A Message from Museum Leadership

Building a Legacy of Discovery — Together

When the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum first opened its doors in Bethel five years ago, we dreamed of creating a place where science could come alive — where anyone could hold a piece of the Moon, trace the shimmer of Maine’s minerals, and feel their world expand with wonder.

Today, that dream is thriving because of you.  

This season, we’re launching our Annual Giving Campaign with a goal of $15,000 to keep that discovery alive — in our galleries, our laboratories, and in classrooms across Maine. Every act of generosity becomes something bigger at MMGM, and your support makes it all possible.

Over the past five years, with the help of our incredible community, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum has welcomed over 90,000 visitors and reached more than 7,000 students through on-site and traveling programs that bring minerals, meteorites, and hands-on STEM learning directly into rural classrooms. In a state where more than 60% of residents live in rural areas, access to science education matters — and your gifts help us bridge that gap.

Your support fuels:

• Education & Outreach — School visits, workshops, and interactive science programs for students across Maine and New Hampshire.
• Student Opportunities — Internships and scholarships, including the Maine Pegmatite Workshop awards for U.S. and international students.
• Research & Innovation — Groundbreaking work from our William “Skip” Simmons Laboratory and MP² research team, which has produced 500+ peer-reviewed papers and 100+ scientific studies, advancing mineral and planetary science from right here in Maine.

MMGM is more than a museum. It’s a living laboratory connecting Earth to the stars. Your gift fuels curiosity, opens doors for young scientists, and keeps our community a beacon of discovery.

You can make your contribution through our Zeffy platform, where 100% of your donation supports MMGM, or by mailing a check to:

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum

99 Main Street, Bethel, ME 04217

Thank you for believing in the power of curiosity, generosity, and science. Together, we’re building a legacy of discovery that will inspire generations to come.

Kristy Griffin

Executive Director

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum