BETHEL, MAINE — July 19, 2025 — The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum turned 5 and marked the milestone with a science-filled celebration and a weekend of special events. MMGM opened its doors to the community on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community ROCKS: Celebrating 5 Years of Science & Discovery was a free, family-friendly event that showcased the very best of what MMGM has to offer.
The museum has achieved remarkable success in the foothills of rural Maine, despite navigating COVID-19 closures and other operational challenges in its early days. By its fifth anniversary, MMGM had welcomed over 82,000 visitors through its doors, attracting tourists and contributing to the local economy. It continued to deliver world-class educational programming and conduct independent research in its state-of-the-art lab.
Community ROCKS Brings Science to Life
The daylong anniversary bash celebrated all of that. Festivities featured free admission, interactive science activities, local vendors and artisans, live art, face painting, and more. Guests enjoyed behind-the-scenes talks with experts and museum staff, gold panning demos, and the chance to sluice for tourmaline and other Maine minerals right in the MMGM parking lot — with sluice bags free for the weekend. Activities were made possible in part thanks to MMGM’s sponsors: Bethel Rotary, CMP, BAAM, and Poland Spring.
“This event was our big thank you to the community,” said Jessica Siraco, then-Executive Director of MMGM. “We’ve grown so much in these five years, and none of it would be possible without the support of our visitors, volunteers, members, and neighbors. This celebration acknowledged those who helped get us here while continuing to connect them to the rocks and minerals that shape the world around us.”
Hands-On Fun For All Ages
Visitors enjoyed a packed schedule of hands-on activities, including:
- Gem cutting demos by Robbie Walker
- Micrometeorite talks with Jon Wallace
- Gold panning with the Central Maine Gold Prospectors
- Live specimen sketching by Natalie
- Mica painting, scavenger hunts, and more!
- Burgers and hot dogs for sale next door at the Masonic Hall
MMGM also celebrated with an extra free Community Day for Mainers and a movie and science lecture event at The Gem Theater, in partnership with Bethel Area Arts & Music.
