In the charming town of Bethel, Maine, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) has become a beacon for gem and mineral enthusiasts, showcasing an extraordinary collection of over 40,000 gems and minerals, alongside 6,000 meteorites and a comprehensive library of 10,000 volumes. The museum captivates visitors with nearly two dozen interactive exhibits designed to provide an immersive educational experience.
Spanning 15,000 square feet across three floors, the museum boasts some of the most remarkable geological specimens, including the oldest igneous rock known in the solar system and a moon rock significantly larger than any retrieved by the Apollo missions. Guests can also explore rare Martian specimens and asteroid fragments adorned with extraterrestrial gemstones.
Honoring Maine’s rich mining legacy, the MMGM features several historic mineral collections, notably the esteemed Perham Collection. Visitors can delve into Maine’s celebrated tourmaline, beryl, and other native gems, enriched by fascinating narratives from the state’s gem exploration history. Noteworthy pieces include a 1,450-carat smoky quartz and a Tiffany necklace adorned with a Maine tourmaline.
Established by Dr. Lawrence Stifler and Mary McFadden, the museum is a testament to their dedication to conservation. Their initiatives led to the formation of a land trust that includes the historic Bumpus Mine, famous for its massive beryl crystal finds in the 1920s. This heritage inspired the creation of the museum to celebrate Maine’s gems and mining history.
The museum’s expert team comprises distinguished geologists, pegmatologists, and cosmochemists. Dr. Carl Francis, the museum curator, formerly held the position of Curator at Harvard’s Mineralogical and Geological Museum. The team also includes Dr. William “Skip” Simmons, a prominent pegmatologist, and cosmochemists Dr. Alan Rubin and Dr. Henning Haack, who drive the museum’s research endeavors. Darryl Pitt of the Macovich Collection was instrumental in acquiring the meteorites on display.
Advancing Research and Education
The MMGM serves as both a museum and a hub for research and education, drawing scholars from around the globe. Its state-of-the-art laboratory, equipped with advanced tools such as an electron microprobe and a scanning electron microscope, facilitates pioneering mineralogical research. Dr. Stifler highlighted the museum’s importance, noting, “We have more of the moon than the world’s 10 leading science museums combined.”
Designed by the Paulus Design Group, the museum’s interactive exhibits were crafted by 1220 Exhibits, renowned for their collaborations with prestigious institutions. The exhibit armatures were produced by 10-31, whose clientele includes the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum honors the miners, scientists, lapidaries, and educators who enrich the world of gems and minerals,” stated Stifler. “Creating the MMGM has been both inspiring and humbling. We are deeply honored to share it with the people of Maine and citizens of the world.”
Mary McFadden added, “Visitors of all ages will leave here inspired, not just by holding a piece of the moon or Mars.”
Conveniently located near the New Hampshire border, the MMGM is approximately a 90-minute drive from Portland, Maine. It welcomes visitors six days a week, remaining closed on Tuesdays. Admission is priced at $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students, with complimentary entry for children aged 12 and under.
