The Permanent Exhibits
The Museum contains a
variety of displays, all relating to Monhegan life. Comprised entirely
of objects donated to the Museum, the displays include the following:
Lobstering and fishing, primary island industries, are illustrated via historical and contemporary equipment, model boats, photographs, charts, and paintings.
Local history is depicted in a variety of ways. Exhibits relevant to early Indian life, European explorers, early settlers, shipwrecks, and historical island events can be found in several rooms.
Numerous domestic objects including furniture, dolls, toys, and clothing from Monhegan homes are on display. A complete turn-of-the-century kitchen can also be seen.
The upstairs of the museum is devoted to the natural history of the island, its flora and fauna and geology.
Paintings by members of the important art community that
has existed
on the island for over 100 years can be seen in most rooms. 
In
addition, a special exhibition of Monhegan art is mounted each summer
in the Gallery of the assistant keeper’s house.
Equipment and other objects related to ice cutting are exhibited in an ice house, and fishing gear is displayed in a replica fish house, both on the Museum grounds.
