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 |
Now Accepting Reservations for School Programs:
Journey into History (click here)
Fundraising Raffles
In an effort to raise money for our rebuilding efforts
the Norlands is sponsoring several raffles. Click
on each for more info.
Family Vacation Raffle with
two prizes: 4 tickets to Saddleback and 4 tickets
to a Portland Seadogs baseball game
 |
Barn Rebuilding Plans
At the
Norlands' Annual Meeting, plans to build a
replica of the barn built in 1867 at the Washburn's
homestead, the Norlands, were unveiled. Anyone
who knows where a similarly constructed
barn exists should contact norlands@norlands.org. We
are interested in viewing the joinery and historic
construction methods." |
Watch this
website for future announcements about an old-time
barn raising. Many hands
and talents of all kinds will be needed.
|