Islesford Historical Museum

 

Islesford Historical Museum and the Blue Duck

NPS Photo

Visit Islesford Historical Museum

Explore the Cranberry Isles and the lives of their hardy inhabitants in the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. Explore the Cranberry Isles and the lives of their hardy inhabitants in the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. On permanent exhibit in every corner of the museum are objects—many of them everyday tools of their time—that tell stories of island life: sundials and octants, fishing line and ships' lanterns, schooner models and captains' hats. In addition to the museum and interpretive exhibits, there is also a small bookstore.

Since the opening of the Islesford Historical Museum in 1928, visitors have been offered short, informal talks — a tradition carried on by park rangers. 5-10 minute programs on island history happen twice a day and do not require a reservation. Contact the museum for the daily schedule, topic, or more information.

Getting Around

The island is accessible by mail boat from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor. From late May through September, local companies offer narrated boat tours, which include a stop at the island for 45 minutes. During this time you may visit the museum.

The museum is open daily from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm from mid-June through September.

 

Islesford Historical Museum exhibit

NPS Photo

Living History

The Islesford Historical Museum continues its mission of celebrating Islesford’s cultural history. Historical exhibits showcase life on and around Cranberry Isles from the 1700s to present. Come see artifacts from local families, historical societies, and Acadia's collection while learning about the unique experience of living on an unbridged island.

 

 

Open Transcript 

Transcript

This timelapse is of a clear morning with blue skies along the coast of Little Cranberry Island. The perspective is from someone standing next to the Blue Duck, a building located right along the shore. Boats are moving in the harbor and people are walking along the rocky beach.

Duration:

15 seconds

The Blue Duck is a historic building, owned and leased out by Acadia National Park, located on the coastline of Little Cranberry Island. This timelapse is part of a series produced by the Acadia Youth Technology Team (AYTT), an internship program with Friends of Acadia and the National Park Service.