Washburn-Norlands Foundation

Education: The Washburn Norlands Living History Center (WNLHC) provided educational programming for a variety of youth groups. These groups included public and private schools, homeschool co-ops, girls scouts and boy scouts. Children of all ages came on site and learned about what 19th century life was like in rural Maine. Interpreters led programs using first-person role play as the teaching method. There were 606 total participants. In addition, the Norlands shared its wealth of historical resources with those doing academic research on local history of the period. Workshops focusing on skills and art forms were conducted and participants learned farm practices prevalent during the 19th century.

Heritage Tourism:The Washburn Norlands Living History Center (WNLHC) conducted site tours and open living history days every Friday and Saturday throughout the year for the public. On open tour days, visitors enjoyed a walk among the buildings where they learned about the remarkable Washburn family and experienced what life was like on a 19th century farm. Site tours were booked in advance by appointment and guided by trained interpreters.