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READFIELD — The Readfield Historical Society will host its summer season opening at 759 Main St., on Memorial Day weekend, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27.
Guests can enjoy the new RHS gift shop, open for the first time that weekend; browse the museum, collections and new library; and visit with the volunteer docents of the day.
Nancy Plourde, who serves one day every June as the RHS 19th century school teacher for Readfield third-graders, will be on hand for a RHS visitors’ meet and greet from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26.
Plourde was given an honorary lifetime membership by the society this spring for her dedication to the local history module she developed nearly two decades ago for Readfield Elementary School third-graders. She taught the RES third grade for more than 30 years, until her retirement, and the program has continued every year since with full support from subsequent third grade teachers.
The students study old buildings in town — many times their own homes; town historians visit their classroom to answer the kids’ questions and to tell some stories about “the old days” in Readfield. The third-graders go on a field trip to tour the historic Union Meeting House; and to visit Kents Hill Cemetery to learn about some interesting townspeople buried there. The grand finale is when they spend a day in the RHS 19th century classroom where Plourde becomes their teacher from the 1800s.
She pre-arranges with parents for the students to dress in period clothing for a day and to pack lunches appropriate for the era. As pupils of that time would have done, they walk to the old Depot School (which is now RHS) where they sit at old fashioned desks, write on slates and with quill pens, learn proper behavior for children in those days, and study using 19th century schoolbooks. They also receive guided tours of the RHS museum while there. This year they can have the added bonus of bringing their parents, family and friends to RHS on opening day to meet Plourde and to see the classroom first-hand.
For more information, or to be become a member of the society, call 207-377-2299 or email readfieldhistorical@gmail.com. The RHS building will be open10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and by appointment. Visit Readfield Historical Society on Facebook to enjoy posts and photos about local history and for updates on upcoming events.
PHOTO: Nancy Plourde dressed in character as a 19th century school teacher, at the Readfield Historical Society. Every year, in the month of June, she provides Readfield third-graders with a one-day experience in an 1800s classroom. This year Plourde will also be available to meet and greet RHS visitors on opening day, from 1 to 2 p.m. May 26. (Submitted photo)
