LIVERMORE — The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore will host a family-friendly 19th century Winter Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 290 Norlands Road.
Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event ends at 4 p.m.
Attendees will experience Christmas in the 19th century and participate in living history activities around the estate. It’s an opportunity to see and hear how the Washburns and their neighbors, the Bradfords, anticipated Christmas and prepared for the holiday.
The journey back in time will offer 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.
Activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, period crafts, storytelling, parlor games, cooking in the farmer’s cottage, tours of the one-room schoolhouse and the decorated 1867 Washburn family Italianate mansion, where beautifully embellished Civil War era fashions will be on display. The dining room will be decorated as if the Washburns are expecting guests.
Children can help decorate the tree and see historic toys on display. “Aunt Clara” will visit and share stories of Christmas past and parlor games for all ages. In Mr. Washburn’s kitchen, visitors may string popcorn for the tree or make a period craft.
Mulled cider and other refreshments made fresh on the woodstove will be available while supplies last.
The redesigned gift shop will be open and filled with unique treasures. There is something for everyone, including Norlands’ maple syrup, old-time toys, books, prints, cards, mop caps and old-fashioned stick and rock candy.
A cookie walk fundraiser will benefit the new barn fund. For $5, fill a bag with delicious homemade cookies to take home. This popular fundraiser always sells out by early afternoon.
Admission is $10 per person; $6 ages 12 and under; $25 family rate. Members enjoy a 20 percent discount on admission.
If the weather is questionable, check for an event cancellation ?notice on Norlands’ Facebook page or outgoing ?telephone message by calling 207-897-4366 by 9 a.m. on the morning of the event.
For more information, call 207-897-4366 or visit www.norlands.org.
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