Brunswick, Maine: Bowdoin College And More

Brunswick, Maine is a quintessential college town, known for its academic institutions, Bowdoin College, and vibrant community. With a rich history, picturesque scenery, and diverse attractions, Brunswick offers something for everyone. From its thriving art and entertainment scene to its natural wonders, including state forests, the Atlantic coast, and rivers, Brunswick is a popular tourist destination. The town is also recognised for its connection to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the groundbreaking novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, which she wrote while living in Brunswick.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located at 63 Federal Street in Brunswick, Maine, is a historic home and National Historic Landmark. From 1850 to 1852, it was the rented home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, a prominent author and abolitionist, and her family. During her time in this house, Stowe wrote her renowned novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which had a significant impact on American literature and history. The novel was first published in serialised form in the "National Era" in Washington, DC.

The house holds a deeper historical significance as Stowe and her family actively supported the Underground Railroad, providing shelter to John Andrew Jackson, a fugitive slave from South Carolina. Jackson's narrative, "Experience of a Slave in South Carolina," was published a decade after "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and described his journey to Canada, including his time hiding with the Stowe family.

The building's rich history extends even further back. Before the Stowes, it was the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a notable student at the nearby Bowdoin College. The house was originally known as the Titcomb House when it was built between 1806 and 1807.

Today, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is owned by Bowdoin College, which uses most of the space for faculty offices. However, a room called "Harriet's Writing Room" has been dedicated as a public space to commemorate Stowe's remarkable life and work. Visitors can step back in time and imagine Stowe at work, creating a literary masterpiece that would leave an indelible mark on the world. The house is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 4 pm, June through October, offering a glimpse into the past and a chance to honour Stowe's legacy.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Brunswick, Maine, is known for being home to Bowdoin College, which has a rich history dating back to 1794. The college is closely associated with the town's cultural and artistic offerings, including the Bowdoin International Music Festival and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art.

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is located in the Walker Art Building on the campus of Bowdoin College. The building was commissioned in honour of Harriet and Sophia Walker's uncle, a Boston businessman who supported the creation of the college's first small art gallery in the mid-19th century. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the building was completed in 1894 and is recognised as a historic landmark, included on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum underwent a $20.8 million renovation that was completed in 2007, which added modern elements while preserving the original structure.

The museum's collection began with donations from James Bowdoin III in 1811 and 1826 and has since grown to include over 20,000 works of art. The collection spans a diverse range of mediums, including decorative arts, works on paper, sculpture, and paintings. Additionally, the museum houses a significant collection of antiquities, with over 1,800 objects from various civilisations around the world.

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a cornerstone of culture and the arts, not just for the college but for the town of Brunswick as well. It is one of the earliest collegiate art collections in the country and is known for its impressive array of artistic wonders. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibitions and collections, including the notable presence of Winslow Homer's maritime-themed paintings and Civil War depictions. The museum offers a lively environment and is free to the public, providing a valuable cultural resource for the community and attracting visitors interested in experiencing the rich artistic offerings of the college and the town.

Androscoggin Swinging Bridge

The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Androscoggin River between the towns of Topsham in Sagadahoc County and Brunswick in Cumberland County, Maine. The bridge was built in 1892 to provide a quicker route for employees of the Cabot Manufacturing Company of Brunswick to cross the river. It was designed by the same firm that built the Brooklyn Bridge, John A. Roebling's Sons Company. The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge has two steel A-frame towers, each 30 feet 6 inches (9.30 m) in height, mounted on concrete abutments. The span across the river between the towers is 332 feet (101 m), and the suspension cables are supported by wire ropes.

The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge has played a vital role in the economic and cultural development of the towns of Brunswick and Topsham. Generations of residents and visitors have crossed the bridge, which remains fully functional today. In 2006, a comprehensive renovation and repair project was undertaken to safeguard the bridge's structural integrity and preserve its historical significance. The bridge is now in its 13th decade of service and continues to be an integral part of the area, connecting the two towns.

The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Maine Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Its enduring presence is a testament to the engineering expertise of the past and continues to captivate all who stroll across its expanse.

Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum

The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, Maine, is the adult home of Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a Civil War hero, and his family. Chamberlain was the hero of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg, a four-term Governor of Maine, and President of Bowdoin College. The house is located at the corner of Maine and Potter Streets and is open seasonally to the public. It is owned and operated by the Pejepscot Historical Society, which offers guided tours from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.

The original south-facing Greek Revival cape was likely built by Jesse Pierce after he purchased the land on Potter Street in 1824. The house changed hands several times before Chamberlain purchased it in 1859 for $2,100. After serving in the Civil War, Chamberlain and his family moved the house down the street to its current location, making several architectural changes, including adding a crenellated trim and chimneys decorated with Latin, Greek, and Maltese crosses.

When Chamberlain became president of Bowdoin College in 1871, he renovated his home instead of moving into the President's House. He jacked up the entire home using equipment from local shipyards and built a new floor underneath, adding a first floor with Gothic, Italianate, and Greek Revival architectural elements. In the 1890s, Chamberlain added a Gothic piazza to the rear of the home, and in 1907, he had the crenellations removed.

The museum showcases Chamberlain's life, family, and career through guided tours and a collection of artefacts. Notable items on display include the boots Chamberlain wore at the Battle of Gettysburg, his ceremonial governor's chair and desk, his saddle for his horse Charlemagne, and the minié ball that nearly took his life at the Second Battle of Petersburg. The museum also offers private tours by appointment.

Maine State Music Theatre

The Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is located in Brunswick, Maine, and is known for bringing Broadway-quality performances to the area. The theatre is housed in the historic Pickard Theatre at Bowdoin College, with another venue in Portland. The MSMT typically presents four Main Stage Musicals each year, along with a Concert Series, performances for children, and other special events.

The MSMT is renowned for its high-quality productions, with talented performers gathered from New York City and other theatres. The theatre itself is quite intimate, and reservations are recommended. The MSMT also offers subscriber benefits, including savings of up to 50% on single ticket prices, access to the best seats before they are available to the general public, free ticket exchanges, and invitations to exclusive events.

The MSMT has a diverse range of shows, including "Kinky Boots," "Joseph," "Celine & Barbra Tribute Concert," and "Beauty and the Beast." The theatre has received numerous positive reviews, with many praising the quality of the performances, the comfortable seating, and the overall enjoyable experience.

In addition to its performances, the MSMT also offers fashion shows and concerts by renowned artists such as South Pacific Star William Michals. The theatre is a popular attraction for visitors to Brunswick, with its productions drawing audiences from all over Maine.

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