Every 90s Kid Remembers Going to Norlands in Maine on Their Field Trip

If you grew up in Maine in the ‘90s, there’s a good chance one of your most unforgettable elementary school field trips wasn’t to an amusement park, it was to the Norlands Living History Center in Livermore now called The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center.

I can still remember climbing onto the school bus, not knowing we were basically about to time travel. We dressed in period clothing, spent the day doing chores, and lived like it was the 1800s.

The girls learned how to cook, clean, and tackle household chores, while the boys headed outside to work around the farm. 

At the time, I remember thinking, “Wait… how did they get the better deal?” But that's how it was then and you're able to really look back and see how humans have evolved. In my opinion, it's always good to know the past, to have a better future. 

And now, looking back, it’s one of those experiences that has stuck with me far longer than any worksheet or history lesson ever did.

The best part about Norlands was how committed everyone was to making history feel real. The "actors" stayed in character, the historic buildings looked and felt authentic, and there was no modern technology to pull you back into the present.  

For a few hours, you weren’t just learning about history you were living it.

Dirigo History visited recently and made this amazing Facebook Reel showing off the fun and experience they had at Washburn Norlands.

Read More: Foglight Fairy Festival Coming To Strawberry Banke This Fall

The good news? Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is still operating today and continues to welcome school groups for hands-on educational programs.

Thousands of Maine students have walked through its doors over the years, and judging by the memories people still share decades later, it’s safe to say this wasn’t just another field trip. It was one of those rare school days you’ll never forget.