Norton Museum

The Norton Museum, a gift of Katherine and Leroy Norton, was given to the University of Maine at Presque Isle in December of 1969, a bit of an early Christmas present. Leroy Norton had recently passed away, but it was his wish that his museum (which he himself built) and all its specimens would be permanently housed on the university campus. Although Mr. and Mrs. Norton had no children of their own, Mr. Norton loved young people, and donated his museum to help with the study of science at this school.

Among the specimens in the Norton Museum are sea shells, animal footprints, geological specimens, and preserved animals. Mr. Norton, a mail carrier, loved science and spent much of his free time gathering specimens to include in his collection. He and his wife traveled all over the United States and Canada in search of sea shells. In addition, he attended auctions where he bought specimens to add to his collection.

Included in the museum is a rare shell called the Precious Wentletrap. When Mr. Norton purchased this shell, there were only six known of in the world. Another of the donated shells, the so-called Man Eating Clam was the largest in the world (it weighs 650 pounds) at the time of its donation. Mr. Norton also became interested in taxidermy, and preserved many small animals native to Maine as well as all Maine fish.

The Norton Museum was thankfully proudly accepted by the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and remains on campus to this day.

Page created by: Lynda C. Stawasz
Page Updated: April 30, 1998
Library Web Pages Maintained by: Eric Brissette