Rigging with Jim Nelson
Guest Demonstration

Enjoy a hands-on learning experience about how ropes are made and maintained for tall sailing ships.

Blacksmithing with Tony
Guest Demonstration

Learn about shoeing horses from Tony as he stamps visitor names into authentic horseshoes.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy engaging activities and demonstrations on our campus each Wednesday and Sunday afternoon in July and August.

Our friendly volunteers will happily help you build a small toy boat, wooden spatula, or wooden box in the wood shop. And those in the boat shop will eagerly invite you to lend a hand building a 12-foot skiff next door! Help the blacksmith crank up the heat by pulling the bellows to keep the fire going. Have you ever seen a rope bed? Tour the historic John and Phebe Perkins House to see the furnishings of a late 1700s / early 1800s Castine home including - you guessed it - a rope bed. Tours are $5 per guest and begin on the hour at 2 pm, 3pm, and 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased in the museum’s Perkins Gallery.

Special demonstrations for historic cooking, weaving, rigging, and pottery throwing are sprinkled throughout the summer. Find these special offerings by checking the Living History dates on the calendar.

Living History at the Wilson Museum is made possible through the generous support of Camden National Bank.