Exploring living history museums is great educational fun

We recently visited Newfield to explore the 19th century village of Willowbrook with the kids' 4-H club. There were tons of exhibits and many interactive opportunities that I haven't seen at some other living history museums we've visited in the past.

We've been to Strawberry Banke (it's in Portsmouth) and Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge (MA) and both were fun places to chat with living history characters. And we discovered quickly that there were so many exhibits to explore on the sprawling grounds at both places that it really couldn't be done in any meaningful way in only one day.

Willowbrook isn't quite as large as either of those (nor does it have living history characters on a regular basis), but the admission price is a bit more affordable and it offers some special treats, including a 19th century carousel.

During our visit we saw a demonstration of the carousel that included an explanation of its history. But, the last Saturday of every month the carousel is open to riders. Our timing was off for that one-of-a-kind experience but the next "open ride" day for the carousel is Saturday, September 26 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) so we're hoping to go back then to try it.




The carousel demonstration included a presentation about its history. The carousel actually moves really fast and was not originally designed for children. It was an adult-only ride in its time.

The kids were also really happy to discover they could sit on a bed and open and close dresser drawers in one of the historical homes at Willowbrook (the plaque encouraged kids to do this in one of the rooms). That's not an option at most of the other places we've been to in the Portland area (Tate House, Marrett House, Longfellow House or Victoria Mansion) so they especially enjoyed that.




You see, my girls are really nosey when it comes to visiting other people's houses (historic or not). When they were younger they invited themselves into everyone's house we met so they could look around (then afterward tell me all the changes I needed to make in our own). And last spring when an opportunity to explore an 1800s home offer was made during our vernal pool research (and totally unrelated to the project), it was too much for them - they simply couldn't resist the invitation.

The Willowbrook Village is open until October 12 this year and there are a couple of special events planned before they close for the season. It's well-worth a visit.

And in case you've never heard of Newfield, it's next to Limerick and near the southwestern corner of the state. Get directions here.