
LIVERMORE — Experience life in 19th-century Maine and learn about Livermore’s celebrated Washburn family at the Norlands Living History Center at 290 Norlands Road. In July and August, Norlands is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Those who stop in can tour the 1867 Washburn family mansion and farmer’s cottage and attend school in the one-room schoolhouse. Interpreters, dressed in period clothing, portray a local person, someone you might have met had you visited Norlands in the 1800s. The school master will encourage participants to practice their reading, writing, and ’rithmetic in the District #7 school house. Mansion tours will be guided by an interpreter portraying a Washburn or a neighbor.

Round out the visit with a nature walk on a historic carriage trail. A short hike leads to the Pools of Simeon, reflecting pools designed by William Drew Washburn in 1903. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Admission will cost $15 for adults, $6 for children 12 and younger and free for those 6 and younger.
The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is a multifaceted museum offering in-depth experiences in 19th century rural life. Its mission is to preserve the heritage and traditions of rural life in Maine’s past, to celebrate the achievements of Livermore’s Washburn family, and to use living history methods to make values, activities, and issues of the past relevant to present and future generations.
For more information, visit norlands.org or call 207-897-4366.

Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less