Outside the museum is a very old schooner anchor, possibly from a victim of the sea, while inside is a large and eclectic collection of artefacts. While the museum's focus is on marine history, there are exhibits and displays which deal with such disparate subjects as automobiles, the Civil War, the fish canning industry and construction of Liberty Ships during World War II. In fact, to the northeast of the museum is a very informative memorial to the Liberty Ship and the construction of them right here in the Portland harbour.
As of 2016 the museum has produced a searchable
Online Museum & Research Library.
Below is a short description of the museum from
Visit Maine.
The South Portland Historical Society operates the Cushing's Point Museum, a history museum at Bug Light Park, adjacent to the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, which relates the history of shipbuilding (including WWII Liberty ships), lighthouses, sardine canning factories, local Civil War history, an exhibit covering how the automobile has changed the American neighborhood, and more. The museum gift shop features souvenir and gift items which are Made in Maine, with a special focus on lighthouse-related gift items. A research room is available for genealogists and others doing historical research.
From the Visit Maine