The Owls Head Transportation Museum will host its inaugural First Responders Weekend on June 27-28, 2026, bringing together emergency service organizations, historic apparatus, modern response equipment, educational exhibits, and family activities to celebrate the individuals who help keep Maine communities safe.

Activities will take place throughout the museum grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., both days, and are included with regular museum admission. Active First Responders and museum members will receive free admission to the event with a valid ID. 

Presented with support from OHTM sponsors MaineHealth and Philbrook & Associates, the event will recognize the dedication and service of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, emergency management professionals, dispatchers, aviation responders, communications specialists, and countless others who play critical roles in public safety.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore more than 100 years of emergency response history through historic fire apparatus from the museum's collection while also experiencing today's cutting-edge emergency equipment and technologies. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy Touch-a-Truck experiences, live demonstrations, emergency preparedness exhibits, aircraft displays, radio communications exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, and interactive displays designed for visitors of all ages.

Featured participants and attractions include Penobscot Island Air, Knox County Emergency Management Agency, the Penbay Amateur Radio Club, local fire departments and emergency response teams, the iconic Squad 51 Truck (replica), and vintage emergency vehicle light displays by Curtis Bramhall, along with many additional organizations and exhibits.

The museum will also host a silent auction presented by the newly established Firefighter Foundation, providing attendees an opportunity to support the organization's mission while learning more about its efforts to assist firefighters and their families.

A special tribute ceremony will recognize the first responders who answered the call during the Robbins Lumber fire in Searsmont. The tribute will honor the extraordinary teamwork, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by the agencies and individuals involved in responding to one of the region's most significant recent emergency incidents.

"First Responders Weekend was created as a natural extension of the museum's educational mission," said OHTM, in a news release. "The event highlights the important connection among transportation, engineering, communications, aviation, and public safety while showcasing how innovation has transformed emergency response over the last century. By bringing together historic equipment, modern technology, and the professionals who use it every day, the museum hopes to inspire young people to explore future careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, aviation, and emergency services, while also highlighting meaningful volunteer opportunities that allow community members to get involved and support these vital fields."

The event offers a unique opportunity for families to meet the people behind Maine's emergency response systems, gain a greater appreciation for the challenges they face, and learn how teamwork, training, and technology work together to protect communities across the state.

For more information, visit OHTM.org or contact Events@OHTM.org.