Maine is over 200-years-old and that means there’s a whole lot of history to be found here. From architecture to simple stories that have been passed down, there’s always something new to learn. One of the things about history in Maine that we love best is the maritime element that we see and hear about. If you appreciate that you’ll want to check out this museum in Brunswick sharing the history of the maritime aviation patrol in Maine!
The Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum opened in 2009 when a group of retired and former Navy personnel and museum experts came together to find a way to preserve the naval aviation history in America with a specific emphasis on Maine.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum / Facebook
Today the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum offers a glimpse into the operations of the naval units that have been based in Maine. The mission is to both educate visitors on the hard work done by naval airborne patrol and remember service members who lost their lives serving America.
Martha Harvey / Google
The museum is located on the sight of the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick (or, the NASB), which played a significant role in the operations in support of World War II and The Cold War. This is where planes monitored and tracked submarines.
John Gutwin / Google
For the 65 years it was in operation the base saw deployments of squadrons to places like Korea, Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The base also served as a place for sailors to train, flying in and out of Brunswick in dangerous conditions and often without much recognition.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum / Facebook
Today, the stories of these squadrons are on display along with memorabilia and real pieces of history.
oh ma / Google
Visitors even have the opportunity to experience what it might have been like to work here!
oh ma / Google
Another important part of visiting is spending some time in the Memorial Garden which was dedicated in 1968. The gardens were the work of Miss Anne Frances Hodgkins who grew up on tall ships and wanted to create a space memorializing Navy personnel who lost their lives.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum / Facebook
This is a beautiful place to reflect on the history that’s contained within the museum as well as throughout the grounds.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum / Facebook
And when you’ve taken in the history here, head over to Flight Deck Brewing to celebrate the success of those who were stationed here and memorialize those who didn’t come back to their families.
oh ma / Google
The Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum is open Wednesday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., however they’re operating on a different schedule as long as COVID-19 continues to pervade. You can keep up with when they’ll be back to normal by following them on Facebook. You can learn more about the museum by visiting their website. They can be reached on 207-729-7216.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum / Facebook
Martha Harvey / Google
John Gutwin / Google
oh ma / Google
If you love museums in Maine, you’ll love the Abbe Museum, which is Maine’s very own Smithsonian Museum! It’s just begging to be visited.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 179 Admiral Fitch Ave, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
