Pre-K Program: “What is a Museum?”
Our Pre-K program, What is a Museum?, introduces young learners to the world of museums through hands-on exploration and storytelling. Designed to spark curiosity, the program helps children understand what a museum is, what it holds, and why it matters. Through age-appropriate activities and guided play, participants discover the value of preserving and sharing objects, history, and ideas in a fun, engaging way.
K-2 Program: “Car Construction”
Our K–2 program, Car Construction, invites young learners to explore the fascinating world of transportation by learning about the different parts of an automobile and how vehicles work. Students will discover how cars, trucks, airplanes, motorcycles, and more help move people and goods, while getting a closer look at the essential components that make vehicles go. Through interactive activities and hands-on learning, this program builds curiosity and understanding of the history of the automobile.
Grades 3-5: “The Stanley Legacy”
Our grades 3–5 program, The Stanley Legacy, highlights the remarkable lives of Maine-born twins Francis and Freelan Stanley and their groundbreaking contributions to the history of steam automobiles. Students learn how the Stanley brothers combined innovation, ambition, and engineering skill to create the famous Stanley Steamers—vehicles that once set speed records and captured the imagination of the world. This engaging program connects local history with national innovation, inspiring young learners through the story of two inventors who changed the course of automotive history.
Grades 3-5: “Auto Wars: Local Litigation”
Our grades 3–5 program, Auto Wars: Local Litigation, brings history to life by exploring the dramatic fight to bring the automobile to Mount Desert Island. Students will learn about the legal battles, community debates, and cultural shifts that unfolded as cars challenged long-standing traditions in the early 1900s. Through storytelling, primary sources, and interactive discussion, this program helps students understand how technological change can spark conflict—and ultimately transform a community.
Grades 6-8: “Simple Machines”
Our grades 6–8 program, “Simple Machines”, explores the principles behind Rube Goldberg’s whimsical inventions and connects them to the real-world mechanics of early automobile engines. Students learn how simple machines—like levers, pulleys, and gears—played a key role in the development of early engines and how those designs evolved into the complex systems we use today. With hands-on activities and working engine models, students gain a deeper understanding of mechanical innovation through both creativity and engineering.
High School: “Driving Innovation: The Brass Era of Automobiles”
Our high school program, Driving Innovation: The Brass Era of Automobiles, offers students an in-depth look at the early history of the automobile through the lens of our extensive Brass Era collection. Participants will explore the technological advancements, cultural impact, and design evolution of automobiles from the late 19th to the early 20th century. By examining real vehicles and artifacts, students gain a deeper understanding of how innovation during this era shaped the future of transportation and American industry.