Hello, friends:
September has arrived, the kids are back at school, and the official start of fall is just around the corner. But the end of summer doesn’t have to mean fun is over! We still have many great events to look forward to as we continue our year-long celebration of 250 years of United States Independence.
Here are a few things happening in our area:
Book Discussion: The Radicalism of the American Revolution
Saturday, September 12, 2 p.m., Waterford Library, 663 Waterford Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
Join us for a discussion of The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood. In The Radicalism of the American Revolution, prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood offers a grand and immensely readable synthesis of historical, political, cultural, and economic analysis to describe the events that made the American Revolution. Wood depicts a revolution that was about much more than a break from England–-rather it transformed an almost feudal society into a democratic one, whose emerging realities sometimes baffled and disappointed its founding fathers.
Rumford Center Meeting House Open House and Patriotic Celebration
Sunday, September 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rumford Center Meeting House, 1352 US-2, Rumford, ME 04276
On September 13, 2026, the Rumford Center Village Improvement Society will hold an Open House at Rumford’s Meeting House on Route 2 from 10:00-4:00 in connection with the 250th commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. We expect to have a traveling exhibit about Frances Perkins, part-Mainer who served as Secretary of Labor and is responsible for the creation of Social Security; activities will include playing games, enjoying other elements of the colonial period, wool spinning, and a display of old tools. There will be an explanation of the physical transformation of the Meeting House to a secure and safe building, from lifting it off its foundation several feet in the air to strengthening and stabilizing its walls and ceiling as well as a clapboard replacement demonstration. We hope to receive photographs and documents of events held at the Meeting House from people whose families have participated in those events. Dressing up in period garb is encouraged.
Civil War Living History Weekend with the Third Maine
Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Sunday, September 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road, Livermore, ME 04253
Our friends at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center have asked us to help spread the word of this exciting two-day event!
On September 12th and 13th, the Company A, 3rd Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry (thirdmaine.org) will be setting up a Civil War encampment on the grounds of the Norlands. This is a uniquely immersive and educational living history experience for all ages! Visitors will be able to interact with reenactors, witness a variety of demonstrations, and learn about the day-to-day lives of Civil War soldiers. The Norlands Mansion will be open on both days for self-guided tours. On display in the Mansion is our special limited-time America 250 exhibit. In addition, our Norlands interpreters will conduct Historian Talks about the Washburns in the Civil War. Enter into our Quilt Raffle for a chance to take home a beautiful handmade quilt on display in the Gift Shop. Food, drinks, and snacks will be for sale in our Farmer’s Cottage. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the lives of Civil War soldiers, life in the 19th century, and Maine’s Civil War history. See the event schedule below for more details.
Harvest Fest
Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bethel Common
Be sure to visit MBHS during Harvest Fest, one of Western Maine’s favorite fall festivals. We’ll have our annual cider pressing demonstration, exhibits, tours of the Mason House, and opportunity to take a picture inside the Mt. Zircon bottle!
For more information on Harvest Fest, visit https://www.bethelmaine.com/events/harvestfest
Homegrown Food Festival
Sunday, September 20, 12:00-4:00, Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, Bethel, ME 04217
Join the Mahoosuc Land Trust for their annual Homegrown Food Festival! If you miss the cider pressing demonstration at Harvest Fest, this will be another opportunity to check out MBHS’s cider press (custom built for longtime member Alden Kennett in 1985!) in action.
For more information, visit https://www.mahoosuc.org/homegrown-food-festival