Join the party at Brew with a View, Historic New England’s first fundraiser for Wiscasset’s own Castle Tucker on July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a summer evening of local beer and spectacular river views, and help save one of Maine's historical treasures. Sample American farmhouse beers from Maine's own Oxbow Brewing Company, along with wine and soft drinks. Sarah's Cafe will provide delicious hors d'oeuvres featuring local ingredients, including lobster. Take an after-hours look inside one of the best examples of a Victorian home in the United States. Your support will go directly to preserving and maintaining this beloved Wiscasset landmark. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Space is limited. Tickets range from $30 to $100 with increased tax-deductible contributions at each level. Buy online at http://shop.historicnewengland.org/CAT-BREW-MTX-30-11006/ or call 882-7169.

Castle Tucker at 2 Lee St. is one of Maine’s most fascinating landmarks. Step back in time as you walk through a mansion filled with the original furnishings of the Tucker family, who lived here for over 140 years. One of the most complete and original Victorian homes in the United States, this unusual style house was built in 1807 by one of Wiscasset’s most prominent citizens, lawyer, Congressman and Judge Silas Lee.

In 1858, Captain Richard Tucker Jr., scion of a prominent Wiscasset shipping family, bought the house for his new and growing family. The Tuckers updated and redecorated to reflect the styles of their time, much of it in a style popularized by one of the earliest American lifestyle connoisseurs, Andrew Jackson Downing. Very little was changed in the house after 1900, including a kitchen with four generations of kitchen technology still in place where it was used. Preserved by three generations of Tucker women, Castle Tucker is now a historic house museum shown as the family left it in 1997.

Over the past several years, Historic New England has replaced roofs at Castle Tucker, restored the large piazza windows and repaired the masonry on the north bow end. More funding is needed now to complete additional much-needed work, including restoring the piazza stairs and the widow’s walk, and painting the house. Historic New England is grateful to Brew with a View event sponsor Ames Hardware & Supply, Inc., and business sponsors First National Bank, Peregrine Turbine Technologies, Cromwell Coastal Properties, Carl M.P. Larrabee Insurance, Begala Window Works, Tim Dunham Realty and The Museum in the Streets for their support.

For more information, call 882-7169 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org