Tours
Maine Maritime Museum’s guided tours provide an active interpretation of our maritime heritage by bringing visitors close to the people, tools and environment of wooden shipbuilding. We offer regularly scheduled guided tours of the Percy & Small Shipyard and the William T. Donnell House from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Self-guided tours of the Percy & Small Shipyard are available all year ’round.
Percy & Small Shipyard Tours
Step back in time on our outside walking tour of the Percy & Small Shipyard (1896-1920). The last intact shipyard site in the U. S. that built large wooden sailing vessels, the Percy & Small Shipyard site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our expert guides will share the fascinating story of this historic shipyard which built 41 of the great coal schooners including Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing vessel ever constructed. Other topics discussed inthe tour include the role of the P&S Shipyard in Bath’s shipbuilding history and an overview of the wooden shipbuilding process.
Shipyard tours are approximately 30 minutes long and are offered daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Donnell House Tours
This tour introduces visitors to the William T. Donnell House and the interesting characters who lived there from the 1850’s to 1911. Experienced docents will familiarize visitors with the Donnells, their highly social existence, and the forces that influenced their lives in the late Victorian era. Visitors will explore three period rooms in the house and gain an appreciation of life at the turn of the century.
Tours offered daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day
Themed Tours
Maine Maritime Museum offers special themed tours focusing on various aspects of Maine’s maritime past. Themed tours run from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. All themed tours begin at 2:00 p.m.
“Women at Sea” - Mondays
This tour investigates the often untold role of women at sea. From Ann Bonney and Mary Reed the famous female pirate duo, to Linda Greenlaw, the only woman known to captain a swordfish boat in the North Atlantic Fleet. Learn about Ice Queens, Whaling Wives, and other Seafaring Heroines.
“The Maritime Art of Maine Maritime Museum” - Tuesdays
Take a stroll through the Museum’s galleries, focusing on paintings and objects significant to the Museum’s collection. Tour features works by S.F.M. Badger, Antonio Jacobsen and Robert F. Patterson.
“The Case Oil Trade” - Wednesdays
Family and company fortunes were made during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in the case-oil (kerosene) trade between the eastern United States and Asia. This tour discusses the case-oil trade as well as the ships and captains from Maine that made these voyages.
“Steel on the Kennebec: The BIW Story” - Thursdays
Bath Iron Works has been a major part of the city of Bath’s landscape and economy for over 100 years. Follow the company’s unique history from foundry to the last remaining shipyard along the Kennebec River.
“How to Build A Wooden Schooner” - Fridays
A detailed description – with audience participation – of the process of building a wooden schooner on the site of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard.
