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LIVERMORE — The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center will open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, for a family-friendly interactive Christmas celebration at 290 Norlands Road. Experience Christmas in the 19th century and participate in living history activities around this beautiful and tranquil estate. 
Activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, period crafts, storytelling, parlor games, cooking in the farmer’s cottage, the one-room schoolhouse and tours of the decorated 1867 Washburn family Italianate mansion. Mulled cider and other refreshments made fresh on the woodstove will be available while supplies last.
See and hear how the Washburns and their neighbors, the Bradfords, anticipated Christmas and prepared for the holiday. Journey back in time for a greater understanding of how the holiday evolved over the course of the 19th century and the different ways Washburn family members celebrated in cities such as Chicago and Washington, D.C., during the 1800s compared to family members living at Norlands at the same time.
In the mansion, see beautifully embellished Civil War-era fashions on display. The dining room is decorated as if the Washburns are expecting guests. Children can help decorate the tree and will be intrigued with the historic toys on display. “Aunt Clara” will be visiting and sharing stories of Christmas past and parlor games for all ages. In Mr. Washburn’s kitchen, string popcorn for the tree or make a period craft.
The redesigned gift shop will be open and filled with unique treasures to meet your holiday shopping needs. There is something for everyone: Norlands’ own maple syrup, old-time toys, books, prints, cards, mop caps, old-fashioned stick and rock candy, and more. A cookie walk fundraiser benefits the new barn fund. For only $5, fill a bag with delicious homemade cookies to take home.
You are guaranteed to leave with lasting memories of how Christmas may have been celebrated in rural 19th-century Maine. The joyous feeling of an old-fashioned winter celebration will no doubt carry you through the season. Admission is $10 per person or $6 ages 12 and under with a $25 family rate. For more information, call 207-897-4366 or visit www.NORLANDS.org.
If the weather is questionable, please check for an event cancellation notice on Norlands’ Facebook page or outgoing telephone message by calling 207-897-4366 by 9 a.m. the day of the event of the event.
