre which gives performances, and fifty other buildings of the period. The buildings are staffed by persons playing the role of residents of the community. Your tour may take from three hours to as long as you wish. A snack bar is located well into the tour, and it is advised that students have lunch before starting.

At the conclusion of the tour, students may visit the gift shop in the Reception Building. Our return trip took us back to Houlton where we fuelled the buses, ate our dinner...and traveled I-95 to Bangor. The total day was fourteen hours in length and we travelled 404 miles. This was one of our best trips.

Our group very successfully made the King's Landing trip a part of an overnight trip. Day one was spent at Loring Air Force Base, overnight at Loring, and day two at King's Landing.

We recommend this plan if travel time is lengthy. This was one of our best trips.

King's Landing
Student Rating - 3.6
Staff Rating - 3.9

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.37.)

Norlands

NORLANDS

The trip to Washburn-Norlands was included in the Maine Journey to acquaint the participants with life as it was a century or more ago. Contact for an adventure at Washburn-Norlands may be made with....[who] would be more than happy to send you pertinent literature concerning activities available.

The Washburn-Norlands site is located in Livermore, Maine. The site consists of five 19th century buildings. Norlands is a registered National Historic Site. The site offers a variety of programs for both adults and students. Programs vary from day-time activities to live-ins where participants are involved for a number of days and remain at Norlands overnight.

Programs which are covered during the period of a day include: "A Typical Day in School in the 1840's", "Life in Rural Maine 1840-1880", "The Busy Cradle", and "A Visit to The Farm". Combinations of these programs may be given for larger groups.

It is necessary that arrangements for your tour be made in adance. Group rates are available. For example, Journey I: "A Typical Day in School in the 1840's" costs $25.00 for up to 24 students. Each additional student above 24 costs $1.00. Journey II: "Life in Rural Maine 1840-1880" costs $55.00 for up to 24 students; students above 24 cost $2.00 each. In Journey II students participate in preparing an authentic noon meal.

In all of the programs, participants are drawn back into time and live the life as it was a century ago. Activities are representative of the season in which one visits. Students do housework, such as scrubbing clothes, ironing, washing dishes, doing "chamber" work. Meals are cooked each day and authentic menus vary. Crafts such as rug hooking, weaving and patchwork are also done. Outdoor activities include working in the fields, gardening, cutting fire wood, working in the barn and making maple sugar.

This program was pehaps the most educational as indicated by the student and staff evaluations. We recommend if your tour group is large that two days be spent at Norlands thereby allowing each participant to fully experience JourneyI (School) and Journey II (Farm).

A must visit for students and adults.

Norlands
Student Rating - 4.0
Staff Rating - 4.0

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.38.)

Shaker Museum

SHAKER MUSEUM - SABBATHDAY LAKE, POLAND SPRING

The Shaker Museum, founded in 1931, is located at Sabbathday Lake, Poland Spring, Maine. To reach the museum follow the Maine Turnpike south to the Auburn exit and follow Route 122 to Route 26 south. The museum is located on Route 26, 8 miles north of Gray or 12 miles south of Auburn.

To make arrangements for this tour contact the Shaker Museum....Guide service is available throughout the season (May 30 - Labor Day). The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. Group rates are available upon request.

Shaker Village is a celibate religious community founded by Ann Lee in May, 1774. While on tour here students will see a living museum situated in America's oldest religious community; one of two in existence today.

Expertly informed guides will educate students concerning the history and customs of the Shakers. One may visit the meeting house, the residence, the herb gardens, and the barns. Students learn that Shakers are famous for their furniture, tin and wooden war, folk art, early American tools, and farm implements. Shaker's inventions have included clothespins, sewing machine, washing machine, flat broom, permanent press fabrics and many other items.

At the conclusion of the tour one may wish to visit the Shaker store and purchase handmade Shaker items. A large variety of herbs and teas produced by the Shakers are available.

Should one desire picnicking Sabbathday Lake is located nearby.

We highly recommend this trip.

Shaker Museum
Student Rating - 3.3
Staff Rating - 3.9


(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.40.)