Wood carvers in Maine are worried that their historical craft is on the decline.

The Bangor Daily News reports wood carvers from Down East Maine are concerned that such a rewarding piece of Maine’s history will eventually die out.

Members of the Down East Section of the Maine Wood Carvers Association are hopeful to keep the craft alive despite little interest from the younger generation.

Edwin Hawkes of Bar Harbor says he still learns every day and particularly enjoys the problem solving that comes with the craft.

“I think that almost anybody that is a carver has a good feeling about, ‘I’m doing something worthwhile”‘ Hawkes said.

Originally starting as a method used for hunting, wood carving spiked in popularity in the 20th century. Some carvers suggest viewing the craft as a form of art will help it maintain relevance.

“We don’t want it to die” said Airin Wolf, a former president of the association. “This is an old craft.”

The Gilley Museum of Southwest Harbor was opened in 1981, where droves of carvers from Hancock County got their start.

Museum Director Sean Charette says preserving the history and craft is crucial, and a good way for people to appreciate both is to make something themselves.

“From what I’ve seen everybody does have that (creativity) in one way or another,” said Charrette, “There are lots and lots of ways to be creative, I think it’s really important to give people opportunities to try that.”