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Owls Head Transportation Museum

2027 goals

As we near the completion of construction for our Capital Campaign, Owls Head Transportation Museum (OHTM) focuses on using its world-class collection of technologies significant to the evolution of transportation as a backdrop for STEM education.

America faces a crisis, losing skilled tradesmen at the rate of five workers for every two joining the workforce. OHTM is addressing this situation by offering immersive opportunities geared toward workforce development, including linking the wisdom of older mentors with the energy of young problem-solvers. The museum also seeks to spread its reach in science education support to Maine school districts and students, including continued collaboration with regional technical schools, private schools, and homeschool groups across all 16 counties of Maine.

PHOTO / COURTESY OF OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

Fundraising events/Opportunities

Event/Season Sponsor

Being an event or season sponsor can showcase your partnership with OHTM’s phenomenal working vehicle and aircraft collection and our multifaceted STEM education programs supporting K-12 education and beyond. Our summer event season is a regional highlight, bringing in thousands of visitors. Thousands more come through our doors for other activities throughout the year.

Events OHTM hosts are the Scale Modelers Expo, STEM Fest, including a series of two-day summer weekend events featuring First Responders, Truck & Tractor Show, Wings & Wheels Air Show, New England Auto AuctionTM, and new this year, vintage hot rod culture with the Pine Tree Jamboree! OHTM ends the event season with the Exhibitor Season Finale, and also supports many smaller on-site and off-site events around Maine throughout the year.

New England Auto AuctionTM

Each year, the museum holds New England’s longest-running classic auto auction. This consignment auction is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser and features everything from classic vehicles to daily drivers. Open to the public, bidders and consignors from all over the world place this major event on their annual calendars.

Giving opportunities

From operations and education to specific restoration projects, all donated funds ultimately serve the community and residents of Maine through visitor engagement for all ages.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers are the heartbeat of OHTM, supporting ticket sales and administrative tasks to performing highly skilled maintenance of our automobiles and aircraft. As a working museum, our collection drives, flies, and operates, and our 230 volunteers ensure this, lending a vast background of professional experience and skills.

PHOTO / COURTESY OF OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
At a glance

Established: 1975
Employees: 23
Annual revenue: $2,221,361.72

117 Museum St., P.O. Box 277, Owls Head, ME 04854
207-594-4418

owlshead.org
Instagram: @owlshead_transportation_museum
Facebook: Owls Head Transportation Museum
YouTube: @ohtmvideos
TikTok: @owls_head_transportation

Awards/Accolades:

  • Hemmings Great Race, X-Cup Youth Division (ages 17-22) – 3rd Place National Ranking: Of particular interest is the museum competing in the Hemmings Great Race X-Cup Youth Division. This vintage automobile endurance race, covering 2,300 miles across a defined section of American roadway, requires painstaking calculation and navigation, as well as mechanical skills to make repairs along the way. In 2025, OHTM’s team ranked 3rd in the nation, building youth teamwork and confidence.
  • Best in Class Award, Audrain Concours d’Elegance – 1907 Vanderbilt Racer
  • Congressionally Directed Spending Award, 2026 (endorsed by both U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King).

Mission Statement: The Owls Head Transportation Museum is a nonprofit education organization. Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and operate pre-1940 aircraft, ground vehicles, engines, and related technologies significant to the evolution of transportation for the purpose of education.

Service locations: Primarily Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, and Kennebec counties, to all surrounding areas of the state of Maine.

Top funding sources

26.91% Contributions
25.95% NEAA
15.53% Board funds
13.12% Admissions
6.24% Membership
5.19% Store sales
2.25% Grants and foundation
1.37% Sponsorship

Leadership

John D. Bottero, Executive Director — PHOTO / COURTESY OF OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

John D. Bottero, Executive Director

Board officers

Thomas H. Rudder, Chairman of the Board
John D. Karp, Vice-Chairman
Richard Cease, Treasurer
John C. Harris, Secretary

Board members

Charles T. Akre
Duncan W. Brown
Michael Felton
Rodney D. Gray
Steven T. Levesque
Robert Pierson
Lisa Reece
John Reed
David A. Swift
Kathyrn K. Swift
Lawrence M. Woodworth