The Founder of the Maine Military Museum Has Passed Away

According to an article on the WMTW website, Lee Humiston, the founder, director, and curator of the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center in South Portland, has died at the age of 86.

His family confirmed to Maine’s Total Coverage that Humiston passed away peacefully Wednesday morning in Scarborough, surrounded by loved ones. As of Thursday, funeral arrangements had not yet been announced.

A South Portland native, Humiston joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and went on to dedicate 50 years of service to his country.

Beyond his military career, Humiston was deeply passionate about history, particularly the stories of prisoners of war.  Over the years, he built one of the largest known collections of POW-related artifacts in the world.

He later founded the museum as a way to share that passion and honor all who have served, not just those in wartime.  Known for his hands-on approach, Humiston was a constant presence at the museum, welcoming visitors and hosting community groups and events.

In a 2017 interview, Humiston explained that the museum’s mission went beyond simply displaying artifacts, emphasizing that it exists to share meaningful, human stories rooted in real history, with a strong focus on Maine’s role.

Our thoughts are with Humiston's family and friends.

You'll find the museum in South Portland and you can read more about it HERE.