Washburn-Norlands Living History Center

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is a multifaceted museum offering in-depth experiences in 19th century rural life. Our mission is to preserve the heritage and traditions of rural life in Maine's past, to celebrate the achievements of Livermore's Washburn family, and to use living history methods to make values, activities, and issues of the past relevant to present and future generations.

The Washburn’s 400-acre property is home to a stately Victorian country mansion (c.1867), granite library (c.1883),   Universalist meetinghouse (c.1828), one-room schoolhouse (c.1853), and an expanse of picturesque working farmland.

Step back into the 19^th century and enjoy an afternoon of history and fun at Maine’s oldest living history farm.

THE WASHBURN FAMILY

Between 1813 and 1833, Israel and Martha Washburn gave birth to 11 children in Livermore, Maine. Among them were: two state Governors, four Congressmen, one U.S. Senator, two Foreign Ministers, one Civil War General, one Navy Captain, one Secretary of State, the founder of Washburn-Crosby Gold Medal Flour, the inventor of a typewriter, President of the Soo Railroad, and three noted authors. All of them called the Norlands home. No other American family has produced an equivalent level of political and business leadership in a single generation than that of the Washburns from Livermore, Maine.

Maine’s Oldest Living History Farm and Museum

Unique, interactive programming for all ages.  

Costumed interpreters present 19^th-century life.  

• MANSION TOURS: Step back in time and hear tales of the Washburn family and their many achievements.
• Demonstrations and hands-on activities giving guests the chance to experience many of the rural arts commonly practiced in the mid-1800s.
•  JOURNEY INTO HISTORY GROUP AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Visit the farmer’s cottage where seasonal chores take place, play period games, learn the day’s lesson in the one-room schoolhouse, work on the farm, and more.