July Exhibit: “Always There: the Maine Seacoast Mission”

The Mission’s exhibit at the Northeast Harbor Library, “Always There,” will highlight and display part of the Mission’s vast archive spanning much of the organization’s 120-year history. Visitors can see the show during the month of July when the library is open (Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and the Mellon Room is free. When the Mission began in 1905, brothers Angus and Alexander MacDonald set out in the sloop Hope to visit the islands, lighthouses, and remote communities on the coast of Maine. Their goal was to relieve some of the social and economic isolation faced by many residents. Now, 120 years later, the Mission still works in many of these communities, offering healthcare, education, and community engagement services. While communities’ needs have evolved over time, the Mission has continued to keep its promise of being there for support.    On display at the library, items trace the Mission’s history from its first boat Hope to today’s Sunbeam, the fifth of its name. On display will be ship models, nautical items from previous boats, and memorabilia from lighthouses and lighthouse keepers. Also on display, will be items belonging to previous Mission employees, including an early camera and a typewriter used by the superintendents (past presidents) to share news from their travels. The show will also highlight the changing role of the work the Mission provides from a focus on outer islands to one that is deeply rooted on both islands and in Downeast Maine. The show will share more about the Mission’s past work providing healthcare and education services and how that continues today. There are also photos and artifacts that highlight the work done by Mission employees, including nurses, boat captains, and more.  During the summer, on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. visitors are welcome to join the Mission for Walk Aboard Sunbeam: A Guided, Dockside Visit of Maine Seacoast Mission’s Iconic Boat. These 30-minute tours happen at the Northeast Harbor Marina, and guests can tour the boat and learn more about the Mission’s history.   The Northeast Harbor Library serves everyone from the Town of Mount Desert, the Town of Cranberry Isles and their surrounding communities, who seek information, enlightenment, and the pleasure that comes from the life of the mind.  The Mellon Room is occassionally booked for private use, if you are making a special trip to see the exhibit, please call ahead at 207 276 3333. Contact Kate Young with questions about library exhibits at 207 276 3333 or kyoung@nehlibrary.org.