The Museum of Maritime Pets, at 75 Mechanic Street in Rockland, celebrates winter with a new exhibit, Saluting Sled Dogs. The exhibit opens on Sunday, February 2, and runs through Sunday, March 16.

Sled dogs date back 9,000 years to northeastern Siberia, where they were selectively bred for hauling, hunting and transportation. They have lived and worked in Arctic regions ever since and were later used to explore the Antarctic during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The museum’s exhibit surveys the different breeds and functions of these amazing dogs, descended from Spitz stock. Sled dogs have been heroes, elite military patrols, mail carriers and search and rescue workers. In the last century, recreational mushing and racing became popular and can be enjoyed here in Maine.

Maine’s many connections to sled dogs are also featured in the exhibit.

The Museum of Maritime Pets, a 501(c)3 organization, researches and documents the lives and work of seagoing animals throughout history. It offers exhibits, lectures, workshops and school programs and also sponsors internships and volunteer opportunities. The Museum is open year-round Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.

Additional information is available by phone (207) 390-5909 or email:info@museumofmaritimepets.org.