The Maine Wild Blueberry Heritage Center
A Celebration of Culture, History, and Nature
🌿 Our History
The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center began in 2001 when Dell and Marie Emerson created Wild Blueberry Land — a bright-blue dome along Route 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine. Originally a small farmstand and bakery, it quickly grew into a lively stop where travelers could enjoy blueberry treats, learn about Maine’s wild blueberry industry, and celebrate the beauty of the land.
In 2016, Marie Emerson founded the nonprofit Heritage Center to protect and share the deeper story of wild blueberries — their connection to Maine’s history, environment, and people.
By 2023, the Center had fully transitioned into its current form, with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a mission focused on conservation and cultural heritage. Today, the iconic dome welcomes visitors from near and far, carrying forward a story thousands of years in the making.
🪶 The Wabanaki and the Wild Blueberry
For over 10,000 years, the Wabanaki Confederacy—the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations—have lived in balance with the land we now call Maine.
Wild blueberries have long been a sacred food for the Wabanaki people. They used blueberries not only for nourishment, but also for medicine and ceremony. Through careful stewardship, including controlled burns that rejuvenated the fields, the Wabanaki ensured that blueberry barrens remained healthy and productive for generations.
Today, we honor the Wabanaki’s traditional knowledge and their role as the first caretakers of the wild blueberry, ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated as part of Maine’s living history.
🫐 Wild Blueberry Heritage Today
Maine’s wild blueberries are more than just a crop—they are a way of life. Unlike cultivated blueberries, wild blueberries grow naturally in the rocky, glacial soil of Maine’s barrens, where they have thrived for over 10,000 years. These tiny, antioxidant-rich berries are not only delicious but also an essential part of Maine’s agricultural heritage.
The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center preserves this legacy by sharing the unique story of wild blueberries through:
Educational Exhibits – Learn about the science, history, and cultural significance of wild blueberries.
Virtual Museum – Access digital resources and oral histories from farmers, scientists, and Wabanaki elders.
Sustainability Initiatives – Discover how wild blueberry farming continues to be shaped by tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Seasonal Events & Tours – Experience the beauty of Maine’s blueberry barrens, taste fresh blueberry products, and celebrate the harvest season.
