The mansion at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is seen Saturday morning, Sept. 30, at 290 Norlands Road in Livermore. The center is in the midst of the 50th season of fall programming. For a fee visitors can tour the mansion, school, library and church to learn about Livermore’s past and how life was lived in the 19th century. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
LIVERMORE — A month into the 50th fall season of activities at The Norlands, there is still lots of time to experience history and recapture a former way of life before the season ends on Nov. 18.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 30, April Payne was peeling apples for an apple crisp. Later she used a pastry blender to mix sugars, flour and other ingredients for the dessert.
“Early folks get to watch me make it, later ones get to have some,” she said.
Originally from Michigan, Payne was hired in mid September as curator for the Norlands. Payne’s main project is working on the library, eventually she will get to the mansion. She shared that she loves her commute since she lives at the Norlands.
A pan of applesauce simmered on the woodstove, adding more fall flavors to the air.
John Hunnewell of Buckfield was reminiscing with his friend, Sharon Burns also of Buckfield about his past experiences at the Norlands. They stopped in the kitchen to talk about woodstoves they remembered using.
Burns said it was her first visit to Norlands.
“I wanted to bring her up here,” Hunnewell noted. “My daughter got married in the church here. My grandson, Hunter McDonald was supposed to walk down the aisle with her. He was more interested in seeing the animals.”
Outside, sheep grazed in one pasture while goats were in another. One goat was portraying the adage, “the grass is always greener on the other side” as it reached through the page wire fencing to nibble on something that was more appealing to it. Chickens roamed the property at will, often taking time to pluck up a bug.
Between living history days, school field trips, site tours, farm-to-table meals, and more, the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center has something for everyone this fall.
“Our fall season showcases the best of the Norlands, where the 19th century comes alive,” Renee Bonin, president of the board of trustees, said in a release last week. “From the farm to the school to the main house to the library, visitors experience Maine in a place where the hands of time turn slowly.”
April Payne, curator at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, looks up while peeling apples for apple crisp Saturday morning, Sept. 30, in the farmer’s cottage kitchen. The facility at 290 Norlands Road in Livermore is open for its 50th fall season of programming. Payne said early Saturday visitors get to watch how the dessert is made while later ones get to taste it. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Every Saturday through Nov. 18, the Norlands holds living history days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical interpreters take visitors back to the 1870s by telling stories of Livermore and the Washburn family. Cooking in the farmer’s cottage, sewing in the main kitchen, visiting with the barn animals, holding school in 1870, discovering treasures in the library and touring the Washburn family’s summer home showcase the past.
Sharon Burns at left and John Hunnewell, both of Buckfield, talk about cooking on a woodstove Saturday morning, Sept. 30, while touring Washburn-Norlands Living History Center at 290 Norlands Road in Livermore. For a fee the center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 18 for tours. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
The preacher may even come through to deliver a short historic sermon in the 1828 Universalist meeting house. On nice days, learn the games families played on the lawn and hike the historic carriage trails.
During the week school field trips – remembered by many Mainers – are once again available but are booking fast, the release noted. COVID-19 and funding issues halted them for a time.
The Norlands sampler program gives history lovers of all ages hands-on experiences regarding activities children did in the 1870s. The program also includes many of the activities enjoyed during Saturday visits.
“Welcoming people to our family’s homestead since 1808 and working to preserve and present our collections is an experience like no other,” Ashley Heyer, a trustee and descendant of Elihu B. Washburne, said in the release. “Descendants from all ten Washburn brothers and sisters have stepped forward this year to ensure the Norlands will remain open for years to come. Any day you visit, there is a good chance that you will meet one of our family members from around the world.”
A goat reaches through a fence for tastier forages Saturday morning, Sept. 30, at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road in Livermore. Sheep, goats and chickens are once again found at the center for visitors to enjoy during tours or other programs. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Additionally, Tuesday through Friday historic site tours may be arranged at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tours are perfect for those who want to learn more about the Washburn family or have an interest in historic properties and artifacts. Visitors are asked to pre-book tours online.
New this season, the Norlands is also hosting farm-to-table meals. Two have already been held in the barn, with future meals featuring brunch or dinner in the mansion and another one in the barn.
The Sept. 30 meal was sold out. Mary Castonguay, treasurer of Washburn-Norlands Foundation on Monday said a second meal has been added Friday for Veterans Day weekend.
“Our farmer/chef Emelia Robbins has designed a series of classic Maine meals featuring seasonal products from Livermore area family owned farms,” according to the center’s website. “Members receive a 15% discount on all meals.”
Remaining farm-to-table meals will be:
• Oct. 15 Brunch in the mansion dining room, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Oct. 28 Maine bean supper in the barn, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 10 & 11 Veterans Day dinner in the mansion, 5 – 9 p.m.
Seating is limited. Advanced prices are $40 for adults, $20 for children.
The Norlands is once again open for weddings and private parties with unique opportunities throughout the site.
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