Washburn-Norlands Foundation

Heritage Tourism:The Washburn Norlands Living History Center conducted site tours, living history days, and farm to table experiences for the public throughout the year. Visitors learned about the contributions of each member of the Washburn family in the building of our nation. In addition, as visitors walked among the buildings and fields of the history center, historical farm practices were revealed through a hands-on approach using authentic artifacts. Over 800 visitors participated in heritage tourism. Site tours were booked in advance and open history days were promoted and announced by season. Both were conducted throughout the year.

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, and scout groups. The young visitors who came on site learned what 19th century life was like in rural Maine. They also learned about the inspiring story of the Washburn family. Interpreters led programs using first-person role play as the teaching method. Over 1,000 young learners participated in the programs. Maine state education standards for Social Studies were integrated into the programs to help students develop an understanding of the Civil War era.