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Bangor Children's Museum Wins Prestigious National Award
The Maine Discovery Museum is one of 10 recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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The Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor, Maine has been awarded the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The children's museum, which features interactive exhibits on science, nature, geography, and more, was recognized for its strong partnerships with local libraries, parks, schools, and other nonprofits that have provided educational programming throughout the state.
Why it matters
The National Medal is one of the highest honors a museum can receive in the United States, recognizing institutions that make significant contributions to their communities. The Maine Discovery Museum's award highlights its role as a vital educational resource, particularly for reaching rural and underserved areas of Maine.
The details
The Maine Discovery Museum, which opened in 2001, was selected as one of 10 recipients of the National Medal nationally, and the only winner in the Northeast region. The Institute of Museum and Library Services commended the museum's partnerships and its work bringing educational programming to communities across Maine.
- The Maine Discovery Museum opened in 2001.
- The museum was awarded the National Medal in 2026.
The players
Maine Discovery Museum
A children's museum in Bangor, Maine that features interactive exhibits on science, nature, geography, and more.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
A federal agency that provides funding and support to museums and libraries across the United States.
Keith Sonderling
Deputy Secretary of Labor who, as acting director of the IMLS, selected the National Medal honorees.
Kate Dickerson
Executive director of the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor.
What they’re saying
“The National Medal recipients truly represent some of the best that the museum and library fields have to offer America and its citizens.”
— Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary of Labor (Bangor Daily News)
“The IMLS continues to ensure that federal resources are used to build literacy, expand library and museum programming capacity, protect our priceless historical artifacts, and reacquaint the public with America's founding and core principles.”
— Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary of Labor (Bangor Daily News)
What’s next
The Maine Discovery Museum will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. later this year.
The takeaway
The Maine Discovery Museum's National Medal award underscores its role as a vital educational resource for communities across Maine, particularly in reaching rural and underserved areas through its strong partnerships with local organizations.
