The Owls Head Transportation Museum (OHTM) has been awarded a $1.53 million federal Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant in support of the museum’s multi-phase Capital Campaign. This funding advances OHTM’s ongoing work to expand educational opportunities, increase public access to its nationally recognized collection, and strengthen its role as a year-round community resource, according to OHTM, in a news release.

"We thank Senator Collins for embracing this vision to create spaces that expand community opportunities and support our mission," said OHTM, in the release. "As OHTM celebrates its 50th anniversary, the museum reflects on its longstanding impact on visitors from Maine and beyond—not only through the exhibition of its world-class transportation collection, but through its commitment to keeping these machines operational for demonstration and educational purposes. Generations of young people have been inspired by seeing—and hearing—history in motion, igniting interest in the mechanical sciences and opening pathways toward careers in aviation, engineering, and transportation technology."

CDS Funding Supports Phase Four of the Capital Campaign

The awarded CDS grant will help fund the final stage of the museum’s comprehensive Capital Campaign.

The four phases include:

● Phase 1: Construction of a 10,500 sq. ft. environmentally controlled storage facility, now completed and housing significant transportation artifacts. Completed 2023.

● Phase 2: Expansion of the museum’s restoration workshops to 23,000 sq. ft., providing essential workspace for staff and volunteers dedicated to maintaining OHTM’s operational collection. Completed 2024.

● Phase 3: Build-out of the new Science & Industry Center (S&IC), encompassing 14,000 sq. ft. of STEM education facilities, including three classrooms, a fabrication lab, a demonstration stage, and immersive exhibits showcasing STEM applications in aviation, automotive science, and manufacturing. Completed 2025.

● Phase 4: Development of a new STEM Community Center, featuring a redesigned public entrance, rotating exhibits, a public research center, and an expandable indoor lecture and event space with food service capabilities.

This final phase will strengthen the museum’s ability to serve students, educators, families, and industry partners by providing a dedicated environment for hands-on learning and collaboration.

For more information about the Owls Head Transportation Museum and its educational mission, visit owlshead.org.

For more information about the Capital Campaign visit https://www.ohtmcampaign.org/.