For several years we have been thinking about a center near the pier where we could welcome the many visitors to Eagle Island and introduce them to this unique Maine Historic site. This center would allow us to show the 12 minute Documentary film on Admiral Peary as well as distribute the Audio tour Wands to each visitor or in some cases gather small groups together for a Docent's guided tour. Visitors could also pick up a copy of the self guided tour book here.

          The building would be big enough to seat 30 visitors for viewing the film. It would also house a small souvenir display (Trading Post). By removing the TV and benches now in the dining room we would return that room to the Museum. This would even out the flow of visitors through the Museum so that there would be far less congestion. We would start
the Audio Tour at the head of the pier where it was intended to start.

        The funny looking building above is based on a building that once was there for nearly 40 years. When Robert E. Peary Jr. was 16 he asked his father if he could build a workshop overlooking the anchorage. Under his father's supervision, he built a substantial workshop similar to the sketch above. Based on the picture we have, it had a slanting roof about 13 feet high in the front and 9 feet in the back. It had a row of windows across the front with a workbench the full length of that wall. Inside he had all kinds of machines including a forge and anvil and a sit down peddled grinding wheel. The building was 22 to 24 feet wide and 16 to 20 feet deep. It was supported on concrete posts at the corners with stone supports in between. The outside was finished with cedar shingles and it originally had a tar paper roof. We have found evidence of the dimensions at its site (the concrete posts are still there). It's about 70 feet from the end of the pier. The entrance was in the back. We would have to change that so that it is more accessible to visitors and have a handicapped ramp. We may also have to add solar panels to the roof in order to power the TV and to run the chargers for the wands as well as some simple lighting.

       We hope to accomplish this project during the summer of 2012. We'll keep you posted.