Exhibits

Maritime History
Belfast area shipyards built more thansix hundred sailing vessels during the mid-19th century. Nearly one-third of all men were employed in the ship building or maritime trades. Belfast-built vessels were known for their fine lines, speed and beauty. Come and see our collection of paintings, photos and the ships model of the Charlotte W. White and imagine what the life of a seafarer was like.


Percy Sanborn Painting Gallery
Percy Sanborn is best known for his marine paintings of Belfast-built vessels. During the late 19th century he produced many watercolor and oil paintings of scenes around Belfast, as well as portraits of pets, horses and floral still-lifes. A true 19th century renaissance man, he was also a poet, composer, teacher, orchestra leader and sign painter.

Poor's Apothecary
Dr. William Poor opened his apothecary in 1814. Prior to its closing in the mid-1980s, it was the oldest business operating in Belfast and the oldest drug store in Maine. On display is the pharmacist’s bench and various popular “cures” from the 19th century. A fascinating look back into the evolution of early American medicine.

Radio Corporation of America
On the evening of March 14, 1925, radio history was made in Belfast. The first long-wave radio broadcast from 2LO London, England was received by the experimental RCA station in Belfast and then relayed to station WJZ in New York. The Belfast station closed in 1929 and the site was abandoned. In 2003 a methodical search and mapping project uncovered artifacts and other historical information about the station. A recording of that first transmission is part of the museum exhibit. Now there's a self-guided walking tour – read more & get info...


“Daredevil of the Skies”
Captain Albert W. Stevens, Belfast native son, was an aeronautical pioneer and innovator who made significant contributions to aerial photography in the early years of the 20th century. In 1935, Stevens commanded the flight of “Explorer II”, a helium balloon that soared to an altitude of fourteen miles, a record that stood until 1956. During the flight Stevens took the first ever photograph of the curvature of the earth.

Made In Belfast
Belfast is known for several innovations and inventions which are recognized throughout the world.

Did you know the spiral screwdriver, more commonly known as The Yankee Screwdriver, was invented in Belfast? The first patent for this handy tool was awarded to Isaac Allard, local machinist and watchmaker, in August, 1868. The first screwdrivers were also made in Belfast at the Howard Manufacturing Company.

Any fan of baseball will recognize the expression, “At bat, on deck and in the hold (hole).” But, did you know the phrase was first coined by a Belfast scorekeeper during a game played on August 7, 1872 between the Belfast Pastimes and the Boston Red Stockings?