For the second year, Boothbay Railway Village hosted Tartan Day on Saturday, April 14.

The event was in coordination with the Saint Andrews Society of Maine, according to BRV Director Margaret Hoffman. It featured  spinning demonstrations, crafts, folk music and dance, and typical Scottish food and drink.

Whitefield historian Bill McKean exhibited books on the history of tartan along with examples of the Scottish plaids.

Originally representing regional weavers, the designs and colors were typical of craftsmen of the different districts. They were banned in the Dress Act of 1746 but were revived by Sir Walter Scott who formed the Celtic Society of Edinburgh, according to McKean.

In the 19th century, the unique designs and colors were expanded and associated with a particular family or clan, he said.

McKean said Tartan Day at the museum was in part to promote a Scots-Irish Reunion at Bowdoin College in Brunswick Aug. 14-16 and the 40th Maine Highland Games at the Topsham Fairgrounds Aug. 18.

“There are many Scots/Irish descendants in the area,” said McKean.

Bob Weymoer of Shadow Hill Farm in Gloucester brought sheep and examples of alpaca wool and weavings for sale.

The event was BRV's first of the season. Train rides will begin Memorial Day weekend, according to Hoffman.