Programs

Dorr Museum of Natural History

Natural history comes alive through hands-on learning

The Dorr Museum offers educational programs for schools, community groups, and visitors of all ages. Led by trained COA students and museum staff, these programs connect participants to Maine’s natural history through observation, exploration, and creative learning. Programs can be customized to meet curricular goals and age levels.

Museum visits

Explore our gallery through a guided, interactive experience that includes scavenger hunts, tidepool interaction, and object handling. Each visit is tailored to complement classroom science and nature units.

Bones, Baleen, and Whale Ecology

Our most popular program invites participants to assemble a 17-foot minke whale skeleton while exploring whale anatomy, behavior, and adaptations. The experience includes hands-on materials such as krill, baleen, and marine artifacts.

Nature exploration

Take your learning outside with shoreline and trail-based observation. Students practice ecological skills in the field, making this program great for developing environmental literacy and scientific curiosity.

Create a museum in your classroom

Bring a piece of the Dorr Museum to your school with our loan kits, which include skulls, study skins, bones, and small exhibits. These kits are ideal for classrooms looking to enhance natural science study.