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

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 Booking:   Journey II:  Life in Rural Maine, 1870s A total farm participation program for students, youth groups, and adults.    The Norlands’ Life in Rural Maine program is making a comeback and we’re now booking for late spring, summer, and fall. This is a total participation experience with students working in the farmer’s cottage, barnyard, fields and woods doing daily and seasonal chores.   Participants gain an in-depth knowledge of rural Maine farm life and an understanding of how families lived a frugal lifestyle, the importance of individuals within the family and the family in the neighborhood.  Students assume the role of someone who actually lived in 1870 as they simulate 19th century gender roles by working with oxen or doing household tasks.  An authentic noon meal is prepared by the girls.  Pre-visit material provided.   Grade 4 through Adult Time/Cost: 4 hour program costs $350.00.  Scholarship assistance is available for school and youth groups.  Contact us for details. The maximum group size is 24 people, including chaperones and teachers.

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Photos from the Rally for Norlands
Civil War Reenactment Weekend

Now Accepting Reservations for School Programs
Journey into History