A Unique Look at the Rural History of America

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center and Museum, in Livermore, Maine is one of the most interesting places to expieriece American life as it was during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Washburn-Norlands may not be famous, or as old as some historical places in the world, but it captures a period in American history long since gone, in a unique and interesting way.

Originally home to the Washburn Family, the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is now a working museum, open all year long. Along with an extensive collection of antiques and historical resources, Washburn-Norlands offers several educational programs for all ages.

Israel Washburn, Sr. arrived in Livermore in 1806. He and his wife, Martha Benjamin Washburn had eleven children, ten of whom survived into adulthood. Their children went on to become prominent politicians in nineteenth century Maine, serving as congressional representatives and governors. Son Cadwallader Washburn migrated to west, where he served a term as governor of Wisconsin in 1872-1874. He also helped found Gold Medal Flour. Cadwallader's older brother, Elihu Washburn was a personal friend of President Abraham Lincoln.

Guests to the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center can tour the grand Italianate style house, with its period furnishings and decorations. There are several family portraits throughout the house, as well as hand painted murals gracing the ceilings. Washburn-Norlands is home to one of the largest antique clothing collections in Maine, featuring Victorian dresses from Paris and men's suits from Brooks Brother and Hart.

In the spacious kitchen, guests can help cook authentic nineteenth century meals, with home grown ingredients. Attached to the main house is the "farmer's quarters" where the servants slept. Just beyond the servants' quarters is the large barn, still full of livestock. Visitors are welcome to collect chicken eggs, or muck stalls, as part of experiencing life in the nineteenth century. Surrounding the main house and barn are beautiful fields and pastures, as well as ancient maple trees.

Just beyond the main house and barn, there is a beautiful old church from the 1820's, where wedding ceremonies are still held. Other buildings include a oneroom school house, and a gothic style library, built in 1884.

Washburn-Norland "Live Ins" allow visitors to experience a weekend of "Life in the 1870's." Guests each become a member of real nineteenth century family from the area. All guests are expected to pitch in with chores, meals, playtime, and school. Guests sleep in an old fashion bunkhouse, and bathroom accomdations include chamber pots and outhouses.

Washburn-Norlands offers a variety of school and group programs throughout the year, including day trips and overnight packages. In the spring, visitors can participate in Maine Maple Sunday, or dine at the Patriots Day Dinner. Washburn-Norlands is also a wonderful space for conferences, and other group activities. Programs for school-aged children include journeys back in time, experiencing a typical school day in the nineteenth century, as well as learning various games children played in the nineteenth century.

No childhood in Maine is complete without a visit to the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center. It may not be world famous, but it stands as a reminder of the hard work that helped to build rural communities throughout the United States.