The Lincoln County Historical Association will conduct a symposium this month about the creation and use textiles hundreds of years ago in Maine.

Titled “Keeping Warm in 18th Century Maine,” the symposium and workshop will feature nationally-known speakers and presenters who will discuss weaving, spinning and dying of quilts, bed rugs and other textiles. The two-day event will take place June 28 and June 29 in Pittston and Dresden. Perry Palmer, a trustee of the Historical Association, is spearheading the event.

“We are hoping to reach some new people and have some fun,” Palmer said. “People who are in to textiles are thrilled — especially for the speakers we have attracted.”

On June 28, participants will gather at Reubern Colburn House in Pittston. There, Palmer said, the president of the National Museum of the American Coverlet, Edward Maeder, will provide the keynote address. He will also guide participants through a coverlet collection in the Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, the location where participants will meet June 29.

Karen Clancy, the supervisor of the Weaving and Dying Program at Colonial Williamsburg, will conduct a session on dying during both days of the symposium. Sandie Tarbox, a professional presenter of 18th century culture and textiles, will speak about wool at the Colburn House and provide a workshop on bed ruggs at the Court House. Finally, local antique dealer and textile and antiques expert, Faye Snyder, will speak about quilting at the Colburn House.

In addition, weavers from Old Fort Western, New England's oldest surviving wooden fort, will demonstrate weaving and spinning techniques at the courthouse.

The historical association normally shows exhibits in three locations: the courthouse, the Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta and the Lincoln County Museum & Old Jail in Wiscasset. Palmer said the three institutions tend to work separately, but the symposium will seek to bring participants together beyond just the two scheduled days.

“I think it is already working to bring people together,” Palmer said. “We have space. Call and come.”

Tickets for the symposium are $95 and include the two-day program, a lunch both days and a wine reception the evening of June 28. In addition, the symposium tickets will also cover admission for entry into any of the three historical association museums through October.

Interested readers can register by calling 207-586-5690 or by visiting www.lincolncountyhistory.org/2014TextileSymposium.