Jared Golden wants to designate Leonard’s Mills as national logging history museum

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden wants to designate Leonard’s Mills as a national museum dedicated to forestry and logging history.

The 2nd District Democrat introduced a bill Thursday that would designate the Maine Forest and Logging Museum as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History.

The museum, located in Bradley northeast of Bangor, was incorporated in 1960 to celebrate Maine’s forest heritage. It now encompasses more than 450 acres around Blackman Stream . Its centerpiece is Leonard’s Mills, a living history site that re-creates a 1790s logging and milling community.

“The forest economy has played an important part in the American story, and Mainers are one of the biggest reasons why,” Golden said. “This national designation would pay tribute to those vital contributions while reaffirming Maine’s continued role as stewards and innovators of the industry.”

More than 14,000 people are employed in Maine’s forest economy , which generates $5 billion in sales annually.

“The Maine Forest and Logging Museum, a special place in the woods known by many as ‘Leonard’s Mills,’ embodies the Great North Wood’s heart and soul by showcasing the natural beauty of our state’s Northern Forest. And by providing invaluable outreach and educational opportunities, we are proudly planting the seeds to grow careers in forestry stewardship and ensure our sustainable forests benefit both material needs and environmental responsibilities,” said Mike Wetherbee, president of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s board of directors.

The announcement was greeted with praise from the state’s logging and forestry community.

Shawn Bugbee, roads and infrastructure manager for Seven Islands Land Co., said the museum is “important” to “Maine’s rich history of forestry and logging.”

“Through the preservation and restoration of tools combined with the knowledge the volunteers bring to the Museum, those who visit get an authentic understanding of how forestry and logging was done by our ancestors. One of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed has been watching the steam powered Lombard Log Hauler operate in person — and this move will help more people get that same experience,” Bugbee said.

Rick Robertson, president and CEO of Dennis Food Service, called Leonard’s Mills a “special place” for Mainers to learn about the state’s logging heritage.

“I have taken my kids there when they were younger in year’s past as an opportunity to learn about the mill. It was a great way to learn about the beginnings of this important industry as well as the ingenuity of our past. A visitor of any age will certainly be able to learn something from this treasure in the state of Maine, and elevating it as the National Museum of Forestry and Logging History will help so many people do just that,” Robertson said.

“This museum doesn’t just honor Maine’s past: It stands as a national treasure,” said Breanna Wing, director and producer of “Axe Women: The Modern Lumberjill.” “At a time when our landscapes are rapidly developing, the Museum is a haven that keeps important history alive —  teaching future generations about the resilience of our ancestors, whose grit and innovation through harsh winters built for the growth we see today. This national designation will amplify the importance of understanding and protecting the natural world, for both our material and spiritual well-being.”