Exhibit Feature Friday: Our Neighborhood, Working Waterfront
Exhibit Feature Friday
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we use the word exhibit to describe the interactive experiences, spaces and displays spread across three floors and immediately outside the facility at 250 Thompson’s Point Road. CMTM is home to over 15 exhibits, each designed to encourage experiential learning through open-ended play.
Our team at CMTM decided to give each exhibit the spotlight it deserves and is dedicating Fridays to highlighting a new exhibit, diving a little deeper into the WHY and HOW behind each playful space and experience.
EXHIBIT: Our Neighborhood, Working Waterfront
Location: 2nd Floor
Our Neighborhood is an exhibit designed to reflect Portland’s urban port city and surrounding area. It is an open-ended play space featuring multiple activity zones where children and their families can roleplay, tell stories, and make-believe together. Today’s Exhibit Feature focuses on the theme of Working Waterfront, with previous features highlighting Wellness and Safety and transportation.
Our Neighborhood invites children to take charge of the world that grown-ups usually control. By taking on the roles of community “experts,” children can develop confidence and empathy while engaging in imaginative play.
Working Waterfront
In Our Neighborhood: Working Waterfront, visitors chart a course for the open seas aboard the Lobster Boat “Peachy”! Once they’ve checked their traps, they can head to the fish market to sell their catch, then fix up some tasty lobster rolls at the Lobster Shack.
The Working Waterfront area teaches valuable lessons about food systems and local economies, while encouraging dramatic play.
Lobster Boat “Peachy”
Climb aboard the Lobster Boat “Peachy” (made possible by Chip & Annie Williams In honor of Jean Gannett Williams) for a journey out to sea! Guests can practice knot-tying on the wharf, steer the boat, or head to the stern to haul up a real lobster trap. Don’t forget your oilskin coat!
Fish Market
Once visitors have emptied their lobster traps, they can sell their catch at the Fish Market (made possible by Hood). They can practice reading numbers while weighing lobsters on a working scale, then prepare them for purchase.
Lobster Shack
After sourcing fresh ingredients from the market, visitors can head for the Lobster Shack (made possible by Hood). Here they can cook a variety of classic Maine treats in a play-kitchen with a sink, stove top, and oven. Built-in compartments for food storage and utensils allow aspiring chefs to prep, cook, and serve their dishes to Lobster Shack patrons. Restaurant style awning, seating, menus, and condiment stations make for a comfortable and realistic dining experience. Dozens of food props including vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains, and sweets allow children to concoct the meal of their dreams!
Lobster Boat “Peachy” made possible by a generous gift from Chip & Annie Williams In honor of Jean Gannett Williams.
Lobster Shack & Fish Market made possible by a generous gift from Hood.
Learn more about the Our Neighborhood Exhibit here: https://www.kitetails.org/exhibit-our-neighborhood
Read the Our Neighborhood: Wellness and Safety Exhibit Feature here:
https://www.kitetails.org/news-blog/exhibit-feature-friday-our-neighborhood-wellness-and-safety
Read the Our Neighborhood: Transportation Exhibit Feature here:
https://www.kitetails.org/news-blog/exhibit-feature-friday-our-neighborhood-transportation
Coming Up Next:
Tune in next Friday to learn about Melissa’s Seaside Cottage!