WISCASSET — Historic New England’s Castle Tucker and Nickels-Sortwell House will open for the season on Saturday, May 31.

Built in 1807 on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River, Castle Tucker takes you back in time to the life of an upper middle-class 19th-century family in Wiscasset. Captain Richard Tucker Jr., eldest son of a prominent local shipping family, bought the house in 1858. He and his young wife Mollie redecorated the unusual mansion, furnishing it in the Victorian style.

Come hear stories of the Tuckers’ life in this house for over 100 years while you look at original interior decoration and furnishings preserved by three generations of Tucker family women. Hear how the Tuckers survived economic downturns, wars and family issues while still maintaining their public image in society.

is at 2 Lee Street, and is open Wednesday-Friday through Oct. 15. Admission is free for Historic New England members, Wiscasset residents and active U.S. military. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $7 seniors and $4 children.

Nickels-Sortwell House has been the jewel of Wiscasset’s Main Street since it was built by sea captain William Nickels at the peak of the town’s prosperity in 1807. After Captain Nickels’ death in 1814, a series of owners operated the house as a hotel until it was purchased in 1899 by successful industrialist and former mayor of Cambridge, Mass., Alvin Sortwell as a summer home for his large and active family.

The house was lovingly restored by Alvin’s wife Gertrude and daughter Frances, who decorated and furnished the house in the Colonial Revival style. The Sortwell family enjoyed the mansion as a private home and family gathering place until 1956, when it was given to Historic New England.

Come hear stories of life in the Gilded Age while touring this exquisite house. The Nickels-Sortwell House is at 121 Main Street, and is open Friday-Sunday through Oct. 15. Admission is free for Historic New England members, Wiscasset residents and active U.S. military. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $7 seniors and $4 children.

For more information, call 207-882-7169 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.