Maine people have a reputation of hard work and ingenuity, and ice harvesting was one result of that Yankee trait. Learn about this long standing Maine tradition, beginning 200 years ago, through our exhibits, including old tools, and a video presentation about ice harvesting.

The Thompson Ice House Museum’s mission is historical preservation, education and community engagement.

Annual Ice Harvest
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (11-3)
In the small Maine village of South Bristol, a hardy group of volunteers gather each year to harvest naturally frozen ice, in much the same way it has been done since 1826. The annual Ice Harvest brings people from all over the local area and far beyond, to watch the harvest and participate in an historical reenactment of ice harvesting.