Portland Harbor Museum recently received grant funding from the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust in the amount of $10,000 to assist in expanding the museum's educational programs.

The museum will restructure its school tours to include a new interactive program focusing on its 2001 exhibition to open in April, "They Came By Sea: Portland Harbor, A Tourist Destination." The exhibit will trace the development of tourism from the 19th century when steamers brought visitors to the harbor to a modern port which will soon be adding a cruise ship terminal.

Information on the museum's new school tour program will be made available to school departments in the Greater Portland area in hopes of attracting many more visits by school classes. According to Director Linda McLoon, "The museum puts a high priority on making our young people aware of their rich maritime heritage."

The museum will also use this grant support to fund its entry into the Portland History Docent program, joining with other Portland museums and historic houses to provide an educational program for volunteers. Prospective docents will meet on Tuesdays for ten weeks in order to expand their knowledge of area history and improve teaching skills. Anyone interested in getting involved in this free program should call 774-5561 extension 43.