NEWFIELD — When Robert Schmick described 19th Century Willowbrook Village back in June, a couple of weeks before he was to take the helm as director, he called it a “huge gem.”
That gem is poised to sparkle even brighter, both short and long term.
Several new events are making the interactive museum more fun, more interesting and more hands-on for the folks who visit: An intensive blacksmithing course, a “painted pony” party and more are planned in the lead-up to the seasonal closing Oct. 14, as Schmick expands on Willowbrook’s “living museum” theme.
Located on Elm Street in rural Newfield, in an area of similar vintage homes, it’s a bit hard to tell where the private dwellings stop and the museum village begins. The tiny post office, painted white and sporting hanging baskets brimming with flowers, actually belongs to the museum but is leased for postal use. The Amos Straw Country Store is a draw, carrying an eclectic mix of items from scarves to mugs and cast iron toys, an array of candy and nippy store cheese cut straight from the wheel. There is the Durgin homestead and barns full for the exploring, and it is impossible to list all of the examples of 19th century life, from laundry room to carriage house and of course, the famous 1896 carousel where children and adults can take a ride on one of the colorful painted ponies.
Looking ahead to next year, Schmick, on a a walking tour of the village last week, pointed to where an apple cider operation is expected to be next season, a full blacksmith shop and a machine shop. Children ”“ and perhaps some fit adults ”“ will be able to make cornmeal by using their own footpower to fuel an 1870 gristmill, and there could be a chicken or two around, as there likely would have been in some parts of the village in the 19th century.
Willowbrook has been a part of the Newfield landscape since the 1970s. And not unlike other museums and other institutions, the recession dealt it a blow. While the need for cash hasn’t evaporated, Schmick said the museum is forging ahead with a positive, can-do attitude.
“We’re survivors,” he said. “And we’re entering a new phase of growth.”
That is good news for the Town of Newfield.
“Willowbrook provides a unique glimpse to the past, providing our community many opportunities, from its historical exhibits and demonstrations that many participate in,” said Selectwoman Wanda Neville. As well as the historic village’s sponsored events, she pointed out that the Newfield Farmers and Artisans Market, with homegrown and crafted products, operates around the gazebo area on the museum grounds each Saturday, complimenting one another.
The museum opened in 1970, established by collector Don King, who wanted to preserve artifacts that would have been used in rural Maine in the 19th century. Willowbrook has been a non-profit corporation since 1980.
An agricultural day held earlier in the season was dubbed a success, as was a recent Civil War-era event.
Schmick arrived on the scene July 15, after a previous director, in place for a year, decided to move on. His resume is lengthy and his enthusiasm appears boundless.
Schmick was director of Museum Village in Monroe, N.Y., where he was raised; it was the first museum he explored as a child. He was also previously director of the Historical Society of Warwick, N.Y., and of the Curran Homestead Living History Farm and Museum in Orrington.
His eyes light up when he talks about the blacksmithing shop, currently in Lincolnville, that is expected to be in place for the season opening on Memorial Day weekend in 2014, along with the full 1880s machine shop from South Hiram.
“We’re focusing on developing more living history scenarios, more active,” he said.
Pausing to answer the phone and then chat with a co-worker about an upcoming grant opportunity, he’s positive about the museum and about his role with it.
“I love Willowbrook and I’m doing what I love to do,” he said.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
