LIVERMORE — The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center will open for an interactive Christmas celebration this year. “Christmas at Norlands: Snowflakes” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

Attendees may participate in 19th century parlor games, storytelling and holiday readings from the past, children’s hands-on activities in the Norlands kitchen and may visit the simply decorated Washburn mansion.

Activity or music will be found in every room. Visitors may join in with the carolers around the antique piano or have a sweet treat and mulled cider in the kitchen. In the gentleman’s parlor, Washburn descendant and family historian Kerck Kelsey will read and tell stories about what life was like for the Washburn children who grew up in the 1800s in Livermore.

There will be antique toys, walking trails to the tall pines, jingle bell wagon rides and paper-cutting activity for children and adults. The new Farmers Cottage at the museum will also be open for tours.

The event has been organized by a group of Norlands volunteers who have been studying Livermore history and the lifestyles of people in the late 1800s. The historical interpreters also present Norlands living history programs for Maine schoolchildren throughout the year. The schoolmarm will open the one-room schoolhouse during the Christmas at Norlands celebration and invites visitors to an old-time spelling bee.

For more information about the event, call 897-4366 or visit www.norlands.org. The center is located at 290 Norlands Road. Admission is $8; children under 12, $4; under 6, free. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit museum.

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