The Museums of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society in Somesville open for the season with a preview of our new exhibit, "Know Before You Go: Essential History For Your Island Adventure," on Friday, June 20, from 4 to 6 PM. Please register at: https://forms.gle/jzcMcjvFXS1TNWKGA

The new permanent exhibits explore the stories of MDI’s past—stories of resilience, labor, and life beyond the familiar lens of tourism. Explore the lived experiences of the Wabanaki people, early settlers, immigrants in the granite and construction industries, domestic workers, seasonal laborers, and year-round residents who worked in fisheries, boat building, and more. These narratives connect the island’s towns and villages, showing how MDI is both unique and part of a shared coastal Maine legacy.

Also launching this season is the Historical Society’s new mobile app, "What Happened Here?," featuring a self-guided tour of 15 historic sites across the island. This location-based experience shares local history right where it happened, offering deeper insight into MDI’s landscapes, communities, and landmarks—especially those often overlooked in traditional narratives.

The Museums open to the public on Saturday, June 21, with regular hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is a suggested $5 donation—members and children enjoy free entry. For more details, visit www.mdihistory.org

Know Before You Go is an exhibit generously supported by the Davis Family Foundation. This installation was managed and designed by Saint Riewestahl, curated by Sean Cox with exhibition guidance from MDI Historical Society Director Raney Bench, and with curatorial support from Patrick Callaway. Illustrations of historic Somesville, flora, and fauna, created by Rosemary Santoro. Our “What Happened Here” app is made possible through donors Jake and Anne Citrin; Shelby and Gale Davis; and David and Nanette Schoeder, and Machias Savings Bank.