Origami Holiday Cards Workshop
2024-12-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME, 04043, United States
Join us and learn to make handmade origami cards for the special people in your life. You will take home at least three completed cards, with envelopes and instructions. Bonus: if you have time, you can make these adorable little origami trees. This will be a fun way to kick-off the holiday season. All supplies included.

Winter Solstice Lanterns - December Early Release Workshop
2024-12-04 13:00 - 15:00
Winter Solstice Lanterns

Students will be using a variety of seasonal botanicals to decoupage mason jar “lanterns”. Celebrate the winter solstice by embracing light and the upcoming darkest day of the year.

Instructor: Sarah Soleau
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ages 8+ is recommended.

*This is a guardian drop off/pick up program*

Threads of Tradition: A Curator’s Tour with Lisanne Miller
2024-12-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-19 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for a special Curator’s Tour of the Threads of Tradition: The History of Rug Hooking in Maine exhibition, guided by Lisanne Miller, co-owner of W. Cushing & Company. Dive into the fascinating history of rug hooking in Maine and learn about the artistry and resourcefulness behind this beloved craft. Lisanne will offer insights into the heritage of W. Cushing & Company, a cornerstone in the textile community since the mid-1800s, and share stories from its long history of supporting rug hooking enthusiasts across generations.
Free for members; $5 for non-members, which includes museum admission.

Scandinavian Woven Wood Stars and Hearts
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00
Get ready for a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your very own woven wood star and heart using traditional basket weaving materials! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this class is perfect for you—no experience necessary. Guided step-by-step, you’ll transform simple materials into beautiful, handmade pieces to treasure or gift. Join us for a creative and fun-filled experience that will spark your imagination and leave you with skills to take home!
$40/$35 Members
Instructor: Joe Mulqueen

No Glue Woolly Tree Workshop
2024-12-09 14:00 - 17:00
Try our NEW NO GLUE Woolly Tree!! A beautiful metal tree frame with wool and lights for you to assemble yourself. Fun to make and easy to do, comes with frame, wool needed, and lights. Everything you will need will be in your kit! You decide what kind of lights you would like…we have white lights or color twinkling lights. Choose your favorite!
Lights are battery operated – Battery not included.
You will have a choice of a green tree or cream tree!

Taste of Traditions!
2024-12-14 10:00 - 14:00
The Festival of Traditions features a pop-up exhibition, a Smartphone holiday history tour, and a “Taste of Traditions!” event on Saturday, December 14 from 10am – 2pm.
The “Taste of Traditions!” event will feature a cookie tasting from desserts around the world associated with historic Kennebunk people who immigrated from varied parts of the world in the early 20th century. During the event, Paul & Sally Wells will play Christmas fiddle tunes and local immigrant stories will be told. The event is free to Members and $5 per person (free under age 12).
The Festival of Traditions exhibit will be on display through December 21, joining the new exhibition “Timeless Play: A Century of Holiday Toys” and the upcoming 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Display, on view December 17 – 21. There is plenty to explore at the Museum this holiday season!

Nightcap Before Christmas: The Museum Holiday Party!
2024-12-20 16:00 - 19:00
You’re Invited!
The Museum Holiday Party
An annual tradition!
Friday, December 20
4pm—7pm
Free – Fun – Family – Friends
Join the Museum with your family, friends and neighbors to explore exhibitions, enjoy treats and bubbly, and find time to do some last-minute holiday shopping while enjoying a night at the Museum!
Free admission for Museum Members and friends, with donations to the Annual Fund gratefully accepted!

Early Release Workshop - Needle Felting Snowballs
2025-01-08 13:00 - 15:00
Learn or practice needle felting to craft a decorative wool “snowball” perfect for the season!
Recommended for ages 7+
We are unable to provide transportation at this time so this workshop is guardian drop off and pick up.

A Library of Hand-Bound Books - 4 week workshop
2025-01-22 12:00 - 14:00
Discover the art of bookbinding in this comprehensive, hands-on workshop series! Over four classes, you’ll create six unique book structures:
Pamphlet Book – A simple and elegant design.
Japanese Stab Bound Book – A traditional style with decorative stitching.
Basic Codex – The classic multi-page book format.
Hardcover Accordion Book – A versatile structure with striking visual appeal.
Hardcover Book with Tapes – A sophisticated book with sewn signatures.
Flutter Books – A playful and dynamic design.
This class focuses on the techniques, tools, materials, and processes essential to bookbinding, providing you with the skills to continue creating your own handmade books. Perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their craft!
Instructor: Gayle Fitzpatrick
4 students minimum/8 students maximum
Dates: January 22, January 29th, February 5, February 12th
Make-up day: February 19

Punch Needle Workshop: Discover Two Styles
2025-01-28 10:00 - 12:00
Explore the art of punch needle embroidery in this hands-on workshop! You’ll learn to create beautiful textures using two techniques: the Oxford Punch with yarns and the Ultra Punch (or Russian Punch) with DMC and Valdani threads.
Punching mimics the look of hand-hooked and embroidered work—but it’s easier! If you can hold a pencil, you can punch.
This session focuses on learning and experimentation rather than completing a set project. The class includes materials to practice both styles, such as yarns, threads, monk’s cloth for the Oxford Punch, and weaver’s cloth for the Ultra Punch. Tools, hoops, and scissors will be available for use during class and can be purchased separately.
Instructor: Lisanne Miller

A Library of Hand-Bound Books – 4 week workshop
2025-01-29 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-05 12:00 - 14:00
Discover the art of bookbinding in this comprehensive, hands-on workshop series! Over four classes, you’ll create six unique book structures:
Pamphlet Book – A simple and elegant design.
Japanese Stab Bound Book – A traditional style with decorative stitching.
Basic Codex – The classic multi-page book format.
Hardcover Accordion Book – A versatile structure with striking visual appeal.
Hardcover Book with Tapes – A sophisticated book with sewn signatures.
Flutter Books – A playful and dynamic design.
This class focuses on the techniques, tools, materials, and processes essential to bookbinding, providing you with the skills to continue creating your own handmade books. Perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their craft!
Instructor: Gayle Fitzpatrick
4 students minimum/8 students maximum
Dates: January 22, January 29th, February 5, February 12th
Make-up day: February 12

Needle Felting Adult Workshop: Seasonal Snowballs
2025-01-30 13:00 - 15:00
Get ready to dive into the art of needle felting in this hands-on workshop designed for adults! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll learn to craft decorative wool “snowballs” that are perfect for the winter season.
These versatile creations can be displayed as charming seasonal décor or even used in your dryer as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional dryer sheets.
Previously offered as a student workshop, this class is now tailored for adults, combining creativity and functionality in a relaxed and welcoming environment. All materials are provided—just bring your enthusiasm!
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

No-Glue Woolly Wreath: Valentine’s Edition
2025-02-03 17:00 - 19:00
Celebrate love and creativity with this no-glue woolly wreath workshop! Using soft wool, a wire frame, and a festive bow, you’ll craft a charming Valentine’s wreath perfect for hanging or using as a table centerpiece.
Once you master this simple technique, you’ll want to make wreaths for every season! No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and love for the season.
Instructor: Lisanne Miller
Min:4
Max: 8

February Early Release Workshop - Felt Sewing Hand Warmers
2025-02-05 13:00 - 15:00
Practice some light sewing skill and work with felt to crate some seasonal “hand warmers”. We will sew our hearts and then fill them with rice to make reusable hand warmers!

Maine Stitches: Galentine’s Embroidery Night
2025-02-10 17:30 - 19:30
Celebrate Galentine’s with a creative twist! Each participant will learn embroidery basics using a charming Maine-themed pattern featuring flowers and a lobster. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll master foundational stitches, pattern transfer techniques, and material selection while creating your own unique design. Bring your friends or come solo for a fun night of stitching and creativity—feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy!

A Library of Hand-Bound Books – 4 week workshop
2025-02-19 12:00 - 14:00

Ghost Ships and Gothic Dreams with Leanna Renee Hieber Virtual Lecture and Take Home Meal
2025-02-20 18:00 - 19:00
Join actress, playwright, ghost tour guide and award-winning author Leanna Renee Hieber as she shares the ways in which Southern Maine has inspired her fiction and non-fiction, in forthcoming works like America’s Most Gothic: Haunted History Stranger than Fiction where she discusses the area’s famous Ghost Ships and why she’s using Wolfe’s Neck Preserve as the setting for an upcoming Gothic Novel. (You’ll be the first to hear a live reading of excerpts from the chapters!)
The very popular add-on dinner option continues with a take-out meal catered and packaged by For the Love of Food & Drink (Wells). Available for pre-order and pick- up between 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
MENU:
Greens Salad
Anadama Roll & Butter
Pork Tenderloin with Plum Chutney or Layered Vegetable Tort
Broiled Potatoes
Root Vegetables
Individual Fruit Pie
This is a VIRTUAL program the zoom link will be sent prior to the date of the event.

Homeschool Creative Stitches: Hand Embroidery for Kids
2025-02-24 10:00 - 12:00
Discover the basics of hand embroidery in this fun and beginner-friendly class for kids! Learn simple stitches, how to transfer and pick out colorful materials. This class is all about creativity and hands-on fun—kids will complete their first embroidered design and feel proud of mastering a new skill in this timeless craft.
This class is part of a two-week session, allowing kids to build on their skills and creativity across both weeks.
Instructor: Heather Coombs

At Home, At War, At Sea: Interpreting & Understanding Historic Experiences
2025-02-27 18:00 - 19:30
Join the Brick Store Museum for a Discussion Series! Using Maine Humanities Council’s Discussion Project program as a framework, gather with community members to read and discuss historic letters and diaries from the archives of the Brick Store Museum. This program seeks to engage our community in connections with the past and with each other.
This year, our program convenes (via ZOOM) for three sessions on February 27, March 13, and April 10, all from 6:00pm to 7:30pm (until 8:00pm on the final session). Participants should expect to attend all three sessions. This series is facilitated by Dr. Libby Bischof, Maine Humanities Council Facilitator, Executive Director of the Osher Map Library, and Professor of History at the University of Southern Maine.
The theme for our shared readings in “At Home, At War, At Sea: Interpreting & Understanding Historic Experiences,” which will feature three different diaries and collections of letters that show diverse perspectives of lives in the 19th century, all written by Kennebunk inhabitants. This series lets participants dive into local history and its people through reading first-hand accounts of life 150 years ago, to discuss (like a book group!) with peers and react in real time. This program takes place via Zoom so participants can read and discuss from the comfort of their homes.
Participants will be mailed printed copies of the archival documents and will also receive them digitally (via email). All those who register prior to February 10th will receive their printed packet in the mail prior to our first meeting. Should you register after this date, you may not receive your packet in time for the first session (everyone will receive PDF copies to you email, so you’ll still get the readings!).
Participants will receive Zoom links to each session one week prior to the start date.
Thanks to support from the Maine Humanities Council, this program is free, with registration required.

This program is limited to 16 attendees. We have started a Waiting List. If you are interested in joining the list to be made aware of our next opportunity, please email info@brickstoremuseum.org.

CPAA Winter Forum: Current Trends in Archaeology
2025-03-01 13:00 - 16:30
The Cape Porpoise Archaeological Alliance (CPAA) presents its third annual Winter Forum, with the 2025 theme Current Trends in Archaeology: Working in Southern Maine. On Saturday, March 1, CPAA Principal Investigator Tim Spahr will lead a series of speakers to explore current work in Southern Maine and answer audience questions. This forum is intended for general audiences and those particularly interested in New England archaeology and archaeology education.
The half-day forum will include complimentary snacks and beverages, running from 1pm – 4:30pm with the following lineup of presenters:

Professor Arthur Anderson, PhD, Associate Teaching Professor of Archaeology, University of New England
Gabriella Calabia, Undergraduate at Columbia University and CPAA Intern
Benjamin Smith, CPAA member and editor of the Maine Archaeological Society Newsletter
Tim Spahr, Principal Investigator of the Cape Porpoise Archaeological Alliance

Registration: $20 per person, with funds supporting the work of the Cape Porpoise Archaeological Alliance.

Homeschool Creative Stitches: Hand Embroidery for Kids
2025-03-03 10:00 - 12:00
Discover the basics of hand embroidery in this fun and beginner-friendly class for kids! Learn simple stitches, how to transfer and pick out colorful materials. This class is all about creativity and hands-on fun—kids will complete their first embroidered design and feel proud of mastering a new skill in this timeless craft.
Instructor: Heather Coombs

March Early Release Fabric Collage
2025-03-05 13:00 - 15:00
Students will draw out their ideas then bring them to life with fabric scrap collage.
Recommended for ages 7+ We are unable to provide transportation at this time so this workshop is guardian drop off and pick up.

Newberry & Verch | Concerts in West K
2025-03-07 19:30 - 21:00
The 2025 season of Concerts in West K (now in its new home at the Brick Store Museum) kicks off Friday evening, March 7, at 7:30 pm, with a concert by Newberry & Verch! Joe Newberry and April Verch are superb musicians who grew up steeped in the traditions of home and hearth—Joe in the Missouri Ozarks, and April in the Ottawa Valley of Canada.
Although they are on the road much of the year, the two musicians are fond of saying that they are rarely homesick because their music means they always have a bit of home with them wherever they go. Known around the world for his clawhammer banjo playing, Newberry is also a powerful guitarist, singer, and award-winning songwriter. Verch is known both for her superb fiddle playing—she was the first woman to win both the Canadian Grand Masters and Canadian Open Fiddling Championships—and her outstanding stepdancing. They have both toured and recorded extensively (as a duo and in other configurations). We’re honored and delighted to bring them to Kennebunk!
This concert takes place in the Brick Store Museum’s Dane Street Program Center. Suggested parking can be found in the Town of Kennebunk municipal parking lot accessed via Green Street.
Tickets will be sold online until 12pm on Friday, March 7. If you are purchasing tickets after noontime on Friday, please plan to purchase your tickets at the door. Thank you!

Coiled Rope Basket Workshop: Craft Your Own Functional Art
2025-03-13 13:00 - 15:00
Discover the timeless craft of coiled rope basket making in this hands-on adult workshop! Learn foundational techniques to create a unique and functional basket, perfect for home décor or gifting. Once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless—think trays, planters, and more! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or trying something new, this class offers a relaxing and rewarding creative experience.
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

Floral Creations: Needle Felting Fun!
2025-03-20 17:30 - 19:30
Dive into the colorful and creative world of needle felting in this engaging class! Learn the basics of this hands-on craft as you create vibrant, eye-catching felted flowers. Choose between designing elegant lapel pins or stunning long-stem blooms to display your artistry. Perfect for beginners, this class offers the chance to craft unique, handmade pieces that are as fun to make as they are to show off!

Lobster Embroidery Workshop
2025-03-22 10:30 - 12:30
Celebrate creativity with a hands-on embroidery workshop! Each participant will learn embroidery basics using a charming Maine-themed pattern featuring flowers and a lobster. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll master foundational stitches, pattern transfer techniques, and material selection while creating your own unique design. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, join us for a relaxing morning of stitching and creativity!

Two Bands. One Night.
2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:00
Haloye and The Boys from Kennebunk and Tag Yourself from Longy School of Music, Cambridge, Mass perform funk, jazz, blues, and tunes to get everyone dancing.
Tickets at the door (cash and Venmo): $10.00 (a portion to benefit the Museum)

Stitch & Shine: A Fun Intro to Counted Cross Stitch
2025-03-25 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for an introduction to the craft of counted cross stitch! In this hands-on class, Lindsey Clancy, owner of The Cranky Cross Stitcher, will guide you through the basics, including:
* The difference between cross-stitch and embroidery
* Essential cross-stitch tools such as cloth, thread, and needles
* How to read a cross-stitch pattern
* Techniques for starting and finishing your stitches
* Tips for finishing your cross stitch for display
Participants will have the opportunity to choose from four unique designs to stitch during the class. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a completed cross-stitch project, mounted in a 4” bamboo hoop and finished with felt backing, ready to display proudly.
