Lincoln County Historical Association volunteers strive to give visitors to their three sites a reason to return. Each house museum presents a special exhibit to help make history come alive for people of all ages. Local residents are encouraged to take another look and bring their guests. The sites are open from June through the end of September.

Chapman-Hall House features an exhibit of clothing that might have been worn by members of the Chapman family during the period from 1750-1830. On Father’s Day, June 16, Jeff Miller will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques on a temporary forge from noon to 4 p.m. “Summer with the Past - Discovering 18th and 19th Century Arts, Crafts, and History,” a program for children ages seven to eleven, will be held at the house June 25-28. More information on this can be found on the website, www.lincolncountyhistory.org. The museum is open on weekends from noon to 4.

An exhibit at the Old Jail, “Sails on the Sheepscot,” includes photos that illustrate Wiscasset during its heyday in the early 1800s. New this year are interactive elements for children and adults. Visitors can learn to tie the kinds of knots that might have meant the difference between life and death for sailors. An Amesbury skiff designed by John Gardner of New England boat design fame, and built by David Stimson of Boothbay has been hauled ashore to rest on the lawn for all to climb upon and practice their rowing skills. The museum is open on weekends from noon to 4.

The well maintained grounds at the Old Jail extend toward the Sheepscot where there is a short trail. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the lawn.

An exhibit at the Pownalborough Court House focuses on the French and Indian War. This conflict, called the Seven Years War, pitted the colonies of British America against those of New France lasted from 1754-1763. The land upon which the court house stands was once the site of Fort Shirley. The exhibit includes items from Fort Shirley and Fort Halifax including a  musket and bayonet, musket box, and a dated powder horn. Local Indian artifacts from the period will also be on display. This museum is open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays noon to 4, and also Tuesday-Friday 10 to 4 during July and August.

The system of trails at Pownalborough Court House has been expanded and is open to all. A portion of the trail is handicap-accessible. Pets must be on leash.

For more information about the organization, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org or Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine) and Pownalborough Court House Museum.