Did you know that you have a hidden treasure--right in your own backyard?
Those who have discovered this secret gem cannot believe their eyes when they see the extent of the artifacts, buildings and grounds of 19th Century Willowbrook Village located not far away in Newfield, Maine.

We are writing to ask for your support. We hope that you will consider a visit
to the museum, purchase a membership and/or make a donation so that Willowbrook
will be able to continue in its mission to preserve Maineʼs cultural past for present and future generations.

Few museums in the country can match Willowbrookʼs diverse collection of over 10,000 artifacts, most of which came from communities within 100 miles of the museum. They include farm tools and equipment, steam and early gas engines, working blacksmith and printing shops, an extensive carpentry shop, a cooperage and cider mill, a pre-Civil War Concord stagecoach,
sleighs and carriages, and a working 1894 Armitage-Herschell traveling carousel that was a recreational attraction in Maine from 1896 to 1922.

Willowbrook is an important source of knowledge about heritage and life in rural southern Maine in the mid-19th century. It is the only major cultural resource in York County that is not located on or near the coast. We attract over 7,000 visitors a year. We are a nonprofit historic restoration village consisting of thirty-four structures including four architecturally significant
buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits historic artifacts in order to depict rural life in Maine and New England during the 1850s to 1920s and highlights the impact of innovation and industrialization during that period.

Donald King founded the museum in 1970, acquiring all of Willowbrookʼs historic buildings, property and artifacts entirely with his own resources. Mr. King and his wife funded and later endowed Willowbrook with the hope that it would have sufficient resources to continue forever. Their generosity has kept Willowbrook in operation for nearly forty years.

In recent years we have worked diligently to professionalize Willowbrook operations, increase our professional standards, reach out to the community, and expand our financial base. Our highly professional staff has developed collections care policies with practices in keeping with national museums. The museum village has engaged the community through special events, activities for families, and partnerships with local organizations. Our school program has been revamped to address Maine Learning Results and provide programs of interest. Significant efforts at fundraising over the past two years have had strong local support. Despite our efforts, Willowbrookʼs financial assets have been greatly diminished as a result of increasing operations costs, maintenance of aging historic structures, providing authentic experiences and engaging exhibits, and the current faltering economy.

Our current situation makes our community’s support even more critical. You can support
us in several different ways. Please consider making a visit to Willowbrook, purchasing a membership and/or making a donation.

You’ll want to visit our website to learn more about Willowbrook and all it has to offer.

We hope you can help us preserve this amazing historical and educational resource for generations to come.