Each program helps students identify with the past and develop an appreciation for the present.
Journey into History at the Norlands Living History Center. We offer a variety of interactive programs to enable our guests to experience life as it truly was in 19th-century Maine. The Norlands is the home of the Washburn family estate. It is a place that bears witness to the humble beginnings of this remarkable Livermore family who became one of America’s great political dynasties. Today, the Norlands is a living museum and working farmstead operating as it did in the 1800s. Our programs are designed for history lovers of all ages. The Norlands’ offers 90-minute & 4-hour educational learning experiences for elementary students, homeschoolers, boys and girls scouts, and other youth groups in addition to high school and college students. Our educational programs take place throughout the estate and in the historic buildings connected to the learning experiences of your program.
Journey into History programs focus on different themes to demonstrate how people of the past lived from day to day, as well as the values learned through those activities. Costumed interpretive staff use hands-on activities, primary source documents, and authentic objects in our programs.
Depending on which Program you've chosen to participate in your group might:
Our programs are designed to meet the Maine State Learning Results and several programs have comprehensive pre-and post-visit materials to enhance your student’s experience. Our staff has been trained in group management and takes the safety of all guests as our first priority.
Depending on which Program you've chosen to participate in your group might:
- go to School & learn the way "scholars" did in 1870, through recitation and with chalk & ink pens;
- play recess games of the time period;
- help out in the Mansion's Kitchen to do the washing, bake a dessert to share, bring in firewood for the cookstove, carry water from the outside pump, & investigate some of the "tools of the trade" used for making and preserving food;
- work on the Farm - gather eggs, tend to Norlands livestock, or plant, weed, hoe, gather, mulch & generally tend the garden, (older children may get to participate in tasks such as barn maintenance, fence mending, & firewood cutting). Farm work is largely driven by the weather, the season, & farm/livestock needs;
- hear the story of how Norlands was built by the remarkable Washburn family.
Our programs are designed to meet the Maine State Learning Results and several programs have comprehensive pre-and post-visit materials to enhance your student’s experience. Our staff has been trained in group management and takes the safety of all guests as our first priority.
Logistics:
- Program start and end times can vary slightly with the needs of your group. Plan for adequate travel times when you request your date/time with us. Educational Programs are typically scheduled between 10am-2pm.
- Students should bring or be provided with a lunch for 4-hour programs. Depending on weather, students will either eat outside on picnic tables or in the Mansion Kitchen.
- Outside learning experiences are common at Norlands, please have children dressed weather appropriately & with sturdy foot gear.
Program Assistance:
Are you looking for a great way to inspire your students about Maine History, but can't find the funds you need to make it happen? Do you want to include a field trip to the Norlands in your curriculum but are having difficulty paying for the bus? Program scholarships may be available, thanks to the generosity of the Helen and George Ladd Charitable Corporation. A scholarship for up to one-third to one-half the total cost of your program may be awarded to schools in need.
To apply for Ladd Grant funding:
Are you looking for a great way to inspire your students about Maine History, but can't find the funds you need to make it happen? Do you want to include a field trip to the Norlands in your curriculum but are having difficulty paying for the bus? Program scholarships may be available, thanks to the generosity of the Helen and George Ladd Charitable Corporation. A scholarship for up to one-third to one-half the total cost of your program may be awarded to schools in need.
To apply for Ladd Grant funding:
- When you return the Program Reservation Packet Norlands sends to you after initial contact, you should include a letter of funding support request on your school, group, or co-op's letterhead.
- Tell us why you feel a Norlands visit is:
- an important part of your curriculum and/or;
- how it fits into your curriculum, and/or;
- why you are bringing your group to us.
- Please include how the Ladd Grant funds would contribute to your ability to bring your group to Norlands (e.g., restrictions on budgets for field trips; homeschool co-op off-set for transportation costs; trying to limit student fee; etc.).
- First-come-first served basis - so get your reservation forms in as soon as possible - as funding is limited.
- Level of need. We evaluate all groups equally, regardless of group size, or sending organization designation (public, private, community group).
- Still have questions? call 207-897-4366 or email norlands@norlands.org
