Criterion C: Architecture 
Period of Significance: 1921
Local Level of Significance
The Wilson Museum in Castine, Hancock County, Maine is significant under Criterion C as an example of an early twentieth century architect-designed, purpose-built museum building. The Wilson Museum was constructed as a fireproof building with specialized materials including steel framing, concrete floors, brick walls, an asbestos shingle roof, and steel windows. Proprietary materials like Fisklock bricks and asbestos shingles combined the advantages of fireproof construction with innovation aimed at lowering production and installation costs. At the interior, a very specific layout, minimal interior decoration, and display cabinets chosen with properties for the best display of specimens demonstrate the best design practices for science museums at the time of its construction. The Wilson Museum is significant at the local level. The period of significance is 1921, the year the Wilson Museum was constructed.