Washburn-Norlands Living History Center- Livermore, Maine

Raise the Barn Project

A barn-raising is being planned for the spring of 2012. If you would like to help now, drop us a line at 207-897-4366.

A few ARTIFACTS are still needed to complete the living history scene in the 1870's Farmers Cottage. If you can donate any of the following items that represent the 1870's era, please give us a call at 207-897-4366.

Ash Bucket
Bread Baskets for Serving
Ceramic or Stoneware Pitchers
Chamber Pots, Cutting Boards
Hair receivers
Measuring Spoons
Milk Separating Pans
Wooden Pestle (we have the mortar)
Pot Scrubber (metal)
Rocking Chairs
Rag Rugs
Rope Beds (singles)
Serving Bowls (medium sized)
Slotted Serving Spoons

Small Bureaus or Dry Sinks
Small Wooden Tables
Soap Dishes
Soap Stones
Soup Ladles
Tin to Keep Coffee
Tins for Salt
Saleratus and Bakewell Cream
Toaster rack
Wash Tubs
White Cotton Pillow Cases
White Cotton Sheets
Wool Blankets
New Mattresses

Thank You!

For material & supply donations call 207-897-4366

If you would like to contribute to our rebuilding efforts please click the box below and contribute securely through Network for Good.

Return of the Textiles

When Molly Carlson approached Norlands the day after our fire to help with disaster recovery we could see the concern in her eyes. We didn't, at the time, see all the expertise she brought, we saw it as the recovery process unfolded and Molly provided invaluable guidance and suggestions for the process. As part of a Federal Disaster Recovery Team Molly's experience touched many facets of collections.

Read the complete story about our textile recovery.

Photos After the Fire
Photos by Phil Poirier

It was a very close thing. The mansion was almost lost. If not for the pre-training of the Livermore Fire Department it would have gone up in flames with the high winds that were blowing on that rainy night. The Norlands is deeply indebted to the Livermore Fire Department. They trained for the possibility of fire at the Norlands and had a plan in place which saved a national treasure.

The Barn, before and after the fire

View looking back toward the mansion

We also wish to thank all of the other fire departments who responded as well as the hundred or so caring citizens who helped move historical artifacts from the mansion to the meeting house in the rain. A total of about 100 firefighters were at the scene including: those from Livermore Falls, Leeds, Turner, Wilton, New Sharon, Temple, Farmington, East Dixfield and Canton. Many thanks also to Jean Castonguay whose excavator was able to pull the burning farmer's cottage away from the mansion.

We are beginning to sort through what's left and make plans for rebuilding.