Punch Needle Workshop: Discover Two Styles
2025-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME, 04043, United States
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
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

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.

Just History Website Launch
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00
The Just History Project website, a powerful tool aimed at documenting the often-overlooked histories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Kennebunk and the surrounding towns of Wells, Kennebunkport and Arundel, will soon be launched by the Brick Store Museum. It can be found on the Museum’s website.
A free, public launch of the Database, with a presentation about its use, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at 7pm.

Special Member Event Test
2025-03-28 08:00 - 17:00
testing

Members' Gathering: March Through The Collections
2025-03-28 15:00 - 17:00
Members’ Gatherings will be planned quarterly for Museum Members to get up close and personal with artifacts, exhibitions and archives. In our kick-off Gathering, Members are invited for an afternoon exploring our new acquisitions with Collections Manager Leanne Hayden, alongside light snacks and beverages. Plus, visit with other Members and explore the exhibits on view.
Free admission for Museum Members, please register so we know to expect you!
Not a Member? Join us here!

Lilac Embroidery Workshop
2025-04-01 17:00 - 19:00
Celebrate the beauty of spring with a hands-on Lilac Embroidery Workshop at the Brick Store Museum! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of hand embroidery while stitching a delicate lilac design. Our instructor will guide you through essential stitches, color blending techniques, and tips for creating textured floral embroidery.
No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity! All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with the start of a beautiful lilac embroidery piece to frame, gift, or continue working on at home.
Instructor: Heather Coombs

April Early Release Student Workshop
2025-04-02 13:00 - 15:00
Get ready to welcome spring with a fun and creative needle felting class! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn the basics of needle felting while crafting colorful spring garlands. This beginner-friendly activity is perfect for encouraging creativity and fine motor skills in a safe, supportive environment. All materials are provided

Wicked Haunted....The Way Life Should Be Class
2025-04-04 18:00 - 20:00
Join Paranormal Five, a Maine based paranormal family team as they share stories of Maine haunts. Hear the history and what makes these locations so spooky. See real paranormal evidence that has been caught at some of these locations.

Copley Street | Concerts in West K with Mousam River Music
2025-04-06 15:00 - 17:00
The Museum’s Concert Partner Mousam River Music Presents:
Copley Street – Joey Abarta, Nathan Gourley, and Owen Marshall – is a trio of some of the finest Irish musicians in the Northeast. Featuring Abarta on uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes), Gourley on fiddle, and Marshall on guitar and bouzouki, they create a beautifully expressive and masterfully crafted sound. They have just released their second CD, Copley Street 2, which builds on the success of their acclaimed debut album. The three musicians weave together intricate tunes and instrumental textures in a rich tonal blend that shows the deep musical chemistry between them.
Abarta has carved out a reputation as one of the finest pipers of his generation; he is an All-Ireland champion. In addition to his work with Copley Street he maintains an active schedule of teaching and performing. He has toured with the Green Fields of America troupe, and performed for Irish President Michael D. Higgins. He recently released his second solo album, King of the Blind.
Gourley is a highly regarded fiddler with a distinctive and lyrical style. He has collaborated with such renowned players as Paddy O’Brien of Chulrua, Daithi Sproule of Altan, Brian Miller of Bua, and Norah Rendell of The Outside Track. Since moving to Boston in 2013, Nathan has also released Life Is All Checkered with Laura Feddersen, and The Truckley Howl with Mairead Hurley and John Blake. He has taught and performed at festivals in Ireland, New Zealand, and throughout the United States on both fiddle and guitar.
Portland resident Marshall has emerged as one of the foremost accompanists of traditional music. Known locally for his long tenure with The Press Gang, he has toured and recorded with the likes of Seamus Egan, Liz Carroll, Dervish, and Jenna Moynihan.
Copley Street’s music is a celebration of tradition, honed through years of collaboration and live performance. They deliver music that is full of lift, nuance, and sheer musical joy. Essential listening for fans of Irish traditional music!
+++
Tickets: $25 per person
Pre-sales have closed – please plan to purchase tickets at the door!
Questions or want to reserve cash seats? Email: paul.wells@mousamrivermusic.net

Print, Carve, Create: Block Printing on Tea Towels
2025-04-10 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a creative and hands-on block printing workshop where you’ll learn the art of creating beautiful designs using carved stamps! In this adult class, you’ll explore the basics of block printing as you carve your own stamps and use them to create unique, personalized tea towels.
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

Tea with Louisa May Alcott - SOLD OUT
2025-04-12 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an afternoon of history and tea as Laura Rocklyn brings Louisa May Alcott to life in a captivating performance, followed by an informal chat with guests. A professional actress, playwright, and historian, Rocklyn has performed with regional theater companies across the U.S. and creates immersive historical portrayals for audiences worldwide. Enjoy light refreshments, tea, and lemonade, with tea generously provided by Kennebunk Tea Co., our supporting sponsor. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step into the world of the beloved author of Little Women!

All ticket sales are final. We’re unable to offer refunds due to planning and capacity limits.

Through the Passage: Exploring the French & Indian War through Kenneth Roberts' Novel - Discussion Group Course
2025-04-16 10:30 - 12:30
The French & Indian War (1754 – 1763) was the culmination of almost continuous conflict for over a century between Britain and France and their respective colonial and Native American allies. Often covered briefly in history classes, the results set in motion events leading to the American Revolution.
Against this background, we’ll read and discuss local author Kenneth Robert’s Northwest Passage, one of his most popular historical fiction novels. We’ll provide additional historical background and resources and welcome you to contribute your own interests and experiences. We anticipate informative and lively conversations during our 4 meetings.
SIGN UPS CLOSE APRIL 11th
This course will be conducted via Zoom. You will receive Zoom information prior to the first session.
Please ensure you can obtain the book prior to enrolling in this course.
Instructor: Steve Thornley
Steve is a visual artist, historian, teacher, and lifelong learner, and lives in Wells with his wife Nancy.
Meeting Dates: April 16, April 23, April 30, and May 14
Northwest Passage is available in various edition/formats from Abebooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local booksellers or public libraries)
