William Otis Sawtelle Research Center

Acadia National Park maintains a collections and research center at park headquarters. Much of the cultural materials located there were moved from the Isleford Museum, which was established in 1927 on Little Cranberry Island to house Dr. William O. Sawtelle’s collection of materials and artifacts related to the history, people, and culture of Little Cranberry Island. In 1948, the museum and its collection of artifacts were donated to Acadia National Park. The National Park Service built a facility in Bar Harbor to provide appropriate collection storage conditions in 1996.

In addition to the Sawtelle's material, the center houses other historical artifacts, archival documents, and natural history collections that are utilized by park staff and researchers. Access by appointment only.

The Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island celebrates the island's cultural history, with rotating exhibits curated in cooperation with Friends of the Islesford Historical Museum. Exhibits tell the story of changing island life, schooner empires, summer residents, and the fishing industry. Island residents and repeat visitors see familiar names and faces on the walls when viewing local family photos, home videos, and artifacts. The museum is accessible by mail boat or tour boat from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor, June through September.