The Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, restore, display and utilize wooden boats built in Maine prior to 1960 in order to educate the general public in the significance of this national heritage. The boats will be limited to traditional small craft designs under forty-four feet.
Emphasis is on both saltwater and freshwater, recreational and working craft.
Maine Watercraft Museum is a unique experiential hands-on museum. Members as well as the interested general public, are encouraged to participate in the museum's events and activities by bringing their own boats and, with the museum's assistance get them in the water. There is a small craft livery with boats available to be rented by the hour and free rowing, paddling and sailing lessons available. A Maine nonprofit corporation established in Rockland on May 4, 1993. There are sixteen Advisory Board members from all walks of life with a common interest in the preservation of traditional small craft.