[1][2][3] The primary focuses of the main collection are works on paper, including drawings, prints and photographs.

Norma Berger, the niece of Marsden Hartley, a notable Maine artist, donated a large collection at the founding of the museum.

After the renovation and installation, the new and expanded space enabled the museum to organize major scholarly exhibitions of contemporary and historic artists.

In addition to the original Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection, the museum contains works by many other notable artists.

"[9] In 2015, the Museum developed the Thousand Words Project, a series of videos aimed at elementary through high school students and teachers, which promotes the use of art to improve literacy and writing skills.