Museums & galleries in Western Lakes/Mountains offer depth to your vacation

The Stanley Museum is located in the Georgian-style Stanley School built in 1903. The museum commemorates the heritage of Stanley family and the famous Stanley Steamer automobile, which was invented by Francis Edgar Stanley and manufactured by him and his twin brother. They are often called the the Stanley twins, F.E. and F.O. Their sister is remembered for her photographs depicting rural American life in about 1900 in Maine. Visitors to the Stanley Museum see the steam cars, and an exhibit that demonstrates the power plant of the Stanley steam car. Also on display is a Mason Regulator engine on exhibit, which is used in the first Stanley cars.
Hours: June through October, Tuesday to Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; November through May, Tuesday to Friday, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment
Information: www.stanleymuseum.org

The UMF Art Gallery has four to six exhibitions each year. Once a large barn behind 246 Main Street, now converted into a modern exhibit space, the UMF Art Gallery features artists from Maine elsewhere, demonstrating a variety of styles and media contemporary art.
Hours: During the academic year, Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

This museum preserves the history of the paper industry in Maine and in particular the cultural heritage of the towns and mills along the Androscoggin River. Through its interactive exhibits, visitors may experience life in a paper-making community.
Information:www.papermuseumofmaine.org
Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or by appointment through October.