Through the Passage: Exploring the French & Indian War through Kenneth Roberts' Novel - Discussion Group Course
2025-04-16 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, ME, 04043, United States
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)

The Art of Iceland: An Evening with Bruce McMillan
2025-04-23 18:00 - 19:30
In this special presentation co-hosted by the Brick Store Museum and the Art Guild of the Kennebunks, artist Bruce McMillan will speak on Icelandic art and noted Icelandic artists. He will have on display original works from his collection of more than 50 Icelandic paintings and sculptures, along with Iceland art books from his collection.
The Museum’s founder, Edith Barry, was a world traveler and part of her mission in creating the Museum was to bring the world to Kennebunk.
Bruce is a member of the Icelandic Watercolor Society. He had a two-person watercolor show in Reykjavik with his Icelandic watercolor friend, Oskar Thorarensen, Reykjavik and Beyond in 2022. His own honored 45 children’s books include seven set in Iceland, two of them featuring paintings by Icelandic artist, Gunnella, their first one a NY Times Ten Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the year. He has photo-illustrated and written two books published in Iceland. Bruce has been traveling to and around Iceland for over thirty years. An incoming Iceland passport control officer said when inspecting his passport, “Remember me?” And he did.
Bruce McMillan graduated from Kennebunk High School and the University of Maine. After a fortunate career in publishing, producing 45 photo-illustrated children’s’ books, two adult humor books in the US and two more books in Iceland, Bruce moved on to painting watercolors for the past twelve years. Two of his watercolors are in the Brick Store Museum collection.
This presentation is free and open to the public, and will take place in the Brick Store Museum’s Program Center at 4 Dane Street. Donations welcome!

Handwoven May Day Baskets
2025-04-26 12:00 - 15:00
Celebrate spring by crafting your own traditional May Day Basket! Inspired by the Victorian-era custom of leaving flower-filled baskets on neighbors’ doorsteps, this workshop will guide you through weaving a small round hanging basket—perfect for sharing a May Day surprise.
About the Basket:
Designed to hang on a doorknob
Measures 9″ high (including handle) and 3-3.5″ wide
Woven with various types of reed splint
Choose accent colors to personalize your design
Skills You’ll Learn:
Starting a round basket base
Twining the bottom
Over-and-under weaving techniques
Attaching the handle and rim
Class Size: Minimum 5 students, maximum 8 students
Materials Provided: All necessary weaving supplies and a pattern to keep for future projects.
Students Should Bring:
Basin for water
Pencil
Good pair of scissors
Awl or knitting needle
Tape measure
6 spring clothespins
Towel
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund.

Sashiko Mending Workshop: The Art of Visible Repair
2025-04-29 12:00 - 14:00
Discover the beauty of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that transforms mending into an art form. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Sashiko stitching to repair and reinforce fabric while adding decorative, geometric patterns. Bring a well-loved piece of clothing (like jeans or a shirt) or practice on provided fabric as we explore this mindful, sustainable craft.
No sewing experience needed—just a love for creativity and upcycling! All basic materials will be provided.
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

Daughters of the American Revolution Reception
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
Join the Rebecca Emery Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, for the opening of the American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine, from April 27 to May 9. This innovative exhibition features interactive displays, digital kiosks, and artifacts to bring the Revolutionary War to life. Don’t miss the chapter reception on April 30th from 6-8 pm to explore the exhibit and enjoy light refreshments. RSVP on the Brick Store Museum’s website.

May Day at the Museum!
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00

Historic District Walking Tour
2025-05-03 12:00 - 13:30
12PM, Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street, Kennebunk. Explore the history of the elaborate and historic homes that line Kennebunk’s Summer Street neighborhood in Downtown Kennebunk. Led by Museum tour guide. $10 per person/$5 for members. Reserve in advance by calling 985-4802 or visit www.brickstoremuseum.org.

Imagine That! Three Centuries of Kennebunk Commerce Tour
2025-05-06 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-20 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-27 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-03 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-10 10:30 - 12:00
This walking tour explores Main Street and its commercial history over three hundred years. Stretches from the Museum down to the Mousam River Bridge. (about a half mile, 60 minutes, led by trained tour guide). $10.00 per person/$5 for members. Reserve in advance by calling 985-4802 or visit www.brickstoremuseum.org.

Create Your Own Sketchbooks: A 4-Week Bookbinding Course
2025-05-07 12:00 - 14:00
Unlock your creativity and master the art of bookbinding in this hands-on, 4-week workshop. Whether you’re an artist looking for a custom sketchbook or simply passionate about craft, this class will teach you two timeless binding techniques that allow your creations to lie flat for easy sketching and journaling.
What You’ll Learn:

Japanese Stab Binding: Discover the elegance of this traditional technique, perfect for creating durable, open-flat sketchbooks.
Secret Belgian Binding: Learn this intriguing binding method, offering both beauty and functionality while allowing your book to open completely flat.

Through each session, you’ll dive into the process of making your own hardcover sketchbook using quality materials. You’ll explore various binding tools, the use of thread, paper, and cover materials, all while honing your skills in precise and intricate bookbinding techniques.
$130 for 4 weeks/$110 for members (Members will receive a refund)
Instructor: Gayle Fitzpatrick

May Early Release Art Class
2025-05-07 13:00 - 15:00
Join us at the Brick Store Museum for a fun-filled art class designed for students in 1st through 5th grade! On Wednesday, May 7 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, kids will explore the colorful world of Gelli printing and create unique paper crafts to take home. All materials are provided.
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

Historic District Walking Tour
2025-05-10 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-22 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-24 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-29 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-05-31 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-06-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 12:00 - 13:30 and 1 more date
Explore the history of the elaborate and historic homes that line Kennebunk’s Summer Street neighborhood in Downtown Kennebunk. Led by Museum tour guide. $10 per person/$5 for members.

Needle Punching Workshop: Stitch the Original Maine Flag
2025-05-13 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for a hands-on Needle Punching Workshop where you’ll create a textured fiber art piece inspired by Maine’s original 1901 state flag—featuring the iconic pine tree and North Star. This beginner-friendly class will guide you through the basics of needle punching, from threading your punch needle to crafting beautiful loops and textures.
🧵 No experience necessary—just bring your creativity!
Instructor: Lisanne Miller

Side by Each | Concerts in West K with Mousam River Music
2025-05-18 15:00 - 17:00
The Museum’s Concert Partner Mousam River Music Presents:
Two of Maine’s musical power couples – Don & Cindy Roy and Erica Brown & Matt Shipman – join forces in Side by Each. The roots run deep in this dynamic and exciting quartet! Don and Cindy’s music (fiddle, piano, and step-dancing) goes back to their respective families who hailed from Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes. In 2018, they were awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts as leading exponents of Franco-American traditional music in Maine.
Erica Brown began studying fiddle with Don when she was eight years old. She has developed into a virtuosic fiddler and singer whose music fits right in with Don & Cindy as if they had never stopped playing together. In addition to her mastery of Franco-American music she and husband Matt Shipman (guitar and bouzouki) also pursue a career in Bluegrass and Country music. They lead the five piece group, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection; the trio, Darlin’ Corey; and the country swing band, Haggard & Cashed.
Superb fiddling from Don and Erica! Rock-solid, tasteful accompaniment from Cindy and Matt! Cindy’s lively step-dancing and podorythmie! Great vocals! It all adds up to an exciting afternoon of music and fun! Don’t miss it!
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Tickets: $25 per person
Pre-purchase is now closed – please purchase tickets at the door!
Questions or want to reserve cash seats? Email: paul.wells@mousamrivermusic.net

Macrame Market Bag Workshop
2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:00
Learn the art of macrame and create your own stylish, eco-friendly market bag! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll practice simple knotting techniques to craft a sturdy, reusable bag perfect for shopping or everyday use. Add a personal touch by decorating the handles with colorful embroidery threads, making your creation truly one of a kind. Whether you’re new to macrame or looking for a fun, creative project, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Come knot, create, and take home a bag that’s both practical and uniquely yours!
Instructor: Sarah Soleau

Oral History Training Workshop
2025-05-31 09:30 - 12:30
This workshop is designed to introduce potential oral history practitioners to the fundamentals of conducting a life-course oral history. Participants will learn how to identify interviewees, conduct pre-interview research, and prepare for meaningful and professional oral histories. The session will cover best practices for conducting oral history interviews and ensuring the ethical and responsible documentation of personal narratives.
Throughout the workshop, participants will explore key interviewing techniques, including how to create a comfortable environment, ask open-ended questions, and engage narrators in sharing rich and detailed accounts of their experiences. Practical aspects of recording best practices will also be addressed, with guidance on selecting equipment, recording remotely or in person, and organizing recorded materials for preservation and access.
Legal and ethical considerations will be discussed in depth, including issues of privacy, copyright, and the responsibilities of oral historians in handling sensitive content. Participants will receive samples of necessary forms and documents to facilitate their own oral history projects. By the end of the session, attendees will have the foundational knowledge and confidence to conduct oral history interviews within their local communities independently.
Complimentary snacks and beverages provided.
The Brick Store Museum’s Oral History Program is looking for volunteer interviewers! If you would like to join the team, please consider taking this course. If you are a current Museum Volunteer, please register via the STUDENT rate for a complimentary registration.
The Workshop will be taught by Molly Graham, a professional oral historian and radio documentarian. She trained at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine. She has her master’s degree in Library Science and Archives Management from Simmons College in Boston. Molly is the former director of the oral history program at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and Assistant Director of the Rutgers Oral History Archives. In 2013, she co-founded Oral History & Folklife Research, Inc., with the mission of preserving the stories, voices, and cultural traditions of Maine and beyond. Currently, she is the oral historian for NOAA’s Voices Oral History Archives, where she collects, preserves and curates oral histories documenting historical environmental change and its impacts on fisheries, oceans and coasts.

Liz & Dan Faiella | Concerts in West K with Mousam River Music
2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:00
The Museum’s Concert Partner Mousam River Music Presents:
Liz and Dan Faiella bring to life the traditional music of their roots, with crisp vocals, mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar, lyrical fiddling, and exhilarating rhythmic drive. Their music calls to mind the convivial grange hall contradances of their youth in New Hampshire, while conveying a wistfulness for their ancestral Ireland.
Liz and Dan have taken the stage at premier folk venues throughout New England, including Club Passim, the Acadia Trad Festival, Maine Celtic Celebration, Little Sea Folk Festival, and the Boston Celtic Music Festival. They are sought-after teachers, and have shared their craft with students at camps, festivals, and community music schools.
Their album, At Long Last (2018), explores heartache, wonder, and joy, expressed through the traditional music they love.
Liz Faiella’s study of Irish fiddling, training in classical violin, and love of social dancing have shaped her musical approach. Liz is chair of the Folk Department at the Concord Community Music School in Concord, NH, where she teaches fiddle students and organizes the Music School’s Fall Fiddle Festival. She also is active as a YouTube creator, sharing fiddle tunes, tutorials, and techniques far and wide.
Dan Faiella is a guitarist specializing in traditional Celtic music. Trained as an accompanist through years of playing for New England contradances and for Irish fiddlers, he has performed at venues and festivals around the country with numerous traditional music groups. In his solo playing, Dan’s fingerstyle arrangements of traditional songs and tunes draw extensively on techniques and ornamentation from traditional idioms beyond those directly related to the guitar, such as Celtic harp-playing, sean-nós singing, and uilleann piping. Over many years of playing solo and collaboratively, he has developed an ability to adapt and synthesize these sounds into the context of the unique arrangement capabilities of the guitar.
Join Liz and Dan in the museum’s Dane Street Program Center for a great afternoon of traditional Irish music!
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Tickets: $20 per person
Purchase online prior to 2:00pm on Saturday, June 7; after that time, please purchase at the door. Questions or want to reserve cash seats? Email: paul.wells@mousamrivermusic.net

June Art Walk - Open Late!
2025-06-13 17:00 - 19:00
Join us at the Museum to kick start your Downtown ArtWalk! On the second Friday of each month, come to Downtown Kennebunk for a night of live music, local artists, food trucks and specials. Let’s celebrate Downtown! The Museum will be open for FREE ADMISSION from 5pm – 7pm.
In addition to showcasing our current exhibitions, we will be featuring four incredibly talented local artists for the June Walk:
John Kessler of Salt + Sand Gallery
Elizabeth Murphy
Andrea Roth Kimmich
Kathy Polletto – Kennebunk Basketry
Downtown Artwalks occur every month from June through August (on the second Friday of each month). Hosted by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Kennebunk.
Learn more about the full event on the Chambers’ website!
