“Parvus Sed Potens” – Small But Mighty
The museum’s mission is to teach today’s and future generations the meaning of “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.”
Through authentic artifacts displayed in various formats throughout the museum, viewers can witness the experiences and sacrifices of past members of our Armed Forces.
Museum exhibits cover every aspect of military service from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan and Iraq. The primary focus is American Prisoners of War (POWs) from our Civil War up to the Vietnam Conflict.
It is not glorifying war but is a tribute to those who have served in the military, during peacetime, and in war. It is also a place to honor those who have paid the ultimate price while serving the state of Maine and our nation over the years.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Maine Military Museum in South Portland is a treasure trove of military history, containing items and artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts. This expansive collection includes everything from 18th Century playing cards to an F14 ejection seat, representing every conflict in American history. Every item displayed in the museum is authentic, as historical proof is a prerequisite for being displayed.
Visitors can wander alone or take a guided tour with knowledgeable volunteers who will help navigate the museum’s different conflicts, which begins with the Revolutionary War. Along the way, visitors can view the evolution of firearms, from muskets to the M16, and learn about significant events such as the indoctrination of a country’s youth in Germany during the late 1930s and the ultimate price paid by one of Maine’s sons during World War II.
Visitors can encounter living artifacts like Lee, the curator, an Air Force veteran, and Jim, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, who shares his experiences in Normandy six days after D-Day or being present at the Battle of the Bulge. There’s also Pete, a Vietnam veteran, and other volunteers who help keep the exhibits accurate.
The Maine Military Museum does not glorify war but is a tribute to those who have served in the military during peacetime and war. The facility is available for groups and individuals at no charge and remains open through the generosity of donations.
One of the museum’s highlights is a full-scale replica of a Vietnam Prisoner of War cell, an exacting reproduction of the notorious “Hanoi Hilton.” The museum also houses over 50 uniformed life-like mannequins, thousands of artifacts, and framed insignia, many of which were donated by Mainers with military connections.
The Maine Military Museum and Learning Center is the brainchild of Lee Humiston, a retired Air Force officer who is the founder, curator, collector, chief spokesman, and just about everything else around here. He has assembled one of the world’s largest collections of prisoner-of-war artifacts and related items. Humiston’s passion for collecting military items dates back to when he was four and pulled an insignia off his father’s WWII Navy uniform.
Through his life-long love for the United States military and interest in history, Humiston has become a serious collector of all things military and Maine. His passion for what he is doing inspires generosity in people, and donations of money and artifacts keep coming, mostly inspired by a personal visit. The Maine Military Museum does not worship war but honors those who served and fought. It is a tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price serving the State of Maine and the Nation over the years, keeping their memory alive for future generations.
Honoring James Mardin
When you are 101, do you expect to drive yourself without restrictions? Can you imagine getting excited to walk while holding hands with your 96-year-old girlfriend? Can you imagine yourself posing in hundreds of photographs of people that honor you?
Maine Military Museum is proud to call James Mardin our friend. In January 2022, we were honored to host his 100th birthday party! It is hard to call someone you know a hero, but James fits the mold. He has dedicated his life to other people.
As a World War II soldier, he landed in Normandy soon after D-Day and fought in the historic Battle of the Bulge. James became separated during the Battle of the Bulge because he was in an aide station. Technically going AWOL, he hitchhiked through Europe to rejoin his unit (he did!). The war ended with him in Czechoslovakia while German troops were advancing on his position.
James has dedicated his time to volunteer activities, which most of us would call jobs. He flew small planes for the Civil Air Patrol, served Maine State Police as a dispatcher, was a guide at Maine Medical Center, helped build the Hills Beach Fire Department, and greatly assisted the Maine Military Museum curator. His volunteer service continues weekly at the Maine Military Museum, where he talks about his life and service and poses for photographs with the museum guests.
Although we call Jim our living artifact, a WWII veteran, and a lifelong volunteer, what we like best about Jim is that he is our friend. He is there to listen to you, tell you ’bout the ole times. You cannot see Jim without his infectious smile, and you cannot see Jim without smiling yourself.
