Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

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Maine Mineral & Gem Museum Explore minerals, meteorites, and Maine mining history with us at this hidden gem in Bethel, ME!

The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) celebrates the geologic and mineralogic history of Maine, and explores the origin of Earth and beyond through immersive exhibits, educational experiences, and scientific research. Dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing outstanding, one-of-a-kind gems, minerals, meteorites, objects and archives, the MMGM is a world-class, year-round destination in the hills of Western Maine.

⏰ FINAL HOURS TO VOTE!Tonight is your last chance to help name MMGM’s backhoe.Will it be Frank, GORF, Peggy, Lithobates ...
10/14/2026

⏰ FINAL HOURS TO VOTE!

Tonight is your last chance to help name MMGM’s backhoe.

Will it be Frank, GORF, Peggy, Lithobates or Mary Anne?

If you’ve been meaning to vote, or know someone with strong feelings about the perfect name for our new, green backhoe... now is the time!

Voting closes TONIGHT, October 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Cast your vote:
https://mainemineralmuseum.org/name-the-backhoe/

Sip & Shop is coming up this Friday, October 16!Join us at MMGM from 6–8 PM for an evening of jewelry, gemstones, shoppi...
10/13/2026

Sip & Shop is coming up this Friday, October 16!

Join us at MMGM from 6–8 PM for an evening of jewelry, gemstones, shopping, and refreshments. We'll have discounts, design-your-own jewelry, light refreshments and desserts, plus a Sparkling Citrine Spritz featuring c***r and prosecco.

MMGM members can get a head start on shopping with access beginning at 5 PM.

Bring a friend and make an evening of it. We hope to see you there!

🚜 ONE DAY LEFT TO VOTE!Peggy is out front...for now, but the race isn’t over. You still have time to change the standing...
10/13/2026

🚜 ONE DAY LEFT TO VOTE!

Peggy is out front...for now, but the race isn’t over. You still have time to change the standings and help choose the official name for MMGM’s hardworking green backhoe.

Which finalist gets your vote?

• Frank
• GORF
• Peggy
• Lithobates
• Mary Anne

Voting closes tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Vote here:
https://mainemineralmuseum.org/name-the-backhoe/

Our new Discovery Gallery exhibit, The Sky is Falling! A Spotlight on US Meteorites is up now! Come see it in person now...
10/10/2026

Our new Discovery Gallery exhibit, The Sky is Falling! A Spotlight on US Meteorites is up now! Come see it in person now and learn some of the incredible stories of meteorites that fell in over 40 states!

We are ONE WEEK away from the MMGM Sip & Shop event! Join us next Friday, October 16, for an evening of gemstones, jewel...
10/09/2026

We are ONE WEEK away from the MMGM Sip & Shop event! Join us next Friday, October 16, for an evening of gemstones, jewelry, shopping, and a little something to sip on.

Browse the store, check out our discounts, and try your hand at designing your own jewelry. We’ll have light refreshments and desserts in the Discovery Gallery, too!

There is still space on our Bucks & Lapham Ledge trip! email info@mainemineralmuseum.org and reserve your spot for Octob...
10/08/2026

There is still space on our Bucks & Lapham Ledge trip! email [email protected] and reserve your spot for October 12th 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM! Enjoy an immersive, and interpretive walk through one of the region’s scenic geological areas.

We are just 10 days away from our Sip & Shop Event!Browse the store, check out the latest jewelry, and try your hand at ...
10/06/2026

We are just 10 days away from our Sip & Shop Event!

Browse the store, check out the latest jewelry, and try your hand at creating your own jewelry. We’ll also have refreshments and desserts available in the Discovery Gallery, including a signature cocktail, the Sparkling Citrine Spritz!

A new coat. A new name on the way. 🐸Our vintage backhoe’s green makeover is underway—and it’s still hard at work at the ...
10/06/2026

A new coat. A new name on the way. 🐸

Our vintage backhoe’s green makeover is underway—and it’s still hard at work at the Emmons Pegmatite! The color is a nod to MMGM researcher and experimental chemist Al Falster’s love of frogs.

While the painting continues, you can help choose its name.

Cast your vote in the final round of our naming contest:
https://mainemineralmuseum.org/name-the-backhoe/

Voting closes Wednesday (Oct 14) at 11:59 p.m.

Friendly reminder that we will be hosting the Maine Philanthropy Center at MMGM tomorrow for their Western Maine Communi...
10/05/2026

Friendly reminder that we will be hosting the Maine Philanthropy Center at MMGM tomorrow for their Western Maine Community Gathering!

Part of MPC’s 30th anniversary series, From What Was to What’s Possible, the event is a chance for nonprofits, funders, and consultants from across Western Maine to meet, make connections, and talk about the work happening in our communities.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided, as well as copies of MPC’s recent report, The History of Philanthropic Wealth in Maine.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. You can register for the event here! https://mainephilanthropy.org/programs/mpc-community-gathering-western-maine

Your backhoe name suggestions came with some wonderful stories. Some honored Maine mineral collectors. Others recalled a...
10/03/2026

Your backhoe name suggestions came with some wonderful stories.

Some honored Maine mineral collectors. Others recalled a favorite childhood book or found inspiration in MMGM Researcher/Experimental Chemist Al Falster’s love of frogs! Twenty submissions offered a variation on Peg, Peggy, or Pegie!

Read through the stories behind our five finalists, including excerpts from the submissions. Then help choose the name for the vintage backhoe keeping research moving at the Emmons Pegmatite.

Cast your vote: https://mainemineralmuseum.org/name-the-backhoe/

Thank you to everyone who shared a suggestion!

Address

99 Main Street
Bethel, ME
04217

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

(207) 824-3036

Website

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