Adult Education Programs
Old York's adult education programs have been developed in collaboratio with the York Public LIbrary and York Adult Community Education. In addition, the museum has worked closely with local residents to develop programs that suit their interests. At a recent Growing Up in Maine event, a collaborative program with Sentry Hill, longtime residents shared their personal belongings and stories about growing up in this seaside community.
More than simply a presenter, the Museums of Old York is a facilitator, allowing area residents and visitors to explore the topics that are of interest. Through workshops, exhibits, round-table discussions, brown bag lunches and presentations, the museum works to meet the demand for lifelong learning opportunities! If you would like to help design these programs, please share your throughts through our online Adult Education Survey, or contact Education Director Anne Poubeau at (207) 363-4974 x 12 or by email at education@oldyork.org.
January
11 An Evening with Author Marc Songini
Old York and the York Public Library present an evening with Marc Songini, who will discuss and read from his newest book, The Lost Fleet: A Yankee Whaler's Struggle Against the Confederate Navy and Arctic Disaster. In the mid-19th century, the American whaling fleet was struggling not only with the natural dangers of icebergs, storms, rogue whales, sharks and disease, but also with an increasingly hostile Confederate Navy. Tonight's discussion will focus on the adventures of York native Thomas Young. Young was the only whaler who fought back against the Confederate fleet during the Civil War. His attempt to blow up a Confederate boarding party made him famous. The event will be held on Friday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the York Public Library. Free; donations welcome.
16 Spies in Time: An In-Depth Look at Secret Intelligence
Old York and the York Public Library present an evening with Professor Douglas Wheeler, former consultant to the Department of State and the CIA. The discussion will examine how secret intelligence has influenced or changed the course of battles, wars and politics while looking at how contemporary culture has been changed by the development of the spy novel, spy film and the public's love affair with spy gadgetry. Spying is older than war, and its impact is much more broadly felt. Join us on Wednesday, January 16th at 12:00 noon at the York Public Library. Free; donations welcome.
February
15 Song Swap
Join us for the first session of Song Swap! This informal venue will allow players and singers of various abilities to share their favorite songs and acoustic music. All are welcome to play their own or others' work. The variety in musical styles and instruments will add to the fun. While the emphasis is on players, everyone is invited to attend whether to play, provide backup or simply listen. Friday, February 15th from 7:00 p.m. ~ 10:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; donations welcome. For more information, email Executive Director Scott Stevens at director@oldyork.org.
26 Brown Bag Lunch: Growing Up in Maine
A collaborative oral history presentation between Sentry Hill and the Museums of Old York. Join a panel of six Maine natives who will share stories and remembrances of their experiences growing up in Maine. Please bring your questions and stories to share! Tuesday, February 26th from Noon ~ 1:00 p.m. at the York Public Library. Bring your lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
March
4 Growing Up in Maine
A collaborative oral history presentation between Sentry Hill and the Museums of Old York. Join a panel of six Maine natives who will share stories and remembrances of their experiences growing up in Maine. Please bring your questions and stories to share! Tuesday, March 4th from 6:30 p.m. ~ 7:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Light refreshments will be served.
11 Unraveling the Lost Story of Silk Making in America
Old York presents an evening with textile expert Jacqueline Field. At one time America's silk industry was the largest in the world. Silk was late to be industrialized, well after cotton and wool. Nonetheless, nineteenth-century American entrepreneurs rapidly built a silk industry with levels of production once unimaginable. Jacqueline Field, lead author of American Silk, 1830-1930, will examine the development of the U.S. silk industry from its beginnings in the 1830s to its decline in the 1930s. Starting in the 1920s with the growth of rayon, the market share for silk shrank, and silk gradually returned to being a luxury at the top of the hierarchy of fabrics. The event wil be held on Tuesday, March 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. $3 members; $5 non-members.
13 Brown Bag Lunch: Malaga Island
Old York and the York Public Library present Andy Walsh of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, who will present information on Malaga's natural resources. He will be joined by Nate Hamilton, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Southern Maine, who led field studies on the island. Join the conversation to learn more about the archeological and historical background of Malaga Island. Thursday, March 13th from Noon ~ 1:00 p.m. at the York Public Library. Bring your lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
In the event of snow, the brown bag lunch will be postponed until Thursday, March 20.
May
4 And Now, Mark Twain! A Solo Performance by Actor Richard Clark
Join us for a delightful look at the life and work of America's foremost humorist and York summer resident. This one-person play is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made Mark Twain a legend in his time. Richard Clark has spent years working as a professional actor in New York. His television credits include The Kennedy's of Massachusetts, Guiding Light, As the World Turns and Saturday Night Live! Mr. Clark also has several theater credits to his name, including major roles in Inherit the Wind, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Crucible, The Foreigner, To Kill a Mockinbird and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Sunday, May 4th starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Remick Barn. $5 members; $7 non-members. Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974 or email education@oldyork.org.
17 Remick Barn Grand Opening Celebration!
Plans are underway for the grand opening of the education and exhibition center at the Remick Barn! On Saturday, May 17th, the Museums of Old York will open the facility to the public with an exhibition of Southern Maine folk art. Events and activities are still being planned, so for now just save the date and plan on joining in the festivities!