BETHEL, MAINE — The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) will take a major step forward in expanding public access to its world-class collection in 2026 with the launch of a new online collections database, made possible through generous support from the Davis Family Foundation and the Betterment Fund.
This initiative will allow researchers, educators, and the general public to explore portions of MMGM’s collection from anywhere with internet access — marking a significant evolution in how the museum shares and stewards its holdings.
“This is a major milestone for the museum,” said Executive Director Kristy Griffin. “For the first time, people will be able to engage with our collection beyond our physical walls. Whether you’re a researcher or simply curious, you’ll be able to search by mineral species, locality, or collector and explore what makes Maine’s geology so remarkable.”
At the core of this effort is the implementation of a comprehensive Collections Management System (CMS), a centralized, searchable database that will house detailed records for each specimen in the museum’s care.
“A CMS fundamentally transforms how we document, research, and share our collection,” said Myles Felch, MMGM Curator. “It connects everything we know about an object into one system, making the collection more accessible, searchable, and useful. While the staff uses the full system, the public will engage with the collection through an online portal.”
The new system will include information such as mineral species, locality data, acquisition history, research references, images, and exhibition records. Advanced search functionality will allow users to filter and explore the collection in ways previously possible only through in-person research.
Behind the scenes, museum staff is undertaking the extensive work of cleaning, standardizing, and digitizing thousands of records, while preparing for full integration of the museum’s physical and digital collections.
“Collections are only as useful as the information that accompanies them,” Felch added. “This investment ensures that the knowledge tied to each specimen is preserved, accessible, and meaningful for generations to come.”
The Davis Family Foundation supported the project, From Stone to Stardust: Digitizing Maine’s Mineral and Meteorite Collections, through a grant. The Betterment Fund has also provided key support for the initiative.
Both organizations have been longstanding partners in expanding public access to the museum. The Davis Family Foundation previously supported furniture and technology for MMGM’s Discovery Gallery, the museum’s free, community-focused space, while the Betterment Fund contributed to the creation of the museum’s two-story diorama centerpiece and related interactive technologies.
Together, these investments represent a continued commitment to making MMGM’s scientific, cultural, and educational resources more accessible to a broader audience.
About the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum:
Nestled in the heart of Bethel, MMGM is home to the most significant collection of Maine minerals and gemstones in the world. A one-of-a-kind destination where geology, history, science, and education come to life, the museum also boasts the largest display of meteorites in the world, including Moon and Mars rocks. Through hands-on exhibits, expert storytelling, and cutting-edge research, MMGM inspires curiosity in visitors of all ages, inviting them to explore the incredible story of our planet — and beyond. For more information, visit mainemineralmuseum.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @mainemineralmuseum.
