Collection + Exhibits
Object of the Month
Get a glimpse of the past with highlighted artifacts from the museum’s collection.
With more than 10,00 artifacts in our collection, there’s a lot to learn about. Come along with us as we unearth one item a month and take a deep dive into its use, significance, and any community stories connected to its history, meaning, or purpose.
From archival photographs to awards, manufacturing tools and inventions to locally made holiday ornaments from a once renown manufacturer—get a glimpse into the past, right now.
September 2026: Bates Pension Plan Booklet
Labor Day is a federal holiday established to honor and recognize the American labor movement, acknowledging the essential contributions of laborers to the nation’s development and success.
An example of labor benefits is summarized in this 1972 booklet from the Bates Manufacturing Company detailing their pension plan. Under this plan, a worker could receive a normal pension after age 65, provided they had accumulated more than 15 years of service with the company. For every year of “Credited Service,” an employee earned $1.35 per month toward their pension. Therefore, an employee with 40 years of service would receive a monthly pension of $54.00. The plan also offered an additional guarantee: 36 months of pension payments would be assured, and in the event of the retiree’s death, their beneficiary would continue to receive these payments.
Did you miss a past Object of The Month?
We’ve gone through a treasure trove of items from our collection over the years. Scroll through and see what you may have missed.
September 2026: Bates Pension Plan Booklet
Labor Day is a federal holiday established to honor and recognize the American labor movement, acknowledging the essential contributions of laborers to the nation's development and success. An example of labor benefits is summarized in this 1972 booklet from the Bates...
August 2026: Pepperell Fabric’s Advertising
V-J Day, when Imperial Japan surrendered and brought an end to WWII, was announced in the United States on the 14th of August 1945. Despite occurring in August, it is celebrated on September 2nd in the US. Pepperell Fabrics was a company headquartered in Boston,...
July 2026: Rolandeau’s Restaurant Menu
Rolandeau’s Restaurant, a fine dining establishment specializing in French and American cuisine, opened its doors in Auburn, Maine, at 775 Washington Street in 1972 under the ownership of Roland Nadeau. The restaurant was well-known for its specialty, the Roast Rib of...
June 2026: Turgeon Pharmacy Inc.
Turgeon Pharmacy Inc. was founded by Adolph Turgeon and his wife Jeannette in 1937 upon returning from New Haven, Connecticut where he worked for Liggett Co. Adolph was known to be dedicated and hardworking, spending long hours in the office and being on call for...
May 2026: Bates College Ivy Day Pamphlet
College seniors across the country prepare to graduate this month. Bates College, a private liberal arts institution in Lewiston, Maine, was founded in 1855 by textile magnate Benjamin Bates, for whom the Bates Mills are also named. It holds the distinction of being...
April 2026: Health and Safety in the Mill
April 24th is National Workers Memorial Day in which the US Department of Labor honors fallen workers. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the regulatory agency that oversees the safety and health of all workers in the United States. A 1990...
March 2026: Women in Bates Mill Bowling League
March is designated as Women's History Month, a tradition established by Jimmy Carter to honor the often-unnoticed contributions of women to the building of our nation. This month provides an opportunity to focus on the leadership, courage, strength, love, and...
February 2026: Peck’s Department Store 100th Anniversary Bag
Peck’s Department Store was founded in 1880 by Bradford Peck. Originally located on the Music Hall block of Lisbon Street in Lewiston, in 1886 it moved to the Sands Block and in 1899 moved to the corners of Main Street and Lisbon Street, where it occupied all five...
January 2026: Weaving Inspection Tools
These tools were meant for the inspection, mending, and hand picking of any imperfections in the weaves and textiles in the Lewiston mills. With regular use these tools developed a gorgeous patina and are a testament to the careful eye of the workers to ensure that...
Help preserve Maine MILL artifacts
Antique and vintage items need a lot of maintenance to prolong their lifetime. Help us to preserve and care for these historical items and representations of our community’s history by donating today.