McCurdy Smokehouse Museum
Explore the last operating smokehouse in the USA, preserving Lubec's rich herring and sardine canning history. A unique, aromatic journey into maritim...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience authentic history
McCurdy Smokehouse Museum
Best Time
Experience authentic history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the last operating smokehouse in the USA, preserving Lubec's rich herring and sardine canning history. A unique, aromatic journey into maritime heritage.
"A cute little piece of history that's well worth the time and supports preservation efforts!"
Support Preservation Efforts
Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. :heart:
Embrace the Fishy Aroma
The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Smoking Process
Main Exhibit Area
Learn how herring were caught, strung, and smoked for two months in this one-of-a-kind historical facility.
Lubec's Maritime Past
Throughout the Museum
Discover Lubec's significant role in the herring and sardine canning industry through informative posters and exhibits.
First-Hand Accounts
Guided Tours
Hear captivating stories from guides who worked in the smokehouse, offering unique insights into its operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Preserving a Fragile History
Embrace the Authentic Aroma
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Preservation Efforts
Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. :heart:
Embrace the Fishy Aroma
The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. :fish:
Ask Lots of Questions!
Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their firsthand experiences. :speech_balloon:
Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced, with discounts available for AAA members. :dollar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Preservation Efforts
Your admission fee helps fund crucial repairs to protect the historic buildings from flooding. :heart:
Embrace the Fishy Aroma
The distinct smell is part of the authentic experience! It's a reminder of the industry's past. :fish:
Ask Lots of Questions!
Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their firsthand experiences. :speech_balloon:
Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced, with discounts available for AAA members. :dollar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum for its authentic historical experience and the passionate, knowledgeable guides who share firsthand accounts. The low admission price is a significant draw, offering great value. However, the pervasive fish smell, while authentic, can be a strong deterrent for some. The museum's critical need for preservation funding due to coastal flooding is also a recurring theme.
"Highly recommend checking out this museum if you're in the area. The gentleman who is giving the tours currently worked here for six years, so he has first hand experience in how the smoking of the herring and sardines was done.
Apparently this was the last operating smokehouse in the United States and it closed in the early 90s due to the FDA requiring them to remove the enterals of fish in the beginning of the process, rather than the end, which this was not set up to do. There was also a building that used to be across the river and it floated away during a high tide. Another building that was attached to the current museum was also lost a few years ago during a bad winter storm. They are currently trying to raise money to lift up the buildings several feet higher, as two of them flood as much as a foot of water during extreme high tides, so they are also at risk of collapse or floating away.
Inside you'll find posters with information on how the mackerel were caught, strung onto rods for smoking, smoked (for two months!), then taken down for processing and packaging. There used to be smokers and canneries all over Maine, but this is a one of a kind now, despite being a booming industry for so long. Still smells like fish now, and it was 10x stronger back in the day. Imagine how it was in the 30s when there were multiple smokers and canneries running! Highly recommend checking out this cute little piece of history if you're in the area to learn a lot more about Maine's history, as well as support their effort in saving these buildings."
Nipako Sāmaṇera
"The tour was a great introduction to a very important slice of Lubec history. Highly recommended!"
Jack Duluoz
"I’m always up for a historical tour and the museum definitely did that. You’ll watch a short film about its history then you’re free to roam the building. The man who was there the day I went was very friendly and let me ask a gazillion questions. After that we chatted for quite a while about all kinds of stuff. I’d go back for sure if we were in Lubec again."
Stephanie Wolz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The McCurdy Smokehouse Museum is located in Lubec, Maine. Visitors typically drive to Lubec, as it's a scenic coastal town. The museum is centrally located within the town, making it easy to find once you arrive. Parking is generally available nearby.
Public transport options to Lubec are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. It's advisable to check local transit schedules if you are relying on public transportation, though it may not be a direct route.
From major cities like Boston, the drive to Lubec is several hours. Consider breaking up the journey or ensuring you have ample time for travel. GPS navigation is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Admission is very affordable, typically around $4 for adults, with a discount for AAA members. This low cost makes it an excellent value for experiencing local history.
Advance booking is generally not required for McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for groups or specific inquiries, contacting them ahead of time is always a good idea.
Yes, a discount is often available for AAA members. It's always worth asking about any other potential discounts when you arrive.
Specific refund or exchange policies are best confirmed directly with the museum. Given the small, community-run nature of the museum, flexibility might be limited, but direct communication is key.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits detailing the herring smoking and sardine canning industry, view historical posters, and learn about Lubec's maritime heritage. The museum offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Maine's fishing industry.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The guides often have firsthand experience working in the smokehouse, providing unique and engaging insights into the history and processes.
A visit typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the exhibits and engage with the knowledgeable guides. You can spend longer if you wish to ask many questions.
While children can visit, the primary appeal is historical and industrial. The distinct fish smell might be strong for some younger visitors. It's best for families interested in local history and industry.
The museum retains a distinct, strong fish smell, a natural consequence of its history as a working smokehouse. This is part of the authentic experience for many visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The McCurdy Smokehouse Museum itself does not typically offer food services. It's a historical site focused on exhibits and tours. You'll need to find dining options in the town of Lubec.
Lubec offers several local eateries, from casual seafood shacks to charming cafes. Ask locals or museum staff for recommendations on the best spots for fresh seafood or other local fare.
It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the museum to maintain the historical integrity of the exhibits. Check with the museum staff for their specific policy on this.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum. However, it's always a good practice to confirm with staff upon arrival, especially if using flash or tripods.
Capture the unique historical artifacts, the detailed exhibits on the smoking process, and the rustic architecture of the building. The authentic atmosphere provides many interesting shots.
Commercial photography or videography usually requires prior permission from the museum management. Contact them in advance to discuss your needs and any associated fees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as an adventure into 'olden times' where people worked with fish in a very different way. It's a chance to discuss how food was processed before modern technology. The affordability of the admission also makes it an accessible outing for families looking for an educational experience without a high cost.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pairing a visit to the museum with exploring the charming town of Lubec and its scenic surroundings can create a fulfilling and affordable day trip. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, further reducing dining expenses. The museum's focus on authentic history ensures a rich experience that doesn't require a large financial outlay.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum's narrative extends beyond the smokehouse itself, touching upon Lubec's broader maritime history and the economic shifts that led to the industry's decline. The ongoing preservation efforts also add a layer of contemporary relevance, highlighting the challenges of maintaining historical sites in coastal environments. It's a deep dive into a specific, yet significant, chapter of American industrial history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Decline of Lubec's Herring Industry
The industry's decline in the 1990s was largely attributed to new FDA regulations. These regulations required the removal of fish entrails at the beginning of the processing, a change that the existing infrastructure of smokehouses like McCurdy was not equipped to handle. This regulatory shift, coupled with changing market demands and fishing practices, ultimately led to the closure of the last operating smokehouse in the United States.
Today, the museum is not just a repository of history but also a testament to the community's efforts to preserve this legacy. The ongoing fundraising to elevate the buildings against rising tides highlights the challenges faced by these historical structures and the dedication of those working to save them for future generations.
Preservation Challenges and Community Support
To combat these issues, the museum is actively engaged in fundraising efforts to lift the buildings several feet higher. This ambitious project aims to secure the long-term future of this unique historical site. Visitors are encouraged to support these preservation initiatives through their admission fees and donations. The community's dedication to saving this piece of American industrial history is palpable, making a visit not just educational but also a contribution to a vital cause.
The personal touch of the guides, many of whom have direct experience working in the smokehouse, adds immense value to the visitor experience. Their firsthand accounts and willingness to answer questions create a deep connection to the past. This community-driven approach is crucial for the museum's survival and its ability to share its important story.
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