You can find the Olson House at 427 Hathorne Point Rd, Cushing, ME 04563. There's some limited…read moreparking behind the apple orchard but presumably you can also park along the access roads. This is a residential neighborhood so please be respectful. If you aren't an art historian you may wonder why the Olson House is worth visiting? The key is Andrew Wyeth - who painted many scenes of the house, the family and local vignettes. One of the most iconic paintings done by an American artist is "Christina's World" which features the building's on the Olson's property. Luckily the property was obtained by the local Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland who has started a much needed restoration (at one point the house was a Wyeth museum but it's fallen to hard times prior to the acquisition). The house sits on multiple acres of land and the property includes several buildings - the house and barn are rendered in the painting. Much of the structures' original pigment gave way to the elements, apparently during the Depression so it holds a beautiful gray-weathered patina. The primary structure is mostly intact (a chimney has been removed but I believe the plan is to replace it at some point). As you walk around you can get a sense of the home from when Wyeth rendered the painting. You can walk around the property but be aware that if you try to view the buildings using Wyeth's painting's perspective, you'll be in a field that's private property not owned by the Farnsworth. We took a chance and walked out which I think is okay as long as you're not loud or disrespectful. Also in the field is the cemetery where Andrew and Betsy Wyeth are prominently resting - towards the water in the rear there's a headstone for Christina and her brother Alvero. There are several markers around the property identifying points of interest as well as color and restoration studies. I also spied some hops growing between the main building and boat house (I believe it's the kitchen) - I'm betting that at some point there was some homebrew being made, possibly by Alvero. In all, a great place to visit, especially prior to going to the Farnsworth as it provides a lot of context. Kudos to the museum for preserving this property!

Our morning on the Wyeth Experience tour was well worth $50. Six of us began the tour with Nancy at…read morethe Farnsworth and got background on several paintings by the three Wyeths. Then a half hour van ride driven by delightful David to the Olson House while Nancy shaed stories en route. Throughout the tour Nancy overflowed with history and stories gleaned from 30 years working at Olson House. The spare house is a wonder, and we loved wandering through each room with its beautiful light, all three floors. we even jogged down to the little cemetery where Andrew, Christina Olson, and others are buried.

I assumed this museum was going to be pretty limited, but I was impressed with the variety of…read moreartworks on display. It's more than just the Wyeths; they have classic European artists and early American art. I loved getting to learn more about the local indigenous tribes and see the work of local artists whom I wouldn't otherwise get to see. Some of the art was even a bit risque, which was great to see at a small art museum. Highly recommend taking an hour or so to get lost in the Farnsworth.

We visited the both the gift shop and the outdoor sculpture garden this year. The gift shop's…read moreofferings, like the museum itself, center on the works of the Wyeths. The sculpture garden is worth a visit though less far less interesting.

Great boat tour of the lighthouses and the museum was great. Got my lighthouse stamps tooread more

Very disappointing experience. We arrived within the recommended time window before departure, but…read morewere still denied boarding. The staff offered little explanation and showed no flexibility despite us following the instructions provided. On top of that, the ticket prices were far more expensive than expected, making the experience feel like a poor value overall. We drove out expecting an enjoyable boat trip and instead left frustrated and disappointed. I would not recommend this place based on our experience.

We just held my fathers celebration of life at the museum this weekend and the staff couldn't have…read morebeen more professional. We held it in the children's area which have interactive items for the kids and a lot of the adults too. The tables, chairs, audio etc were all set up and ready to go early. Our caterer Taco Joe was also all set up filling the museum with an amazing aroma. My dad was a member of the museum and would have been thrilled to have his life remembered here

Wow!!! This is a must-visit if you are a car enthusiast! I grew up going to car shows, but I have…read morenever seen anything like this! There are more cars than I had imagined, and they are all very pristine. I did not expect to see bicycles and buggies as well, plus airplanes. I think there was even more that we didn't see because there was a car auction going on. $20 is a great price. This would've been 35 or $40 in Georgia. The history was amazing! We were there for over an hour but could easily spend 2+ hours there.

We went to the museum today at the request of my son (5y/old) and had a hideous experience…read more The person manning the museum who I conclude is the "Captain" others reference was exceptionally rude to our party (4 adults 1 child). At one point, trembling with rage after chasing my family in his mobility device, he advised my husband, small child, and myself that the $10/pp "suggested donation" was mandatory and due before leaving the vestibule. This was the 4th time he approached me about paying his "suggested donation." I had every plan to pay before leaving but didn't know whether my husband or friends had already paid something and wanted to catch up with them. He followed me and my son around the building to confront me repeatedly. He further accused my family of exploiting his hospitality and screamed at us for failing to pay (we had both assured him we would pay the suggested donation before leaving). The guy is a nut with an anger problem and I can't recommend taking a child. Avoid.

Great Lobster lunch with American cruise lines. Tour through museum was great also. Very…read moreinformative.

Shedding Light on the Subject…read more The nation's largest lighthouse museum located in touristy Rockland, Maine. The Good: *Tours available *Huge collection of artifacts and Fresnel lenses *Nice gift shop *Park Street Grille located in same building The Meh: *Admission $12/adults; $8/seniors; $6/military; & kids 12 and under free. *Seasonal March - December (check their FB page before visiting or call) *Not the biggest museum we've ever been to as you can probably be in and out in around an hour. The Ugly: *Parking can be difficult during busy times of year (i.e., summer) Conclusion: Nice museum for lighthouse lovers like ourselves. If you happen to be in town then it's worth a visit, but not necessarily go out of your way for.

This was one of our excursion stops on our Maine Harbor cruise. Enjoyable, informative, takes maybe…read moretwo hours to go through the museum itself. The staff were amazing and friendly. A good visit.

A great little gem on the coast of Maine. It was worth the long drive we took to get there but if…read moreyou are headed up the coast, you should make sure to stop. They have quite a number of buildings with exhibits in each and docents to help you along the way. They've done an extremely nice job with their presentation and items. And if you like boats, they have lots of boats and boat history! For me, having grown up in New England with family that goes back several hundred years, looking at some of the antique furniture was like looking at my childhood home :)

Local gem. Historic buildings. Fun to take the kids. You can spend hours or you can take a quick…read morekid friendly trip. It is a nonprofit in a small town and being from DC I didn't mind paying admission for a smaller museum. Kids can interact with some of the exhibits. They also offer kid friendly programs. Make sure to visit the historic church First Congregation on the property. It was a nice day and kids could also use the pond to steer remote control boats. Great stop in a charming town.

The Knox Museum is a true historical gem, not only for the small town of Thomaston, but for the…read moreentire state of Maine. The museum does an OUTSTANDING job of preserving the memory and legacy of founding father Henry Knox whom - to be frank - I was not familiar with at all (other than the one name drop he receives in the Hamilton musical). General Knox was born in 1750. In 1775, General George Washington chose Knox as his Chief of Artillery. He spent most of the Revolutionary War by Washington's side and following the war, he was chosen to be the first Secretary of War. Knox's Revolutionary War accomplishments include leading the expedition to transfer sixty tons of captured British cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, directing Washington's famous Delaware River crossing, and taking charge of the placement of the artillery at Yorktown. In 1795, Knox retired to a large tract of land, located in what is now Thomaston, Maine which his wife had inherited from her mother. On this land, they built an elaborate nineteen-room mansion and named it "Montpelier". The original Montpelier was torn down in 1871, but an exact replica was pain-stakenly built in its place in 1929 by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The Montpelier Museum now houses many of the objects Knox kept in the original mansion that was donated by his descendants (including Marie Antoinnete's book case which is a whole wild story I'd never heard of before but is worth googling). A really interesting find and amazing legacy that Genera Knox has left behind in coastal Maine. If y'all ever find yourself up there I recommend making a visit! The museum and tour were a highlight of our most recent Maine trip.

It is so delightful to talk to volunteers who are so dedicated to their work. The Knox Museum is a…read morebeautiful building that was lovingly reconstructed and refurnished through tireless work by the volunteers, trustees and donations. We attended the annual Christmas Gala to see the decorations, which were beautiful, but the real fun was learning the stories of the building and its occupants from such enthusiastic volunteers. It was a lovely evening and we will certainly return again.

If you're an animal lover, this small nonprofit museum dedicated to honoring and remembering the…read morebrave companions who have lived and labored alongside humans on the sea for centuries is a must-visit for you. The museum started as an online museum where it found international popularity for more than 10 years, before its CEO and Founder (an AMAZING woman named Patricia) retired to Maine and turned her passion project into a full-time labor of love with its own physical footprint. The museum is small and is comprised of just one room with various displays and an area with small souvenirs you can purchase to help support the nonprofit and its mission of chronicling and remembering the impact animals have alongside humans throughout naval history. There is ample free parking in the area and entry is free (but there is a box for you to make a cash donation if you're so inclined.) I cant wait to visit again in the future as the museum continues to grow and expand in its new location.

Such a cute and highly educational museum . It's a very tiny museum and I would recommend setting…read moreaside about 30-45 minutes to read everything . There is free parking and a small gift shop . Admission is free and any money you spend at the gift shop goes towards sustaining the museum . I learned a lot about animals that have helped shape Maritime history . I loved the local stories about local families and sea captains . The museum even has a maritime pet ambassador you can learn about and follow along on their sea adventures . We found the museum creator, Patricia to be kind , enthusiastic, professional and dedicated to her museum . I highly recommend the Museum of Maritime Pets !

This is a must do experience if you're visiting. We did not spend the night but according to…read morereviews spending the night isn't a good idea. The views on the hike is awesome. A very nice lady at the store at the novelty gave us some tips and when you start at the top of the hill and go right You always want to keep the ocean on your left and that will circle you down to the shipwreck and then up towards the brewery to end. Group of five ages 50 and 19. We had a fantastic trip to the island. Eat at the novelty. Great food. The ferry trip there and back was awesome and we were able to see gray seals and harbor seals.

Monhegan is a great June-September destination for people who like to walk and don't mind steep…read morehills and narrow trails. The views are amazing and it's a very special place. Just 64 people live here year round and it's home to the most well managed lobster conservation areas in the state. Spending the night is a good idea if you have the time and inclination. The day trip is a great introduction though. The island has a chronic water shortage so bring a full water bottle for each person in your group-- it's worth it. As for amenities, it's good to be flexible. On a recent trip, the Barnacle (closest to the dock) was very understocked-- empty shelves and empty refrigerators. The pre-made sandwiches were delicious-- they offered to hot press them and that was a good idea. Despite the signs and the website, beer, wine, and other drinks were not available. Monhegan House is a great place to stay as is the Trailing Yew. The Novelty behind Monhegan House has a good food (pizza especially), reasonably priced wine (especially since they have to get it there and get the empties back off), and is next to the only public bathrooms, which are privately operated and accept donations. No sinks with running water though and otherwise it's port a potties at the wharf. For the day trip, we like to do the walk up to the lighthouse and explore the exhibits, then to do the Lobster Cove Trail (very uneven trail), head back through the Black Duck Emporium and the Lupine Gallery, and have a meal at the Brewery, the Novelty, or the Fish House, depending on our group's preferences. We usually go out of Boothbay Harbor on Balmy Day Cruises.