A sunset image with the silhouette of the Bucksport Paper Mill buildings in black against the sky and reflecting on the water.

Honoring local history

The paper mill in Bucksport, Maine was built in 1930 and closed in December 2014. The mill became known for producing high quality paper that was used in many national and international publications.

In the aftermath of the shock of the mill closing, rather than wallow in misery, various community groups took up the challenge to make Bucksport better as it transitioned from being a mill town. This resilience was the subject of an article in Yankee magazine titled "Bucksport: The Town That Refused to Die". The Bucksport Paper Mill Museum project is part of the mosaic of resilience and renewal.

The museum is designed to be educational, and also to honor the many men and women who worked at the mill during its 84 years of operation. There are still many former mill workers living in the greater Bucksport area who will be invited to staff the museum, affording them the opportunity to share with visitors their experience in papermaking (a disappearing industry).

We invite you to visit this museum which honors Bucksport’s papermaking heritage and the hardworking men and women who were a part of it.

Bucksport Paper Mill Museum

  • Aerial view of the Bucksport paper mill and surrounding area

    The Mill

    The Bucksport paper mill was built in 1930 and closed in 2014. During the time of its operation, it had a significant impact on the local community and employed generations of local people.

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  • The former paper mill guardshack building that will serve as the Bucksport paper mill museum.

    The Museum

    The Bucksport Paper Mill Museum is housed in the gatehouse building located at the entrance to the property where the Bucksport paper mill was once located. Exhibits include historic photos, documents and artifacts collected from former mill workers and their families.

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  • Chip Stubbs uses a pressure washer to clean interior brick walls of the building that will house the Bucksport Paper Mill Museum.

    How to Help

    The Bucksport Paper Mill Museum needs your help! We are looking for volunteers to help continue the restoration work and volunteers to staff the museum in 2026. We are also collecting financial contributions and donations of artifacts. You can purchase a dishtowel or Still Mill book and the proceeds will support our efforts.

    Get Involved
  • A group of people gathered around a table celebrating after securing the deed to the building that will become the Bucksport Paper Mill Museum.

    Who We Are

    The Bucksport Paper Mill Museum Working Group is dedicated to preserving the history of the mill and the people who worked there. Members include former mill employees, people whose family members worked in the mill and community members with an interest in preserving local history.

    Meet the Group
  • A group of people meeting in an unfinished room with brick walls that will be part of the Bucksport Paper Mill Museum.

    News and Updates

    Visit our news page to follow the progress we are making on the museum and keep up-to-date on the latest mill museum news. This page includes updates about our work, as well as information on donations we have received.

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