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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) on Friday reintroduced his bill to designate Bradley’s Maine Forest and Logging Museum (MFLM), located at the site of Leonard’s Mills along Blackman Stream, as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History. 

“Honoring our heritage isn’t just about reminiscing: It’s about using the knowledge passed down over centuries to inspire future generations,” Golden said. “The story told at Leonard’s Mills about Maine’s forest products industry is as valuable as it is engaging. It deserves this national recognition for the role it has played, and will continue to play, in connecting the past, present, and future of forestry and logging in our country.”

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. 

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills is more than a museum. It’s a living, breathing experience that fully immerses visitors in one of our state’s richest traditions,” said Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors. “Whether it’s inspiring young Mainers with their local heritage or educating people from away on the importance of Maine’s historical forestry and logging industry, everyone who walks these grounds leaves with a greater understanding of what makes our home special. Many thanks to Congressman Golden for working to secure this prestigious status and share Leonard’s Mills with even more people.” 

 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 leaders praised the bill when Golden introduced it last Congress:

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum is so important to Maine's rich history of forestry and logging,” said Shawn Bugbee, Roads and Infrastructure Manager for Seven Islands Land Company. “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,” said Keith Kanoti, forest manager for the University of Maine. “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,” said Joe Phaneuf, executive director and publisher of the Northeastern Loggers Association. “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,” said Breanna Wing, director and producer of Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill. “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.” 

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

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