School Programs

We are not currently scheduling school programs. Please check back for updates.

Our programs are largely hands-on learning. Students experience historic life in rural Maine by working with and being in contact with everyday objects and an atmosphere surrounding that life. Children who came to the Norlands in the beginning have come back with their children and even grandchildren.

Several of the programs offer pre-visit materials that are designed to help you prepare and get the most out of the program for your students. Please contact us at norlands@norlands.org or (207) 897-4366 to learn more about our programs or to request materials about a specific program. The Norlands’ staff will work very hard to meet your needs and to modify programs upon request. You can find additional information including program length and pricing by viewing our “School Program Pricing Page”.

Journey I (Grade 2 – Adult)

(offered on a limited basis only)

A Typical Day in School, 1850

Time to review the basics; reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic in the Norlands one-room schoolhouse. Scholars experience the education of the period by role playing actual children of the district and using materials common to the time, including slates, quill pens, and early readers. Pre-visit material provided.

(Bring a noon lunch)

Journey III (Grade 4 – Adult)

The Busy Cradle

A true tale of Maine History. This lively, interactive story has the students “become” the seven famous Washburn brothers and their three sisters. Instrumental in changing the face of politics and business, this amazing family is also the benefactor of this grand estate. (Bring a noon lunch)

Journey IV (Grade 3 – Adult)

Visit to the Farm

Students interact with a costumed interpreter to discover how life was lived in 1870 rural Maine as they visit the farm kitchen and barn. Artifacts from the period are used to convey information through the inquiry method. (Bring a noon lunch)

Modified Journey IV (Grade K—2)

The program will include a barn tour and a kitchen visit where activities may include baking cookies in the wood stove oven and a spinning demonstration.

A hayride will be possible if weather and other circumstances permit. (Bring a noon lunch)

Journey VI (Grade 4—Adult)

Fun & Games, 1870

Even the games played long ago carried lessons with them. Indoor games, using materials at hand, show the rural way of life when leisure time was earned, a reward for work well done.

(Bring a noon lunch)

Journey VII (Grade 3 – Adult)

Norlands through the Years

Offered seasonally, from April through October, this is a journey through the Norlands historic buildings with a discussion of how the landscape, buildings, and daily life have changed through the years.

(Bring a noon lunch)

Journey X (Grade K – 2)

To Market, To Market

Based on the award-winning book, The Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall. Students learn about the life of early settlers.

(Bring a noon lunch)

View school program pricing details.

Web site questions and comments may be sent to

webmaster@norlands.org

Washburn-Norlands Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization

Washburn Norlands Living History Center

Washburn Norlands Foundation, Inc.

290 Norlands Road