Rockefeller Hall

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Schoodic Peninsula

Significance:

Historic Structure

Amenities

11 listed

Entrance Passes for Sale, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Tactile Exhibit, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchairs Available

Rockefeller Hall serves as the welcome center for the Schoodic Institute campus and is a great starting point for exploring the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park. Inside, visitors can speak with park staff, pick up maps and brochures, browse the park store, and explore exhibits about Acadia's ecology and the history of naval radio communication on the Schoodic Peninsula.

History

Rockefeller Hall was constructed in 1934 for the new naval base on Schoodic Peninsula. The base, strategically located on a quiet peninsula in by the north Atlantic Ocean, focused on radio communications with Europe. Like much of the base, Rockefeller Hall was funded by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The building was designed by Grosvenor Atterbury in a French Eclectic style and intended to be the centerpiece of the base. For several years, it served as an operation center and military housing.

Today, Rockefeller Hall is one of four original base buildings at the Schoodic Education and Research Center. The research center partners with Acadia National Park to further scientific research and education. Every year, the center introduces thousands of students and park visitors to environmental science and conservation.In 2010s, Rockefeller Hall underwent restoration and safety rennovations and now operates as the Rockefeller Welcome Center.

What to Expect

Two accessible parallel parking spaces are located directly in front of the building entrance. A paved route leads from the parking spaces to the entrance, with accessible ramps on both sides of the front entrance stairs.

Just inside the entrance, a manual wheelchair is available for visitors to borrow during their visit to the building. Rockefeller Hall is designed to provide an accessible visitor experience. The main entrance, information desk, park store, restrooms, and exhibit spaces are connected by accessible routes.

The back deck has seating and interpretive waysides about the Schoodic Peninsula ecology and history. 

Tags: acadia national park