One lucky individual will soon have the rare experience of paddling his own birchbark canoe, just like the ones built by Penobscot Indians in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Penobscot Marine Museum has announced that it will raffle the canoe to raise funds for a popular public demonstration, and the drawing will be held July 1, 2010 -- in good time for the canoeing season.

"This is an extraordinary chance to own a piece of Maine history and American heritage," said Niles Parker, executive director of the museum.

At 16 feet overall, the canoe is authentic down to the last detail. Real birchbark is lashed to white cedar gunwales with split spruce root, and seams are sealed with a mixture of pine sap and fat. No nails or other metal were used anywhere in its construction.

Named a 2009 "Boat of the Year" by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine, the birchbark canoe was built at the Penobscot Marine Museum by a team of Native Americans from Maine and New Brunswick, led by master builder Steve Cayard of Wellington, Maine. The two-week-long demonstration was one of the museum's most popular events last summer. "By raffling this canoe, we'll be able to host another demonstration in 2010," said Parker.

In addition to the canoe as the Grand Prize (valued at $9,950), the raffle includes a 1st Prize of Sponsor-level museum membership (valued at $250), and a $150 gift certificate to the Museum Store. Tickets are $100, and sales are strictly limited to 200. The canoe will be displayed at various locations throughout the state until the drawing. For more information, contact the museum at 207-548-2529.

Read the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors article about the museum's birchbark canoe.