Photographs tell a story. The history of the Maine lobster fishery and the many other commercial fisheries of the state are captured in collections of historic photographs carefully curated by the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport. With over 100,000 images digitally available on its website, one can search easily for the people, boats and harbors that have been at the heart of Maine’s fisheries over the years.
This month Landings features a selection of traditional lobster boats from the Atlantic Fisherman and National Fisherman collections. These wooden boats were sturdy but elegant, embodying many generations of fishermen’s knowledge.
You can search the Penobscot Marine Museum’s digital photo collections here.
Laura W was a lobster boat built and owned by Freddy Lenfesty of Jonesport, Maine.
The Swan, built by Vinal Beal and his son Osmond in 1954, runs up Moosabec Reach. LOA: 33'; Beam 9'.
Lobsters being put into cars at Guy Francis' lobster pound in Corea.
Carroll Alley of Prospect Harbor gives his 32' lobster boat Elsa Louise an overhaul and paint job.
Oscar Simpson of Criehaven by his new 36' lobster boat, built by Mackinen Boat Shop in S. Thomaston.