Saco Museum

History: The Saco Museum is the third oldest museum in Maine and was established in 1866. Its original name was the York Institute. The museum started as a small collection of curiosities and grew through donations. In 1867, the collection’s focus switched to the fine arts as numerous portraits and well-known artists' works were donated to the museum. The York Institute merged with the Dyer Library in the 1970s and the museum’s name was later changed to the Saco Museum.

Collections and Highlights: The Saco Museum holds over 10,000 artifacts, including furnishings, clocks, silver, textiles, and ceramics. The first floor has paintings, furnishings, and Saco historical items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The second floor has a mill girl’s boarding house bedroom set up as it was in the 1840s and a display of natural history items such as birds of New England. Highlights of the collection include portraits by John Brewster, Jr, and regional artists’ artwork such as Gibeon Elden Bradbury, and Charles Henry Granger. Sculptures by Katherine Tupper Prescott and John Rogers round out the collection. Rare artifact highlights include a Scamman Jug, which has King William III’s medallion on it, and a Walcott/Johnson camera from 1840.

Exhibitions, Events & Programs: The Saco Museum hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Past exhibitions have included Pastel Painters of Maine, Maine Art Education Association exhibits, Home and Abroad: Saco at War, and Saco elementary school art shows. Check the website for upcoming exhibitions.

Tours: Contact the Saco Museum for tour information.

Season/Hours of Operation:

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 12 PM - 4 PM
• Fridays: 12 PM - 8 PM
• Saturdays: 10 AM - 4 PM

Admission:

• Adults: $5
• Seniors: $3
• Students and Children (7-18): $2
• Children 6 and under: Free
• Free admission on Fridays from 4 PM - 8 PM