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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
Living History at the Norlands CenterWashburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore was the family home of the Washburns, one of the great political and industrial dynasties of the 19th century. Of the ten children born to Israel and Martha Washburn, seven sons rose to serve: as state governors, congressmen, a United States senator, Secretary of State, foreign ministers, a Civil War general, and a Navy captain. As industrialists, the brothers' achievements included founding the Washburn Crosby Gold Medal Flour Company. Today, Norlands is a multifaceted museum offering in-depth experiences in 18th and 19th century rural life. Visitors can actively participate in daily and seasonal farming and housework, and become involved in the social, political and educational activities of the time. Or, they can simply tour and appreciate this stately Victorian mansion, from elegantly-furnished parlor to farmer's kitchen, the adjoining barn where livestock still is sheltered, the one-room schoolhouse, the Universalist meetinghouse, the granite library, and the 445-acre hilltop farmlands and farmstead grounds. Historic interpretation at the Norlands began in 1954 under Billie Gammon, the founder and first director, who chose this living history approach because the organization needed money. Using interpreters, Gammon started a school program in Norlands one-room schoolhouse and took three outreach programs on the road: a school program based on hands-on teaching; "Life on the Farm," a typical work day in the 1800's; and "The Busy Cradle," the personal history of the Washburn family. In 2006, onsite and school visitation programs are available for all ages on many subjects pertaining to the 18th and 19th centuries, and special events are scheduled throughout the year. Those on the calendar for this summer include: On Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the annual Heritage Days celebration will be held at Norlands — with the addition of a new event this year, an Antique Car Show, sponsored by the Rotary Club. Heritage Days will include crafts, games, historical interpretations, tours, and fun. Delicious, homemade shortcake will be available. Admission is $2, and everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the festivities. On Wednesday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 7, two Summer Programs will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.: 1853 School and Recess Games. 1853 School is an on-hands experience in the Norlands one-room schoolhouse. "Students" will practice the three R's, using 19th century text and materials. They will also explore the beautiful Norlands grounds and learn about Maine history. Enrollment is $5 for adults, $3 for children. Advanced reservations are requested. Recess Games involves the active games that students played outdoors during recess. It was a great way to work out the kinks of sitting quietly in the schoolroom — and still is. The program costs $5 for adults, $3 for children. Advanced reservations are requested. For reservations, call 897-2236 or e-mail norlands@norlands.org. The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is located at 290 Norlands Road, off Route 108. For more information, visit its web site, www.norlands.org. | ||