Museum Research

Museums are great places for research. As a writer, I am always wanting to know what things were like during the time of my story. Just read facts doesn't let me experience it first hand. I like to touch things, walk around them, smell them, hear them...and imagine I was there.




We have Ft. Knox nearby in Bucksport












and the Penobscot Marine Museum
right here in Searsport.




This summer, I went to the Owl's Head Transportation Museum with my father. If I had gone alone, I probably would have walked through in about 15 minutes, not learning much. But, my father had a story for each vehicle and made it very interesting for me.



He liked the cars,








but I was more interested in the earlier, horse-drawn things...especially the gypsy wagon.






Last week, my husband and I (on our way back from the conference) visited the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY. This particular one was in the last weighing station. They would pull the barge into a little lock, drain the water so the boat rested on a cradle. After subtracting the weight of the boat, they could determine the weight of the cargo and be charged accordingly.



We were able climb aboard a reconstructed boat, and I got my "hands-on" experience there.



I loved the mural on the wall outside...



and the general store.








I came away loaded with a few books and lots of great information for my next book.

Have you been to a great museum recently? I'd love to hear about it.



Be sure to go to Lynette's Blog for more great stories.