Your Guide to the Boothbay Harbor Area’s Small, Local Museums
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a good “wait, what?” moment, Southport’s got you covered. These tiny museums pack a punch — offering everything from shipbuilding history to Hollywood connections, all in charming, unassuming buildings. You won’t need a full day for any of them, but they’re well worth the stop.
1. Hendricks Hill Museum (Southport)
Tucked into an 1810 farmhouse, this little gem tells the story of Southport itself — fishermen, shipbuilders, summer families, and the daily life of islanders from generations past. Exhibits rotate seasonally, and there's always something that surprises first-time visitors (hello, butter churn). The biggest showstopper? A real-deal ruby slipper from The Wizard of Oz — owned by Southport summer resident Margaret Hamilton (until her death in 1985), aka the Wicked Witch of the West.
2. Boothbay Railway Village Museum
A family favorite that manages to be quaint and cool. You can ride the narrow-gauge train around the grounds, step inside historic buildings (like a 19th-century town hall and a classic firehouse), and check out the vintage car exhibit. Bonus: lots of open green space and picnic tables, so it’s easy to hang out for a while.
3. Maine State Aquarium (West Boothbay Harbor)
Okay, technically an aquarium, but we’re counting it. It’s small and hands-on, with touch tanks, lobsters of all colors, and giant regional fish like sturgeon. Great for kids, and easy for adults to enjoy too — especially on a rainy day. As of 2025, check ahead for hours and seasonal reopenings. On sunny days, there’s a great small lawn and view over the water past the parking lot.
4. Boothbay Region Historical Society
Located right in Boothbay Harbor, this quiet little spot is packed with maps, photos, and archival materials that tell the story of the broader peninsula. It’s the kind of place where you might end up chatting with a volunteer who’s lived here for 50 years—and walk away with a dozen local secrets.
These aren’t blockbuster museums — and that’s what makes them so charming. They’re places you can wander slowly, with no crowds and no rush. And honestly? That’s kind of the whole Southport energy.
Curious what else you might find off the beaten path? Keep reading the blog for more low-key local favorites. Or book your stay at the cottage and see these spots for yourself!