Welcome
to the Norlands
Join us for an exciting adventure into the past. At
the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, we
offer a variety of inter-active programs to enable
our guests to experience life as it truly was in
18th and 19th century Maine.
Norlands is 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 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
of the Washburn-Crosby Gold Medal Flour Company,
invention of a typewriter, and serving as president
of a railroad.
Today, Norlands is a multifaceted museum
offering in-depth experiences in 18th and
19th century rural life. Here, the visitor
is an active participant in daily and seasonal
farming and housework, and becomes involved
in the social, political and educational
activities of the times.
"When
the long dun wolds are ribb'd with snow,
And loud the Norland whirlwinds blow,"
From: THE
BALLAD OF ORIANA,
by Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) |
Martha Washburn & Sons |
Support the 2011 Annual Fund – Give Today
During a recent interview on National Public Radio, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough described the Norlands as "...an absolute treasure!" We know you appreciate the treasure that is Norlands, a nationally renowned center for hands-on living history education.
We've come a long way since the fire of 2008 which destroyed the barn and Farmer's Cottage and brought our programs to a halt.
- The Farmer's Cottage is rebuilt and open for limited programming.
- The historical agriculture program has been revived with new gardens planted, a chicken flock back in residence and a team of oxen to come in early 2012.
- With our small staff and dedicated volunteers we launched two successful new programs this fall: Haunted History Hayrides and a Veterans' Day Remembrance Dinner and program.
The Norlands is in crucial need of your support right now.
- Additional staffing is needed in order to bring back all of the high quality programs that define our core mission and support us financially.
- The barn must be rebuilt and a live-in caretaker/farm worker hired to provide much needed help, as the farm becomes fully functioning once again.
- The Library, Meeting House and Mansion are all in critical need of maintenance.
Will you help? We can't do it without you. Giving may be easier than you think. Monthly or quarterly payments can be arranged that make a significant gift possible. Please indicate your interest on the attached appeal card or establish automatic deductions online through Network for Good.
Donating through Network for for Good is secure and easy.
GIVE TODAY by printing and mailing the Appeal Card or making a gift through Network for Good .
With generous donors and dedicated volunteers and staff, we will continue to make history come alive at the Norlands for present and future generations!
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CARETAKER POSITION OPEN
Norlands is seeking seeking a CARETAKER for historic 19th century museum and farm. This is a year-round farm hand position in exchange for housing. Requires experience with large farm animals and general maintenance.
Please click here for details. |
Photos from the Rally for Norlands
Civil War Reenactment Weekend
Now Accepting Reservations for School Programs
Journey into History
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