On Saturday, February 5, join internationally renowned expert and restorer of antique fire apparatus, Andy Swift, as he provides a historical look at the development of the American steam fire engine. The presentation will be held at 1 pm the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Admission is free.
 
Andy Swift is the owner/operator of Firefly Restoration in Hope, ME. He has been restoring antique fire engines—horse-drawn, steam and gasoline-powered—for more than 30 years. The multi-media presentation will feature a slide presentation and a lively discussion of the evolution of fire fighting technology.
 

Funded Projects Range from Classroom Education to Marine Touch Tank

Penobscot Marine Museum was awarded four grants in December totaling $34,000. Grants from the State of Maine and three private foundations will support a variety of education and collections-related initiatives.

At $20,000, the largest grant is from The Savage Family Foundation to the museum's education department. Part of this grant will be used to extend the reach of the museum's innovative Maritime History and Literacy Curriculum by funding pilot units in schools in Castine, Belfast, Otis, Appleton, and as many as five other towns in Knox, Waldo, and Hancock counties. Interested elementary schools should contact the museum. The grant will also be used to create new outreach and education opportunities for high school and preschool students, and will enable the museum to provide tuition assistance for its February and April school vacation programs and its Downeaster Days summer program.

Thanks to a grant from the Davis Conservation Foundation, the museum will purchase a new marine touch tank and refurbish its existing one. During the school year, the touch tanks will be hosted by area schools, where they will be used to educate students about marine life. During the summer, they are among the museum's most popular exhibits among young visitors. Davis Conservation Funds will also be used to maintain the tanks and train their attendants.