June 18 is International Picnic Day.  Since the date falls on a Monday this year, the Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) is inviting families and individuals to celebrate a bit early, on the weekend of June 16 or 17 – Father’s Day. Take Dad on a picnic! Pack a lunch and enjoy your meal on the grounds of one of the LCHA historic sites (no alcoholic beverages, please).

The grounds at each of the LCHA sites have their own unique ambience. At the Chapman-Hall House (1754) one can spread a blanket on the lawn and people-watch, and imagine the shipyards that existed along the river over a century ago. Or imagine what downtown Damariscotta looked like when a good piece of it was Nathaniel Chapman’s front yard. The Pownalborough Court House (1761) not only has lovely lawn space and shade trees but also boasts picnic tables and walking trails, complete with a view of the Kennebec River. Brochures are available providing details on the trails. If Wiscasset is your destination of choice, bring a blanket to the Old Jail (1811) and Museum. The extensive lawn area offers high ground from which to watch the Sheepscot River wind its way past the Old Jail on its way through town and out to the ocean. One can also enjoy a spot under the trees, and reflect, looking at the huge granite block walls of the jail, on why one would not want to be imprisoned there. Which ever spot you choose, it will be a very charming place to celebrate International Picnic Day. 

Each of the LCHA sites will be open, offering tours that weekend from noon until 4 p.m. (the Court House opens on Saturdays at 10 a.m.).  Admission of $5 is charged, Fathers are free, children 16 and under are free, as are LCHA members.

The Lincoln County Historical Association is a nonprofit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House of Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset. For more information about LCHA, visit http://www.lincolncountyhistory.com and/or the Facebook page Lincoln County Historical Association Maine.