Burnt Island

This is a special island purchased by the State of Maine Marine Educational Program. Because the lighthouse was still there (it's actually still in use at times), and because the old house and out-buildings were too, they researched the area and decided to put together a living history tour (only two afternoons a week during the summer) set in 1950.

Though the mainland had things like running water and electricity, such novelties were not to be had on the island at the time. You arrive by ferry, get introduced to the time era, then head up to the house were you meet Mama and one daughter, tour the house learning about the different items, housekeeping and work. Then you head out into the "yard" where you meet the two other sisters (and a friend) and learn about their lives (and attitudes) as well as the games they played.

Then on down to the dock where you meet the brother (who is only there visiting) and learn about the dock, the peapod, and how things were delivered. He takes you up to the little lighthouse and you meet Pa who tells how things were to run and the expectations.

It's not very long and you have lots of time to explore the little island afterwards. Groups can go up to the light in the lighthouse (just a small lighthouse) - and a tour (if you wish) explains the island itself. Or, just explore the island on the little trails around (the island is not very big) - we found the rocks to be lots of fun and some tide pools. Gabi was disappointed because there was no good place to "swim".

There was, hiden in the "overgrowth" a discovery center were you could learn about the Pirates (and the glad and ships and knots). A pirate ship and a peapod were there for playing in as well. This was a favorite of the younger three (it was like one of the exhibits in the children's discovery museum).

All in all it was nice - short, but nice. You head over on the ferry at 1pm and leave the island at 4;30pm - no one is allowed to stay behind! It was perfect paired with the Maine State Aquarium since it was really small and took only a couple of hours of interactive touch tanking in the morning.

I could not believe how much my children loved the ferry! The wind blowing all around them, the boat "jumping", and two of the kids (Peter and Beth) staring behind watching the foam kicked up. Jeremy was the biggest surprise, though, because he has such a fear of the wind. He put on his hoody, pulled it up over his ears, held it tight to his face, and loved every minute. He says it was his favorite part of the whole day!