Explore America and discover people, places, art, and history that connect to Maine in the Smithsonian’s collections, held in trust for the American people. The northeasternmost state is known for its rocky coastline, historic lighthouses, and abundant wildlife—including moose, lobsters, and blueberries. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Skowhegan hosts the nation's oldest continuously running agricultural fair.
The state has been home to many influential figures in arts and innovation, including writers Stephen King, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Edna St. Vincent Millay. Director John Ford produced iconic films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Howland native Percy Spencer invented the microwave oven in 1945.
Athletes from Maine include Joan Benoit Samuelson who won gold in the inaugural Olympic women's marathon in 1984. Other Olympians from the state include Elle Logan in rowing and Bode Miller in alpine skiing. Louis Sockalexis made Major League Baseball history as its first Indigenous player.