This presentation traces the development of the celebration of Christmas, from when it was outlawed in seventeenth-century New England through the beginning of the twentieth century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. Historic New England’s Kenneth Turino looks at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. Learn how Christmas trees became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.

Simple, cost-effective energy upgrades and traditional repairs can make your old house more comfortable to live in and more efficient to operate. Make your older home greener and more sustainable with tips based on Historic New England's work to weatherize historic houses and meet today's energy conservation challenges.

After the Hilton House Hotel burned to the ground in 1903, Frances Sortwell, whose family owned the house across the street, put the hotel's foundation to good use. She and her friends, including Rose Isabel Greeley, one of the first female landscape architects in the country, transformed the site into a sunken garden. Join Historic New England's Cathy Messmer to explore the creation of this and other special garden spaces.

Whether your house was built in 1960 or 1760, conducting an annual inspection can help you prioritize routine maintenance and repair projects. Learn what to look for and how to address common problems. Historic New England Preservation Services Manager Carissa Demore demonstrates the methods Historic New England uses to inspect private homes protected through its Easement Program.

As casualties from World War I in Europe began to multiply, a group of young Americans volunteered to drive ambulances at the front with the American Field Service (AFS). AFS was made up of college boys, young professionals, artists, and businessmen, including Wiscasset's Edward Carter Sortwell. William Foley, who has the largest AFS collection in the country, tells the story of this heroic organization and its local connection. Foley shares photos, letters, and objects, which are the foundation of "Before the Doughboys" at Smithsonian Institution in 2014.

Evening lecture by historical archaeologist Dr. Neill DePaoli. 7:30 PM The lecture will take place at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the site museum.

Evening lecture by Native American cultural historian Ken Hamilton. 7:30 PM. The lecture will take place at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the museum.

Evening lecture by Native American cultural historian Ken Hamilton. 7:30 PM. The lecture will take place at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the museum.

Evening lecture by Jim Nelson, Maine Maritime Museum. 7:30 PM. Lecture will take place at The Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the site museum.

Evening lecture by historical archaeologist Dr. Emerson "Tad" Baker, Salem State University (MA). Lecture will take place at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the museum. 7:30 PM