AUGUSTA — Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store and house museum on the Kennebec River, will host its 21st annual Maple Syrup Day from 1 to 3 p.m.
During the 18th century maple syrup demonstrations, volunteers will whittle spiles, tap trees and collect and boil sap over an open fire. Inside the kitchen over an open hearth will be a demonstration of Journey Cake baking. In the parlor, maple syrup will be transformed into maple sugar, a staple sweetener of the 18th century, and upstairs participants can learn to weave on a loom.
In addition, an 18th century fair will be presented inside the Learning Gallery of City Hall featuring 18th century paper-cutting, hand-made soaps, a period clothing seamstress and more.
Admission is always free on Maple Syrup Day; donations are welcome. Donations and sale proceeds will benefit the Old Fort Western Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and discovering local history in the Kennebec Valley since 1922.
For more information, call 207-626-2385, email oldfort@oldfortwestern.org, or visit oldfortwestern.org.
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