Question: Is there any status update on the Eagle Island State Historic Site? It was closed for all of 2024 due to the January storms. Is there any hope of it being open in 2025? Are there still park rangers or video presentations about Adm. Peary available?
Jay Sinnett, Bailey Island
Answer: Eagle Island, once the summer home of Arctic explorer Adm. Robert E. Peary, is partially open and staffed this summer but remains difficult to access.
The museum and historic site have not been open since 2020. While they initially closed for needed renovations, the situation was made worse in January 2024, when severe storms destroyed the island’s only dock, making access impossible for most vessels.
The Friends of Peary’s Eagle Island organization confirmed in a 2025 update that there is still no dock and the museum remains closed. However, a member of the group said the island itself is open to those who can access it.
Limited access is available to small boats that can safely land on the beach. A staff member is on site, and visitors can view an educational video about Peary’s expeditions, the group member said.
You can check for future updates at pearyeagleisland.org.
J. Craig Anderson, Reporter, Harpswell Anchor
Send “Ask the Anchor” questions to joliver@harpswellanchor.org.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that the island is staffed and open to those who can access it, although the museum remains closed.
