Golden introduces bill to designate Bradley museum as National Museum of Forestry and Logging History

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today introduced legislation that would designate the Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located in Bradley, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History.

“The forest economy has played an important part in the American story, and Mainers are one of the biggest reasons why,” Golden said. “This national designation would pay tribute to those vital contributions while reaffirming Maine’s continued role as stewards and innovators of the industry.”

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum, a special place in the woods known by many as "Leonard’s Mills," embodies the Great North Wood's heart and soul by showcasing the natural beauty of our state's Northern Forest. And by providing invaluable outreach and educational opportunities, we are proudly planting the seeds to grow careers in forestry stewardship and ensure our sustainable forests benefit both material needs and environmental responsibilities,” Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors said. “We are so very grateful to Congressman Golden for helping us work to earn this prestigious status and look forward to many more years of sharing Maine’s amazing forestry and logging heritage with the world.

MFLM was incorporated in 1960 to celebrate Maine’s forest heritage. Originally envisioned to preserve forest industry artifacts and documents, plans evolved into the creation of a living history site complete with working machinery and a community of volunteer reenactors. Today, MFLM owns more than 450 acres around Blackman Stream in Bradley and frequently hosts school groups, visitors and interactive public programs.  

Maine’s forest economy employs more than 14,000 Mainers and generates more than $5 billion in sales. Maine’s 17.7 million acres of forest covers 89% of the state — the highest percentage in the country.

Industry and community leaders praised the move:

 “The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is so important to Maine's rich history of forestry and logging,” Shawn Bugbee, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for Seven Islands Land Company said. “Through the preservation and restoration of tools combined with the knowledge the volunteers bring to the Museum, those who visit get an authentic understanding of how forestry and logging was done by our ancestors. One of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed has been watching the steam powered Lombard Log Hauler operate in person — and this move will help more people get that same experience.”

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of people involved in Maine's rich timber industry,” Keith Kanoti, forest manager for the University of Maine said. “The combination ofworking equipment, infrastructure and the natural beauty of the museum grounds site is unsurpassed and truly deserving of national status.”

“There’s a strong connection between the forest products industry and our modern society, and the Maine Forest and Logging Museum helps us all celebrate it,” Joe Phaneuf, executive director and publisher of the Northeastern Loggers Association said. “The story of the forest products is one worth telling, and this national designation will strengthen that mission.”

“This museum doesn't just honor Maine's past: It stands as a national treasure,” Breanna Wing, director and producer of Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill said. “At a time when our landscapes are rapidly developing, the Museum is a haven that keeps important history alive —  teaching future generations about the resilience of our ancestors, whose grit and innovation through harsh winters built for the growth we see today. This national designation will amplify the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world, for both our material and spiritual well-being.”

"Leonard's Mills has long been a special place in Maine for people to visit and learn about the history and heritage of forestry,” Rick Robertson, president and CEO of Dennis Food Service said. “I have taken my kids there when they were younger in year's past as an opportunity to learn about the mill. It was a great way to learn about the beginnings of thisimportant industry as well as the ingenuity of our past. A visitor of any age will certainly be able to learn something from this treasure in the state of Maine, and elevating it as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History will help so many people do just that."

Full text of Golden’s legislation can be found here.

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