MDM is National Award Winner!

Maine Discovery Museum (MDM) is one of only ten institutions nationwide recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for outstanding program and service delivery, earning a prestigious National Gold Medal. We are one of just five museums honored across the country and the only museum in the Northeast to receive this distinction in 2025.

This marks the first time in the 30-year history of this award that a Maine museum has been recognized by the IMLS.

The IMLS recognized MDM for its deep commitment to communities across the state: "Maine Discovery Museum has developed deep and vital partnerships with other nonprofits to provide educational programing throughout the state, often going to rural and underserved communities to bring their expertise to them. The museum also has relationships with a wide network of community anchors like libraries, parks and recreation departments, and schools to provide educational and enrichment programming.”

A common thread over the IMLS award’s 30-year history is that gold medal winners are community anchors defined by strong programs, inclusive practice, solid partnerships, and documented impact. MDM’s recognition reflects 25 years of growth - from playing a vital role in downtown Bangor’s revitalization to becoming Maine’s statewide hub for informal public science education.