ROCKLAND — The Sail Power and Steam Museum at 75 Mechanic Street in Rockland is closed for the winter, but every Sunday the museum opens its doors to local musicians who want only to release a song that’s in their heart.

From Rockland and the surrounding areas, people show up to play and some to just listen and maybe sing along, if the mood strikes them. Opening in 2009, the museum enjoys regular hours in the summer from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Visitors are treated to interesting and educational displays. The museum is staffed by volunteers.

Twenty five people were at the museum when we showed up to watch the entertainers. Everyone was polite and each had a spotlight with their favorite songs. Some performed solo while others joined in. Guitars, harmonicas and a mandolin made the time seem to go too fast as the tunes kept coming.

Lewis Grant, of Rockland, has been a volunteer at the museum since it opened.

"I was here day one,” he said with a big smile. Born in Friendship, Lewis said he has lived in Rockland since he was 11 years old.

“I guess that pretty much makes me a native,” he said. Graduating in 1952, Lewis said his graduating class just had its 60th reunion this past year.

Grant did marine electronics until his retirement in 2008. His display at the museum is a working replica of fishing boat pilot house

Every Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. the museum opens it doors to anyone interested in an afternoon of music and song. Go to watch or go to participate, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.