2008 Calendar of Events
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 Yarn in the Barn!
Bring your knitting or needlepoint and join us the third Friday of each month to relax in front of the fire and let the rustic atmosphere of the Remic Barn ease you into the weekend. Please bring your own materials. Beginners are certainly welcome! Anne, Zoe and our other knitters will be glad to get you started. Friday, February 15th from 4:30 p.m. ~ 6:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
15 Family Game Night
Bring your brothers, bring your sisters, bring your mom and dad! Join the folks at Old York for a roaring good old time! Friday, February 15th from 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
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.
21 Winter Fun at the Remick Barn ~ SOLD OUT!
Come explore the new Remick Barn! Be the first to bake cookies on the barn's new hearth, hand dip candles in the traditional fashion and make a tin latnern to light up the night! Thursday, February 21st from 9:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $20 members; $25 non-members (If you sign up for Friday as well, the fee is $37 members; $45 non-members). Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974.
22 Winter Fun at the Remick Barn ~ SOLD OUT!
Come explore the new Remick Barn! Make candy on the hearth, learn to do laundry the colonial way in the set kettles and experience life on the farm through theatre games! Friday, February 22nd from 9:00 a.m. ~ 1:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $20 members; $25 non-members (If you sign up for Thursday as well, the fee is $37 members; $45 non-members). Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974.
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.
26 Create a Quilt
New for 2008! Join us for a four-week after school workshop to learn the art of hand quilting. Choose from beautiful scraps of cloth to deisgn a unique small quilt to hang on your wall at home. Enjoy good conversation, stories, jokes and traditional music while laughing and learning to quilt. Four Tuesdays, starting February 26th from 3:30 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $28 members; $33 non-members. Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974.
28 Colonial Cooking for Kids
New for 2008! Join us for a four-week after school workshop to try your hand at cooking on the open hearth! Experiment with different colonial recipes including puddings, cakes, breads and more. Play colonial games and enjoy eating your creations! Four Thursdays, starting February 28th from 3:30 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 7-11. $28 members; $33 non-members. Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974.
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.
21 Yarn in the Barn!
Bring your knitting or needlepoint and join us the third Friday of each month to relax in front of the fire and let the rustic atmosphere of the Remic Barn ease you into the weekend. Please bring your own materials. Beginners are certainly welcome! Anne, Zoe and our other knitters will be glad to get you started. Friday, March 21st from 4:30 p.m. ~ 6:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
21 Family Game Night
Bring your brothers, bring your sisters, bring your mom and dad! Join the folks at Old York for a roaring good old time! Friday, March 21st from 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
30 Aine Minogue in Concert
The Seacoast Guitar Society and the Museums of Old York present Aine Minogue in concert at the Remick Barn! Aine Minogue is from Tipperary, Ireland and she sings in a pure and clear traditional voice and plays a wide variety of airs and dance tunes on the Irish harp. She is a world-renowned performer of Irish music and has a natural on-stage charm and wit. Interpspersed with the music, her stories and tales of life and music in the old world will ensure an entertaining and interesting evening of music for all. Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 7:00 p.m at the Remick Barn. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students and are available online at www.seacoastguitar.org or by phone at (207) 363-1886. You can also purchase tickets at the Museums of Old York, Tulips in Portsmouth, Earcraft in Dover or Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham.
April
11 Song Swap
Join us for the next 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, April 11th from 7:00 p.m. ~ 10:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; donations welcome.
18 Yarn in the Barn!
Bring your knitting or needlepoint and join us the third Friday of each month to relax in front of the fire and let the rustic atmosphere of the Remic Barn ease you into the weekend. Please bring your own materials. Beginners are certainly welcome! Anne, Zoe and our other knitters will be glad to get you started. Friday, April 18th from 4:30 p.m. ~ 6:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
18 Family Game Night
Bring your brothers, bring your sisters, bring your mom and dad! Join the folks at Old York for a roaring good old time! Friday, April 18th from 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
24 April Vacation Camp
Bring a colonial costume and assume the identity of an 18th century person living and working in York as you participate in a living history trade game! Thursday, April 24th from 1:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $20 members; $25 non-members (If you sign up for Friday as well, the fee is $37 members; $45 non-members). Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
25 April Vacation Camp
Everybody loves American pies! Bake perfect pies in the dutch ovens and while they bake, crank ice cream to go on top. Make a tin embossed pie plate to take home! Friday, April 25th from 1:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $20 members; $25 non-members (If you sign up for Thursday as well, the fee is $37 members; $45 non-members). Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
26 George Marshall Store Gallery
The opening art exhibition at the George Marshall Store Gallery includes Momentum VI and Paintings and Pots. Momentum features the 2007 New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant winner and several finalists. This year’s artists include Kirsten Reynolds, winner of the 2007 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant, and five finalists: Kim Bernard, Ross Cisneros, Dan James, Douglas Prince and Gail Spaien. Paintings and Pots will open in the dock level gallery and combines Jenny Moore’s colorful, imaginative paintings with Marian Baker’s elegant and functional ceramics. The Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, April 26th from 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, June 1st.
29 Puppet People of the Past
New for 2008! Join us for a four-week after school workshop and let loose your creative story telling skills as we write an original script about historic characters in York. Design an elaborate hand puppet and help build a set. Parents are invited the last day to watch our puppet performance! Four Tuesdays, starting April 29th from 3:30 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $28 members; $33 non-members. Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
May
1 Dynamite Dyes
New for 2008! Join us for a four-week after school workshop. Nuts, berries, flowers and onions! Follow old folk recipes to transform white wool into brilliant colors. Once the wool is dyed, learn to spin it into yarn and felt it by hand. Four Thursdays, starting May 1st from 3:30 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 7-12. $28 members; $33 non-members. Reservations required. Call (207) 363-4974 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
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.
9 Yarn in the Barn! ~ SPECIAL DATE !
Bring your knitting or needlepoint and join us in front of the fire as we let the rustic atmosphere of the Remic Barn ease us into the weekend. Please bring your own materials. Beginners are certainly welcome! Anne, Zoe and our other knitters will be glad to get you started. Friday, May 9th from 4:30 p.m. ~ 6:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
9 Family Game Night ~ SPECIAL DATE !
Bring your brothers, bring your sisters, bring your mom and dad! Join the folks at Old York for a roaring good old time! Friday, May 9th from 6:30 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Free; snacks available for purchase.
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! Information about the Maine Folk Art Trail is available online at www.mainefolkarttrail.org.
June
7 George Marshall Store Gallery
The main level gallery will host Inventions, Visions and Other Tales, a group show focusing on work by Donald Saaf, Julia Zanes and Michael Stasiuk. Garden Archive will show in the dock level gallery. This imagined botanical archive will include an installation of painter Gail Spaien's faux-scientific watercolor illustrations and preserved flowers. Local master flower arrangers and landscape designers will collaborate in the installation by creating arrangements from their gardens. The Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, June 7th from 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, July 13th.
July
1 Revolutionary Recipes
Help a colonial mistress cook long forgotten recipes over the hearth in the Remick Barn. Learn the secrets of cooking over an open fire and eat the goodies you prepare. Tuesday, July 1st from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
3 Baking Bread in a Bee Hive Oven
Join a colonial mistress as she fires up the bee hive oven to prepare some old fashioned goodies. Try your skills at 18th century games before nibbling on the treats you've cooked. Thursday, July 3rd from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
8 Fantastic Folk Art
Come find out what folk art is through a scavenger hunt of our new folk art exhibit full of vibrant quilts, carved whale bone and one of a kind art. Paint a wooden picture frame in the folk art style. Tuesday, July 8th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
10 Folk Art Follies
Tour the new folk art exhibit upstairs in the Remick Barn. Discover hand hooked rugs, wooden toys and unique art. Create your own folk art weathervane to take home. Thursday, July 10th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
15 Crazy for Costumes
Find out exactly what colonial men and women wore by dressing up in parts of an 18th century costume. Make a mob cap or tricorn hat to start your very own costume. Tuesday, July 15th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
17 Wonders of Weaving
Transform wool into yarn and yarn into cloth using a drop spindle and two different types of looms. Start weaving a bag you can take home to finish. Thursday, July 17th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
18 Decorator Show House Preview Gala
Old York's 19th Annual Decorator Show House will open with a special garden party to benefit the Museums of Old York. Here attendees can enjoy a first glimpse of the Show House, meet the visionary designers and enjoy the fine food and an open bar while dancing the night away! The event will be held at The Ledges, located at 36 Pocahontas Road in Kittery Point, on Friday, July 18th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $75. Reserved seating will be offered to patrons of Old York who donate $250 per couple.
19 19th Annual Decorator Show House
Old York's 19th Annual Decorator Show House will be held at The Ledges on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point, Maine. This recently renovated 1890s shingle-style home features dozens of spaces, each decorated by one of the region’s most talented and imaginative designers. The Decorator Show House will run from July 19th through August 16th. The Ledges, located at 36 Pocahontas Road in Kittery Point, can be viewed Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday until 7 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays. On-site parking is available and admission is $20. For more information about this incredible summer event, related programming or ticket purchases, please call (207) 363-4974.
19 George Marshall Store Gallery
The main level gallery will host Road Trip 2008 , a group show formulated as Curator Mary Harding and Gallery Associate Scotty Friar traveled throughout New England to select works from area artists. Their finds and artistic and cullinary adventures are recounted in an online journal to be launched during the exhibit. Susan Wahlrab will show her richly colored and detailed paintings in the dock level gallery. The Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, July 19th from 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, September 7th.
22 Build a Bug
Uncover hidden critters in an around the historic Perkins garden. Create your own larger than life bug out of recycled materials. Tuesday, July 22nd from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Perkins House. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
24 Vegetable Festival
Use oversize zucchini, bits of beets and bitter greens from the historic Perkins garden to build an edible monster. Enter your monter in the Vegetable Festival contest in hopes of winning a prize. Thursday, July 24th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Perkins House. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
28 Folk Life Camp: Art, Food, Stories and Music of the Common Person
Cook 19th century foods, make your own herbal remedies and participate in a group folk art project. Complete the week with a costumed Old York field day including potato sack and dizzy bat races, and a picnic on the Perkins lawn. Monday, July 18th through Friday, August 1st from 9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $120 members; $140 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
August
1 19th Annual Decorator Show House
Old York's 19th Annual Decorator Show House will be held at The Ledges on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point, Maine. This recently renovated 1890s shingle-style home features dozens of spaces, each decorated by one of the region’s most talented and imaginative designers. The Decorator Show House will run through August 16th. The Ledges, located at 36 Pocahontas Road in Kittery Point, can be viewed Monday, Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday until 7 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays. On-site parking is available and admission is $20. For more information about this incredible summer event, related programming or ticket purchases, please call (207) 363-4974.
5 Theater by the Sea
Listen to the dramatic rendition of a story about life by the sea performed by a costumed actor. Make a fish print painting to decorate your house. Tuesday, August 5th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the John Hancock Warehouse. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
7 Steedman Woods History Hunt
Head into the forest to search for clues about the history of Steedman Woods. Learn about current conservation efforts and ethically collect materials to make nature mobiles. Thursday, July 7th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. meeting at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
12 Amazing Escapes
Come listen to the stories of some of the cunning prisoners who escaped from the Old Gaol. Have your picture taken in the pillory and make a frame for it. Tuesday, August 12th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. meeting at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
14 Secrets of Gaol Code
Learn to translate 18th century prison language in order to follow the coded clues and uncover the mystery of the hidden shoes in the Old Gaol. Write a coded note to be translated by visitors to the museum. Thursday, August 14th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. meeting at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
19 Learn to Launder
Soap bubbles, squeezing and squishing gallore makes once dirty linens pure white once more! Experience how 19th century women washed clothes by hand using our set kettles and a wasah board. Tuesday, August 19th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
21 Calligraphic Creativity
From quill pen to calligraphy pen try writing with a variety of old fashioned instruments and learn a bit of calligraphy. Use the historic art of paper marbelizing to make stationary. Thursday, August 21st from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
26 Field Day Fun
Learn to walk on stilts, play hoop and stick, race in a potato sack, compete in a ball and spoon relay and spin tops on the blue stone terrace. Tuesday, August 26th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Remick Barn. Ages 5-7. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
28 Historic House Secrets
Tour the Emerson-Wilcox House to hear its little known stories and view its off limit rooms. Make a Louise Wilcox inspired Victorian craft to take home. Thursday, August 28th from 10:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 p.m. at the Emerson-Wilcox House. Ages 8-12. $10 members; $13 non-members. Reservations and advance payment required. Call (207) 363-4974 x14 or email zoe@oldyork.org.
September
13 George Marshall Store Gallery
The main level gallery will host Recent Work , an exhibition of work by New Hampshire sculptor Gary Haven Smith. To create his most recent work he has devised a cutting system that produces ribbon like curls of granite. His choice of materials and sensitive application of incised patterns, patinas and polished surfaces are tied to his love and respect for the New England landscape. Connie Hayes' Small Pastels, an exhibit of almost thirty new small pastel paintings focusing on familiar sights and landmarks in York, Portsmouth and New Castle. The Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, September 13th from 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, October 26th.
October
17 24th Annual Harvestfest
An annual festival, Harvestfest takes place October 17th through 19th from 10:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. each day. On Saturday, bring the family and explore the Museums of Old York. Activities for children and adults will be a part of the day as we take part in this annual celebration. For a full schedule and more information, visit www.yorkharvestfest.com.
November
1 George Marshall Store Gallery
The 2008 season will conclude with Figuratively Speaking, a main gallery exhibition of work by regional artists featuring the human figure. At the same time, the dock level gallery will host work by Maine artist MaJo Keleshian, who creates colorful, iridescent small paintings that can represent be pure abstraction or absolute reality. The Opening Reception takes place on Saturday, November 1st from 5:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, December 14th.
December
6 Festival of Lights
See York Village come alive with lights, movies, a holiday parade, fairs, caroling and Santa Claus! Activities will be going on throughout the day, culminating in the holiday parade and lighting of the Village.