MAINE - Western Lakes/Mountains

The former fire station on Gibbs Avenue (built in 1878) in downtown Bridgton houses the Bridgton Historical Society's Museum collections, archives, and research facilities. Special exhibits change each summer, and programs on Bridgton history and related topics are held throughout the year. Topics of exhibits include the narrow-gauge railroad, the Civil War, and more.

Built in 1813, this home is now a museum featuring changing and permanent exhibits, as well as a theater. Historic films and lectures are scheduled there year-round. The museum also houses historic archives and is home to the Bethel Historical Society. Cost: Adults, $3; children age 6-12, $1.50.

Exhibits focus on the area's history, particularly the use of the C & O Canal and the steamboats which were a mode of transportation on Sebago and Long Lakes over a century ago.

The UMF Art Gallery has four to six exhibitions each year. Once a large barn behind 246 Main Street, now converted into a modern exhibit space, the UMF Art Gallery features artists from Maine elsewhere, demonstrating a variety of styles and media contemporary art.

The Norlands Living History Center helps rural 19th century New England come to life. The center has six buildings depicting a crossroads community. There is a one-room schoolhouse, stone library, church and grand mansion built in 1867. Toys, clothing and personal items appear to tell the story of every day life in the Washburn Mansion. Norlands was the family home of the Washburns, one of the great American political dynasties. The 445-acre site, with five historic buildings, offers hands-on living history experiences in 19th century rural life for all ages. Cost: Tours, adults, $5.50; students, $2.

Two historic houses and their barns, a reproduction schoolhouse and bandstand, and a millpond grace this restored country village. Exhibits include horse-drawn sleighs and carriages, an 1849 Concord stagecoach, a 1894 carousel, gas engines, and various trades shops — blacksmith, broom maker, canoe builder, cooper, cobbler, harness maker, printer, wheelwright, woodworker. Plan to spend about three hours. Picnicking welcome. Cost: Adults, $9; seniors age 65 and older, $7.50; students age 6-18, $4. Visit willowbrookmuseum.org.