Table of
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This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files, "Islesford Historical Museum" and "Blue Duck Ships' Store," and other sources. It was written by Laurie Hobbs-Olson, former Environmental Education Coordinator for Acadia National Park. TwHP is sponsored, in part, by the Cultural Resources Training Initiative and Parks as Classrooms programs of the National Park Service. This lesson is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into the classrooms across the country.

Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: The lesson could be used in units on the settlement of northern New England or on life in the early national period. Students will strengthen their skills of observation, research, and analysis of a variety of sources.
Time period: 19th century
Relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Relevant Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

Objectives for students
1) To list three reasons why it is important to remember the ways of life of everyday people.
2) To name and describe three different occupations associated with northern coastal life.
3) To describe the influence of the Maine coastal environment on island populations by explaining its impact on two families.
4) To explain why island settlement was more desirable than mainland settlement for many people.
5) To list reasons why the preservation of local history is important to a community and to the nation.

Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger, high-resolution version.
1) two maps showing Maine and Mount Desert and its neighboring islands;
2) three readings compiled to demonstrate the lives of two island families;
3) two documents of Hadlock family records;
4) two photographs of Little Cranberry Island in 1870 and the 1880s.

Visiting the site
The Blue Duck and the Islesford Historical Museum are located in Islesford, a waterfront community on Little Cranberry Island. Administered by the National Park Service as part of Acadia National Park, the museum may be visited daily from mid-June to late September by commercial passenger ferries which provide regular service from Mount Desert Island. Museum hours vary according to the boat schedule. Admission is free. To reach the ferry, follow Maine Route 3 or 198 to Northeast Harbor. For additional information write to the Superintendent, Acadia National Park, Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, or visit the park web pages.