Thomaston, Maine: Prison Gift Shop
An outlet for the crafts made by the inmates of Maine State Prison. Pleasant gift items; no leg irons or striped uniforms for sale. The prison was demolished in 2002, but the southeast corner of the wall still stands as a monument.
Maine State Prison Showroom
- Address:
- 358 Main St., Thomaston, ME
- Directions:
- On the west edge of town, on the south side of US 1, at the corner of Brooklyn Heights Rd. Next to the big, open field that used to be the prison. Also check out that last corner left of the old prison wall.
- Phone:
- 207-354-9237
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What a wonderful stop! The woodwork is outstanding and the employees are extremely helpful, sincere and knowledgeable.
[Sue Odom, 08/09/2023]
The unique aspect to this store is quite appealing. Adding interest to your visit is the staff, which consists of inmates themselves. I purchased a lobster rope doormat and as I was checking out, one of the inmates/craftsmen working there that day came up and explained how he makes them. Pretty cool. Business is booming he said.
[Casaflamingo, 10/26/2019]
The State Prison Showroom's new sign is pretty amusing!
[Cowboy Roy, 07/15/2017]
Tons of hand-carved wood items, from model boats and toys to exquisite furniture. Very reasonable prices (and the Maine State Prison stamp on the bottom is priceless). They don't ship... we'll be prepared next time with more cargo space in the car!
[Gretchen, 05/30/2013]The old Maine State Prison on Route 1 in Thomaston has been demolished. The idea of turning it into a tourist attraction, except for one weekend in February 2002 immediately after the inmates were relocated, was felt to be financially unviable. The Gift Shop, featuring crafts made by the inmates of the new State Prison, is still in the same place, next to the newly-vacant former Prison site.
[Mark Bickford, 08/24/2002]Page of 2 [Next 1 items]
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Maine law forbids any prisoner-made item from being shipped out of state, so the only place you can buy them is at the gift shop.