Exhibit: The Frozen Kingdom—Commerce & Pleasure in the Maine Winter

The brutal Maine winter has provided the natural resources and setting to create industries and pastimes, from ice harvesting to ice boating. Kennebec River ice was hawked as the premier grade from Queens to Cuba. The same harsh winters that created this seemingly endless supply allowed unique recreation, both then and now. But come spring, the river ice must be broken for other industries to return. This exhibit celebrates the long, harsh Maine winter by examining the commerce and pastimes it produces. Special attention is paid to the personalities and “Ice Kings” that rose in the competitive business of the ice trade.