Larry Whittington portrays Hiram Briggs in the 1853 schoolhouse. Contributed photo

LIVERMORE — Experience life in 19th-century Maine and learn about Livermore’s celebrated Washburn family at the Norlands Living History Center at 290 Norlands Road. In July and August, Norlands is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Those who stop in can tour the 1867 Washburn family mansion and farmer’s cottage and attend school in the one-room schoolhouse. Interpreters, dressed in period clothing, portray a local person, someone you might have met had you visited Norlands in the 1800s. The school master will encourage participants to practice their reading, writing, and ’rithmetic in the District #7 school house. Mansion tours will be guided by an interpreter portraying a Washburn or a neighbor.

Director of interpretation, Willi Irish, cooking in the farmer’s cottage. Contributed photo

Round out the visit with a nature walk on a historic carriage trail. A short hike leads to the Pools of Simeon, reflecting pools designed by William Drew Washburn in 1903.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Admission will cost $15 for adults, $6 for children 12 and younger and free for those 6 and younger.

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is a multifaceted museum offering in-depth experiences in 19th century rural life. Its 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.

For more information, visit norlands.org or call 207-897-4366.

Interior of the 1867 mansion. Contributed photo