Join us for an introduction to the Mill Girls and the part they played in building Biddeford/Saco's textile industry's prosperity. What conditions existed for those who worked there in the 1840s? Discover how the use of female labor came about, what their daily lives were like, how the girls and the community as a whole were changed, and when and why the practice came to an end. Leave with a new appreciation of this unique part of history that happened right here in our own community.

Liz Mansfield and her family have lived in Biddeford/Saco since 1983. Childhood summers spent in her great-great-grandparent's house, still full of their possessions, led to a lifelong interest in local history. She taught elementary school for a time and then taught adults for nearly 20 years as a Customer Service Trainer at L. L. Bean. Now retired, Liz volunteers for the Biddeford Mills Museum.

In this fun woodworking class, students construct a traditional 14”L x 10”H x 11”W six-board chest out of a single board. You learn to use hand tools, power tools, and templates to make rip, cross, and curve cuts. For example, a Japanese saw, rasp, coping saw, and random orbital sander are used. Learn to plan, assemble, and glue up the components of the chest, and then prepare your chest for finishing with hand and power sanding. Take it home and paint, stain, decoupage or wood burn to create a one of a kind gift that will last for years to come. A material fee of $80 can be paid to the instructor at the start of class.

Having trouble setting priorities and making plans? Frequently misplace valuable items amid all of the clutter? Feel hurried and pressed for time? Step outside your comfort zone and develop a fresh perspective to help you transform disorder and chaos into thoughtful organization. Uncover the habits and behaviors contributing to disorder and replace them with time-tested methods to be more prosperous, efficient, content and joyful. With the use of calendars and other planning tools, discover practical ways to complete daily tasks on time, make action plans, and achieve your long-term goals. Please bring your cell phone (if you have one) and calendar.

Is loose leaf tea really worth the effort? Let's do some comparisons and you be the judge. Learn a little about tea and where it comes from. How is tea from a bag different from loose-leaf tea? Explore how to make your best cup of tea, what you need for loose leaf preparation as well as other useful equipment. We will do side by side comparisons of several tea bag and loose leaf samples. Registration closes at noon on 11/12.

Marianne Russo, Maine's only Certified Tea Specialist, recently retired from her business of 20 years, Nellie's Tea Company where she offered retail tea and related merchandise, tea service, tea tastings and education, as well as catered tea. She loves sharing her knowledge and passion for all things tea with others.

Learn how to make your own sauerkraut from scratch and taste test other fermented goodies to find your favorite ferments. This beginner-friendly class will teach you everything you need to know to make home fermented foods, including supply suggestions, recipes, and techniques!

Join Karalyn Thayer, the talented creator behind Apian Creative, as she guides you in crafting your own mini, whimsical, dried, floral wreath. Design your very own hanging miniature wreath, complete with lush moss, adorable mini toadstools, and lovely dried flowers. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, or simply want to add some cottage core vibes to your decor, this workshop is perfect for you. Tuition includes all materials to create one mini wreath.

Karalyn Thayer has a BFA from the ME College of Art with a background in teaching web and graphic design. She creates her art with the use of mixed media illustrations and loves experimenting with at home printmaking.

Want to start your own company? Be prepared to explore these five basic questions: Who are you? What are you offering? Who are your customers and competitors? What are the cost estimates? What is your advertising strategy? Leave with the resources needed to get started on your own business.

Jill Braceland has been designing and delivering management and writing tool seminars for more than 30 years. She has a reputation for offering interactive, practical workshops in an easy, friendly manner.