Trolleys, Living History and Wabanaki Stories in Maine

Experience Maine’s culture and history through storytelling, movement, and hands-on discovery in places that both teach and inspire young minds.

Classroom history lessons come to life during antique electric trolley rides and as students observe historic vehicles being restored. Students can also explore 12,000 years of Wabanaki history by examining artifacts and learning from Indigenous perspectives. Younger learners will be dazzled by theatrical performances, playful interactive exhibits, and educator-led programs that cater to K-12 groups and encourage them to participate, explore and experience learning rather than simply observing.

“Immerse in period experiences, including household responsibilities, schooling, farm work and community life, helping students compare 1800s rural Maine with their own daily routines.”

Planning a student trip? Explore more destinations and educational experiences in the Student Travel Planning Guide.

Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport)

Home to a world-class collection of trolleys and other public transit cars, the Seashore Trolley Museum lets students learn about local transit history and how public transportation transformed local communities and economies. During a 3.5-mile antique trolley ride through the Maine countryside, guided tours also include several exhibits on the state’s public transit and several display buildings that showcase vintage and historic transit vehicles. While the museum focuses on Maine’s public transit history, the collection includes cars from across the country. Students can also visit the Restoration Shop to get a close look at trolleys being repaired and restored, dating back to the 19th century. Programming is adaptable for elementary through high school, and educator lesson plans are available to support classroom learning.

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center (Livermore)

Step back in time with your students to learn about rural living in 19th-century Maine and the Washburn family, where visitors are invited to participate in the 19th century. At Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, field trips take part in the Norland Sample Program, which allows students and teachers to explore much of the Center’s campus and exhibits. Guided by costumed staff, groups can live the lives of their long-ago counterparts, learning about and participating in the day-to-day homesteading activities of the late 19th century. Interact with farm chores and see what school life was like for children back then and immerse in period experiences, including household responsibilities, schooling, farm work and community life, helping students compare 1800s rural Maine with their own daily routines.

Abbe Museum (Bar Harbor)

The authentic voices of the Wabanaki people are at the center of learning at the Abbe Museum, where students are invited to explore more than 12,000 years of Indigenous culture, history, resilience, and innovation. School visits can be tailored with specialized programs for age-specific learning. Grades 2-5 can examine authentic Wabanaki tools and technologies to understand how natural resources meet basic human needs. Students in grades 6-12 can explore self-governance and tribal sovereignty, while grades 7-12 encounter Native American stereotypes and learn to distinguish cultural appreciation from appropriation. Wabanaki storytelling and environmental programs are adaptable for all ages, and students can discover Indigenous perspectives through art, objects, and interactive discussions.

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland)

Young students can experiment, explore, imagine and create throughout interactive exhibits across three floors at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, with visits especially suited for preschool and elementary age groups. Self-guided experiences encourage learners to explore museum exhibits and outdoor play spaces, with optional 20- to 3-minute educator-led hands-on programs. Weekday live performances in Maddy’s Theatre, one of the longest-running children’s theatres in the nation, introduce students to professional children’s theater for immersive storytelling and performing arts. Combine a museum visit with a theatre experience for a memorable and enriching field trip.

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