The Saco Museum

This museum does an admirable job of telling the story of south coastal Maine's growth and prominence through entertaining exhibits and artifacts. The floor plan of this historical museum is well designed. As visitors enter, for instance, they are greeted by an exhibit detailing the region's pre-colonial, Native American societies. Each successive exhibition then traces Maine's history into the present day era. The museum features several paintings of the state's early industrialists who, taking advantage of the Saco River and other local waterways which led to the Atlantic Ocean, specialized in ship building. Also on view are furniture, clothing and household furnishings that belonged to these entrepreneurs. Youngsters will especially enjoy the museum's second floor collection. Here, it is possible to tour the recreation of a bedroom which served as a dormitory for female mill workers. Another room features toys typically played with by 19th and early 20th century children. For those seeking to enjoy a fun journey through Maine's past and present, be sure to put the Saco Museum on your list of must-see places.