Maine Discovery Museum

In 1996 Sean Faircloth had the idea for the Maine Discovery Museum and led that project through completion of the $4.5 million facility in 2001.[3] Maine Discovery Museum served as a lynchpin of downtown revitalization. Then-Congressman John Baldacci said that Maine Discovery Museum “restored the heart” to downtown Bangor.[4] At that time, the Maine Discovery Museum was the largest children's museum outside Boston in New England. Capital Campaign Director Martha Dudman stated, “Sean Faircloth’s determination and attention to detail is what has made this project as successful as it has been.”[3]

The energy and pride that we experienced in the establishment of the Maine Discovery Museum has been repeated over and over with the University of Maine Museum of Art, the library expansion and the Bangor Museum and Center for History. That pride in our community is exactly why we see the national exposure and enthusiasm to have major events like the National Folk Festival in a city our size. (Former Bangor Mayor John Rohman - October 3, 2003)[5]

MDM boosts three floors of interactive exhibits, including its newest addition NANO, a permanent exhibit donated by NISE Network. NANO is an interactive exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.[6] MDM was selected by the NISE Network to receive this donated exhibit valued at $50,000 in recognition of their work to educate in the field of science.

Celebrating 10 monumental years in the community, the Maine Discovery Museum was named Nonprofit of the Year in 2012 by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.[7] Also in 2012, MDM was chosen as the Grand Marshal of the city's historic Independence Day Parade and celebration and as well, launched its Capital Campaign. MDM has been recognized as a leader in science education and the encouragement of Maine's children to explore and learn in hands-on ways. By providing winter and summer camps, daily art, science and math discovery programming as well as a Free Friday program, MDM seeks to be a strong voice in children's education and engagement. Made possible by a grant from the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation, MDM opens its doors and all three floors four times a year for a Free Friday program which allows everyone; members and general museum goers, to experience the museum for these quarterly free after hours events. With a strong history of collaborating with many other area nonprofits such as the Penobscot Theatre Company, Bangor Book Festival, Bangor Symphony Orchestra, American Folk Festival, KahBang Arts, and Spruce Run; the museum has taken on a leadership role in the development of the community. MDM is also a member of Bangor Arts, a group that strives to support the ever evolving arts and cultural scene in the Bangor region.

Maine Discovery Museum is a "Let's Move!" institution, partnering with the First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative to fight childhood obesity. In early 2012, the museum opted to remove all traditional vending and dining options in the museum and replace them with Sprout Healthy Vending machines offering natural and organic snacks, juices and soda as well as gluten and dairy free foods and vegan options. The change was made to kick off a new healthy kids initiative. Many exhibits within the museum focus on both gross motor and fine motor movements.

The largest and longest running fundraising effort of the museum is its popular Annual Auction held in the fall. Artists from across the state and beyond donate works to be auctioned to the highest bidder at the auction banquet. This event serves to not only provide support to the museum but offers recognition to museum members, supporters, staff and volunteers and their families that have help shepherd the museum through the past decade. In addition, it highlights the immensely talented artists in the state of Maine.

• NANO: Discover a World You Can't See exhibit
• in-door river and nature trails
• two story tree house
• life size explorable beaver dam
• paper making studio
• two art galleries ( Main Street Gallery & Snack Room Gallery)
• art studio
• recording & karaoke studio
• children's library & Good Night Moon room
• life size body journey exhibit
• life size Dino Dig Pit and Archeology Exhibit
• Reptile & Animal Exploration Center, featuring Bearded Dragons, Corn Snakes, Crested Gecko, Hermit Crabs, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
• Turtle Alley, home to several turtle and fish species
• two birthday party rooms
• puppet theatre

• Maine Discovery Museum