Bomb squad called to Dyce Head after more cannonballs discovered

Castine Historical Society staff found the cannonballs while preparing the interior space for the summer season

The Maine State Police Bomb squad inspected cannonballs that were discovered at Dyce Head Light this week. Photo courtesy of the Castine Historical Society.

April 2, 2026

By Emily Baer

CASTINE —The Maine State Police Bomb Squad was again in Castine today to retrieve and test 14 cannonballs found in Dyce Head Light by Castine Historical Society staff earlier this week.

In December, the squad was called to examine some 50 cannonballs at Castine’s Wilson Museum and the historical society. At that time, two cannonballs survived detonation by the bomb squad — which indicated that they were not live —and were returned to the historical society the same day. The remaining, smaller cannonballs have not yet been tested but officials expect that process to take place later this spring.

This week, CHS staff were in the lighthouse to prepare the space for an upcoming exhibit. Town officials hope to open the lighthouse to visitors regularly this summer and CHS’ executive director Kate McMahon is curating a show that will be on display there  to enhance the visitor experience.

The Maine State Bomb arrived at Dyce Head Light on Thursday morning. Photo courtesy of the Castine Historical Society.

The cannonballs — technically mortar shells since they explode on impact — were found tucked deep beneath a 19th century carriage that has been stored at Dyce Head Light for decades.  

McMahon thinks the cannonballs date back to the War of 1812. While the discovery was unexpected, she said finding military objects is not unusual in a place with such a rich, contested history.

“This is exemplary of the long-term impact of fighting for this land,” she said.

As part of a test, the bomb squad brought one of the cannonballs to the property of Penobscot fire chief James Clarke. A technician set an explosive on top of the cannonball and detonated it. The cannonball remained intact, meaning it was inert.

“The bomb squad determined that they’re filled with concrete,” McMahon said. “That means they’ll stay in Castine and people visiting the lighthouse will be able to see them and touch them and learn about their history."

McMahon said she expects the lighthouse will be open to visitors beginning in June but that the hours have not yet been set. Town officials are coordinating the effort in the hopes of drawing tourists to Castine.

“The goal is to remind people that we have this incredible active lighthouse here,” McMahon said. “It's a unique opportunity to visit a working lighthouse and enjoy Castine.”