Historic New England’s 1762 Bowman House in Dresden is filled with fascinating stories, exquisite 18th century furnishings and some 20th century objects that will make you smile. Whether you are new to the house or have already taken the regular tour, here is your opportunity to take it slower and really get a chance to look at things and ask questions. Join Site Manager Peggy Konitzky for a leisurely, two-hour tour of this stunning house Aug. 8.

Tickets are $15 for Historic New England members, $25 for nonmembers and can be purchased at https://my.historicnewengland.org/23829/bow-take-more-time or by calling 207-882-7169. Space is limited. Tour begins at 10 a.m.

The house was built for Judge Jonathan Bowman in unadorned Georgian architectural style by the same architect who built the Pownalborough Courthouse. Inside his house, Bowman created a home comparable to the finest mansions in Boston while living on what was the Maine frontier. He and his wife Mary raised four children in the house during the tumultuous years of the American Revolution and the establishment of a new nation.

After Bowman’s death in 1804, the Carneys made the house their family home until 1861. For next 41 years, the house was used for offices and housing for several ice companies. A series of historic preservationists recognized the rare survival of the building and passed ownership between them for another two decades. Amazingly, the house remained in almost pristine original condition through it all.

In 1965, entrepreneur and historic preservationist Bill Waters and his partner Cyrus Pinkham purchased the house. After some much needed repair and preservation work, they gifted the house to Historic New England in 1971. Until his death in 2016, Bill Waters lovingly restored the house to recreate Bowman’s world, including the return of many original Bowman pieces. For more information and to buy those tickets visit  https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/bowman-house.