BATH — In observance of its 50th anniversary, Maine Maritime Museum invites the public to join the celebration with an open house weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

A news release from the museum describes the open house as follows:

In addition to free admission, the museum’s popular Great Ships and Lighthouses river cruise, which features the Bath Iron Works waterfront, will be operating throughout the day at discounted prices.

The story of Maine is the story of the sea and of the people who have lived alongside it. It’s the story of shipbuilders, sailors, lighthouse keepers, lobstermen and fishermen. Museum visitors can experience this vast spectrum of maritime stories through exhibits, demonstrations and activities, including the museum’s latest exhibit about Maine’s maritime role in the War of 1812.

On its 20-acre campus along the banks of the Kennebec River, the museum’s exhibits include the historic Percy and Small Shipyard, where the world’s largest wooden sailing ship was built; the Grand Banks fishing schooner Sherman Zwicker; Lobstering in Maine; the remnants of the South Portland-built clipper ship Snow Squall; a working boat shop and more. There are also attractions for kids.

The museum will be open both days from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.