Peary–MacMillan Arctic Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1967 |
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| Location | 10 Polar Loop, Brunswick, Maine 04011 |
| Type | Arctic Studies |
| Owner | Bowdoin College |
The Peary–MacMillan Arctic Museum is a special museum at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. It is named after two famous Arctic explorers, Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan, who both graduated from the college.
This is the only museum in the lower 48 states of the United States that is all about the Arctic. It first opened in 1967. The museum is a great place to learn about the icy lands of the North, the people who live there, and the history of its exploration.
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History of the Museum
Bowdoin College has a long history with the Arctic. It started way back in 1860 when a professor took students on a research trip to Labrador and West Greenland. Later, Peary and MacMillan made many important trips to the Arctic. Students from Bowdoin even joined MacMillan on his adventures in the early 1900s.
The museum was created thanks to donations from former students and other supporters. It opened in June 1967. Both Donald MacMillan and Robert Peary's daughter, Marie Ahnighito Peary, were there for the special day.
A New Home for Arctic Studies
In 2023, the museum moved into a brand-new building called the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies. This building is very modern and good for the environment. It was the first large building in Maine to be built with a special type of strong wood called mass timber.
The new building is much bigger. It has two floors of exhibits, labs for research, a classroom, and offices. The museum is free for everyone to visit.
What's Inside the Museum?
The museum's collection started with items donated by Donald MacMillan and his wife, Miriam. Today, it has over 41,000 items, including photographs and films.
You can see the actual equipment Peary and MacMillan used on their expeditions. The collection also includes beautiful Inuit art from Alaska and Canada, historical papers, and items from the Arctic's natural world. The museum's exhibits change over time, showing different parts of Arctic life, from animals and plants to the culture of its native people.
Learning About the Arctic
Bowdoin College has a special program for students who want to study the Arctic. This program, called Arctic Studies, lets students learn about the people, environment, and important issues of the northern world.
The program and the museum work together to help people understand and appreciate the Arctic. They host talks, workshops, and other events for the public.
Collection Highlights
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A sledge used by Admiral Robert Peary on his North Pole expedition.
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A polar bear statue hand-carved from ivory.
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A mask made with caribou skin and animal fur.
See also
- Jensen Arctic Museum
- List of museums in Alaska
- List of museums (section Norway)
