News from the Norlands

March 3, 2026

Dear Washburn-Norlands Supporters,

Greetings from the Washburn-Norlands Foundation. I can’t believe it is already March, with our 2026 season kickoff, Maple Sunday, less than three weeks away! It is my pleasure to share some “News from the Norlands” and invite you to join me as a Donor-Member as we “Celebrate the Norlands” in 2026. 

This is my third winter as Board President at the Norlands. A few weeks ago, I joined volunteers ages 17 to over 70, addressing and stuffing envelopes for this annual appeal. I am overwhelmed with the excitement that has returned to the Norlands. I saw 6th generation Livermore families, Washburns who have returned to Maine, longtime volunteers, our enthusiastic staff, and more than a few high school students helping. Four years ago, we put out the call to “Save the Norlands”. When our house is filled with love and laughter, it shows how our generous supporters have brought life back to our 400 acres, and given great promise for our future.

This year is special because besides being America’s 250th birthday, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Israel Washburn, Sr. Trust, which placed the Norlands property and all of its contents in an irrevocable trust to descendants of the ten Washburn brothers and sisters. He intended for the family to be forever connected to each other and to the community through maintaining and enjoying this property which has been loved for generations. Today, we see the impact of his legacy – The Israel Washburn Sr. Trust is now the non-profit Washburn Norlands Foundation which has continued his vision of connecting the family and serving the community.  I love welcoming Washburns from around the world back to the Norlands, connecting with the descendants of our family’s Livermore cousins and neighbors, and working to serve people throughout our area with history education, community events, and access to our beautiful property.

Between successful Living History Days, Farm-to-Table Dinners, school & homeschool field trips, volunteer projects, outstanding interns and visitors from far and wide, our year was filled with activity. It is always a joy to welcome family, friends and first time visitors to experience the magic at the Norlands. The numbers tell the story:

• Over 3500 students from across Maine and visitors of all ages enjoyed a field trip, tour, meal or special event.
• Our four signature events, Maple Sunday, Strawberry Day, Haunted Harvest and Olde Fashioned Christmas at Norlands with the JLLF Chamber of Commerce were a huge success.
• Three happy couples were married at the Norlands and held their receptions in the barn.
• Five interns worked over 2300 hours in the Washburn Archives, making our collection more accessible than ever!
• Volunteers, ranging from ages 12 to over 80, contributed over 10,000 hours to the Norlands.
• Our goats, sheep, chickens and horse, Molly, have thrived.  In 2026, we will begin selling wool from our sheep, so if you knit or crochet, you are in for a special treat. 

This year, we had the pleasure of hosting the Year to Volunteer group, a national organization of RVers committed to serving the historic sites they enjoy on their travels. Their transformative work made a huge difference on our grounds. They replaced all of our pasture fencing, giving the animals larger safe spaces to roam and their improvements to our parking area have made a lasting impact on our site. 

The Congressional District Spending grant to restore the Library, Meeting House and other historic buildings has reached the environmental review stage and when that is completed, construction can begin. I have learned a lot about doing a large-scale federal restoration project. It is more complicated than I expected and I am thankful to have an outstanding board and staff at my side to help navigate the process.

For 2026, we are actively booking school groups, adult group visits, weddings and historical experiences while also offering farm-to-table dinners, our four signature events, an eventful summer season and a surprise or two for America’s 250th birthday. You may want to save June 28 for a patriotic sing-along in the Meeting House inspired by one of William Drew Washburn’s summer services from over 100 years ago.

Maintaining a 400 acre historic property takes more than the revenue from these activities alone. With your continued support, we can have another strong year in 2026.  We see great opportunities ahead and hope you will continue to value what we provide and help us ensure that our facilities, collections, employment opportunities, research support and educational programs are accessible to all.

With a contribution of $35 or more, you receive the benefits of membership, including free admission, while providing generous support to the Norlands at the same time. With a donation of $100 or above, you will receive admission to 1,200 museums nationwide through the National Association of Reciprocal Museums (NARM). All memberships and donations, regardless of size, are structured to be 100% tax deductible.  You can give online at norlands.org or by using the enclosed envelope.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at president@norlands.org. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.  

I look forward to celebrating our successes with you as we “Celebrate the Norlands” in 2026. I hope that you will have a chance to visit the Norlands this year! 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees,

Ashley Heyer

President & Co-Director, Washburn-Norlands Foundation

Great-Great-Great Granddaughter of Elihu B. Washburne

Washburn-Norlands Foundation Trustees                                     

Ashley Heyer, President                       Renee Bonin
Mary Castonguay, Vice President       Isaiah Davis 
Tom Mullin, Secretary                           Jane Frost
Sarah Washburne, Treasurer               Ron Kley
Mike Bell                                                  Conner Trembley