New at Old York
School programs are a sign of spring at Old York
By Anne Homme
Director of Development
Students from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire take part in a variety of programs at Jefferds' Tavern that transport them back to the 18th century. Here a young girl learns to weave cloth at the loom with a parent volunteer.
Courtesy photo
Under the leadership of Old York Education Director Anne Poubeau, over 3,600 young people will be taking part in Old York's educational programs. This number has continually grown over the years. Given the size of our buildings and staff, it is a remarkable number.
This growing audience highlights the need for the new education and exhibition center Old York plans to start this spring. Imagine so much activity by so many lively kids in the small rooms of Jefferds' Tavern and the Old Gaol. Sheer space is not the only issue. Old York offers only one, 1950s-era bathroom, accessed by steep, narrow stairs in the attic of Jefferds' Tavern, with the alternative being portable toilets in the parking lot!
The new facility, adapted from the 1834 Remick Barn, will provide the features students and teachers love: the feel of an old structure and an authentically recreated fireplace with open hearth and beehive oven. A new feature not found in Jefferds' Tavern will be set kettles, built-in tubs for heating large amounts of water for laundry and other major jobs in early homes. Facing this fireplace area will be 900 square feet of open space with partitions allowing it to be divided flexibly for various programs' needs. Fully accessible restrooms at the other end of the first floor will ensure the comfort of children and museum visitors.
For many of us, the most compelling reason to preserve the wonderful buildings and collections Old York has is their value as educational resources. Sparking young people's interest in their heritage through vivid, firsthand experiences is one of our vital contributions to life in our town. The new facility will help us offer those experiences to more children while better preserving the precious historic museum buildings in our care.
In addition to our school programs Old York has a full calendar of activities for all ages. Two events happening this spring are the Mothers' Day Tea on Saturday, May 12, and the Old York Yard Sale on Saturday, June 9. Please keep us in mind while doing your spring cleaning! We are asking for donations from the community for the Yard Sale - everything that is clean and works, however no clothing or text books.
If you would like to make a donation, please call 363-4974 and we will be happy to set up a time for you to deliver your items or for us to pick them up. This begins immediately - you do not have to wait to pass on those unused treasures.
Please call or visit www.oldyork.org for more information about any of our programs and events.
