In 1936, in the middle of the Great Depression, Edith Cleaves Barry opened the Brick Store Museum on Main Street in Kennebunk. This town was recognized nationally for its shipbuilding prowess in the 19th century, and by the early 20th century it turned into a nationwide tourist and artist mecca. Though the town preserved its small-town charm, it consistently spearheaded trends on a national level. When the Brick Store Museum opened in 1936, it became one of only 10 museums in the entire country to open between the Great Depression and World War II. Edith Barry funded the museum with her own money and invested her time and hard work for the rest of her life. The Museum absorbed four other buildings on the block, all built between 1810 and 1860, to house its collection of over 70,000 artifacts relating to the culture of the Kennebunks. For information, visit www.brickstoremuseum.org or call (207) 985-4802.

The First Families Kennebunkport Museum, at White Columns in the heart of Kennebunkport, offers visitors a chance to tour an 1853 Greek Revival home and view exhibitions covering two centuries of local history, from sea captains to presidents. Guided tours present stories and artifacts from the lives of Charles and Celia Perkins, whose fortunes were connected to the thriving shipbuilding era of Kennebunkport. The museum also features sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer resident, late President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family. There is also a Museum Store with a selection of maritime history collectibles, presidential memorabilia, and unique Kennebunkport treasures. For information, visit their website or call (207) 967-2751.

Maine’s newest friendliest destination. Featuring 50 of the world’s finest motorcars, including a Tucker, President Roosevelt’s Packard, and Doc Hudson, the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Interesting artifacts and displays. Museum Store. Admission: $12 per person (Children under 7 free) Standard Hours (April 1-December 31): Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter Hours (through April 1) Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For information, visit their website or call (207) 710-6699.

Check out the town’s 25 historical markers on this self-guided tour in Kennebunk. The start map is located outside Kennebunk Town Hall; printed maps are available at the Chamber. For details, visit themuseuminthestreets.com.

Come out to the Seashore Trolley Museum and take a scenic trolley ride on a heritage electric railway!  Explore the outdoor campus and check out the world’s largest transit vehicle collection.  In 2020 the museum is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 10AM-5PM. Check out the museum’s COVID-19 policies and purchase tickets in advance at https://trolleymuseum.org/events.