THE U-TURN: Reminders of our maritime history

June 15, 2026

Nothing says '“welcome” like a 40-foot-tall statue of “Big Jim” holding a can of sardines. The new display is now up on the front lawn of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport. To learn more of this unique sign and where it came from, see The Rising Tide’s previous story on the statue that pays homage to what was once Maine’s most important ocean catch. From this photo’s perspective, a man and his dog help put the “Big” in “Big Jim.” Photo by John Boit.

Meanwhile, below, new and old are found in this pic of a mooring barge as a schooner sails by off Cape Rosier in Brooksville. Our thanks to Bruce Gordon of Brooksville for the photo. Based on the schooner’s profile and beautiful tanbark sails, the vessel appears to be Angelique out of Camden.

Got a fun pic or video from around the area? Send it to us at info@risingtide.media and you might see it featured in THE U-TURN!