History

The Early Years: 1983-86--Building a Base of Support

When the Island Institute was launched in 1983, we knew we were entering an already-crowded field of island conservation programs.  But we believed that we could differentiate ourselves by providing ecological information directed at how islands could be responsibly used by different interests without compromising the islands’ natural environment…

Confronting the Island Development Juggernaut: 1986 - 1991

In 1986, the Island Institute was approached by residents of Great Diamond Island to provide testimony on a proposed massive development for the island’s abandoned Fort McKinley.  After reaching a settlement for a much smaller project, the Island Institute has repeatedly been asked to advocate for a balanced use of the island resources…

The Maine Island Trail Association: 1986 - 1991

In 1985 and 1986, the Bureau of Public Lands contracted the Island Institute to make management recommendations for approximately 100 state-owned islands with potential for recreational use.  Together with Dave Getchell, we envisioned an ‘island trail’ managed by user-volunteers that advanced a model of low-impact use… 

"The Island and Waters of the Gulf of Maine": 1993 - 1999

After an intensive long-range planning process, the Institute amended its mission statement in 1993 to extend our geographical area of interest to ‘the islands and waters of the Gulf of Maine.’ Concurrently, we launched a Marine Resources program that we promoted through a new publication, The Working Waterfront…

From 410 Main Street to 386 Main Street: 2000 - 2002

In 1996, the Institute moved into new quarters at 410 Main Street in downtown Rockland, incorporating a small space for an island-artists’ cooperative.  Three years later, we were ready to expand further and acquired our present location at 386 Main Street, a block and a half from the Farnsworth Art Museum, renovating a four-story building and creating a larger retail space that was devoted to directly promoting island artists and craftspeople.

"Sustaining a Way of Life": 2003 - present

In 2003, the Island Institute initiated “Sustaining a Way of Life: the Campaign for Maine Islands and Working Waterfronts,” a capital campaign that has raised more than $20 million towards an endowment that ensures the continued success of the Island Institute and its important programs.