2026 Programs & Events
All programs will be held at the Grange Hall, 31 West Road South Waterboro, unless otherwise noted.
Medicine & Midwifery in Early New England
Presented by Patricia Violette-Adams, Sanford-Springvale Historical Society
Thursday June 4th, 7pm
Step back into the 1700’s and discover the vital role of midwives in early New England. Before hospitals or formal training, midwives served as caregivers, pharmacists, and trusted community figures—even playing important legal roles. This engaging presentation highlights figures like Martha Ballard and Nicholas Culpeper, with hands-on demonstrations of early medical practices. Patricia has over 30 years of museum and historical experience.
Stories from Maine Cemeteries
Presented by Author Ron Romano
Thursday July 2nd, 7pm
Join us for a fascinating presentation by award-winning cemetery historian Ron Romano, one of Maine’s leading experts on 19th-century gravestones, symbolism, and burial landscapes. Ron will discuss his newest book, Stories from Maine Cemeteries: Lives Cut Short, sharing powerful and often untold stories preserved in Maine’s historic cemeteries. Ron is the 2026 Recipient of the Harriette Merrifield Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award which is presented by the Association for Gravestone Studies and is the field’s highest honor. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and the author will be happy to sign copies!
Vintage Artisan Day
Saturday, August 1st, 10am
At the Taylor/Frey/Leavitt House
Local artisans will display, sell and demonstrate the making of their crafts. Tours, kid’s programs & food will be available. For more information about Artisan Day, please contact Victor at (207) 929-0133 or for more information about the quilt show, please contact Renee at (207) 229-4379 or email reneeblingbling1@gmail.com
All Power is Inherent in the People: A History of Voting Rights in Maine
Presented by Author Anne Gass
Thursday August 6th 7pm
From Maine’s founding to today, voting rights have continually evolved, shaped by struggle, progress, and change. Anne will bring these important stories to life through her engaging presentation that explores who was excluded from voting in early Maine and why, what it took for marginalized groups to secure the right to vote, and how voting rights continue to evolve today. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and the author will be happy to sign copies.
The Great Turn-Out of 1841
Presented by Author Elizabeth DeWolfe, Ph.D.
Thursday September 3rd, 7pm
In 1841, nearly 500 female factory workers in Saco, Maine staged a bold protest by marching through town, raising their voices, and demanding change. Elizabeth explores the lives of New England’s “factory girls,” the opportunities and hardships of mill work, and how this early labor protest connected to broader movements for women’s rights, including suffrage. Professor Emerita of History at the University of New England and award-winning author, Elizabeth, brings this powerful and often overlooked story to life through research and storytelling.
Raising the Past: Restoring a Historic Barn & Homestead
Presented by Lee Hoagland, Hoagland Restoration
Thursday October 1st, 7pm
Join us for a visual overview of the impressive restoration work focused on the timber frame of the historic Taylor/Frey/Leavitt property. This important preservation effort highlights the craftsmanship and care required to restore and stabilize the property’s original structure, ensuring it remains a lasting part of Waterboro’s history. Lee will share and explain the timber framing techniques used and walk through the challenges and successes of restoring this historic structure.
6th Annual Festival of Trees!
November 20th-22nd & 27th-29th!
This festive fundraiser fills the Grange Hall with beautifully decorated, themed Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses and community members. Each tree includes unwrapped gifts and is raffled to support the Waterborough Historical Society. To sponsor a tree or volunteer, contact Roxie at (207) 929-0176 or heritage@sacoriver.net.
