Forest Heritage Days returns Friday and Saturday

GREENVILLE — Forest Heritage Days, an annual event that celebrates the rich forestry heritage of the Northwoods of Maine, is excited to announce its schedule of events for 2025. The 34th annual event will take place Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9.

Friday, Aug. 8: Events begin with an 11 a.m. Timber Harvest Bus Tour

Hosted by Weyerhaeuser, this immersive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable forestry in action. The experience begins with a brief introduction in their conference room at 444 Pritham Avenue, followed by a guided bus ride to an active timber harvest site just outside Greenville.

Approximate duration: 3 to 3.5 hours. Lunch is included. Cost $20 per person. Kids under 16 are free. To sign up call 207-695-2909 or email director@mooseheadhistory.org.

3 p.m. Old-Fashioned Logging Demonstration

Experience traditional timber techniques with the Colby Woodsmen, a spirited team from Colby College showcasing the athleticism and legacy of Maine’s logging history. Events may include: standing and underhand chopping; crosscut sawing and axe throwing; log rolling and fire building. Free and open to all, donations are welcomed.

5–7 p.m. Masonic Bean Hole Supper: Woodsman’s Dinner

Hosted by Columbia Doric Lodge, this hearty supper features baked beans cooked the traditional way — in a pit over hot coals — alongside hot dogs, biscuits and more.

At Masonic Temple, Pritham Avenue in Greenville Junction. Seating is first-come, first-served. Takeout may be available. Cost to be announced

The Lodge has quietly supported local forestry traditions for generations. This supper is a flavorful celebration of that legacy.

7 p.m. “The Last Log Drive on Moosehead Lake” presentation

Held in the air-conditioned auditorium on the second floor of the Center for Moosehead History (6 Lakeview St.), this powerful presentation marks the 50th anniversary of Moosehead Lake’s final log drive.

Rocky Rockwell, who was aboard the historic drive, will share stories of river life, camaraderie and transformation in Maine’s timber industry. Free and open to all, donations welcomed.

Saturday, Aug. 9: Events begin with the American Legion Lumbermen’s Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. activities take place at the Moosehead Historical Society’s Lumbermen’s Museum and Weyerhaeuser’s Timberlands Office — two neighboring venues on Pritham Avenue:

At the Moosehead Historical Society’s Lumbermen’s Museum (444 Pritham Avenue):

Open house with expanded exhibits.

Free tours of the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan Historical House.

Log carpentry demonstrations by the Appalachian Mountain Club Trail Department: hands-on trail building techniques using small logs — like Lincoln Logs for grown-ups! Watch AMC staff demonstrate how they construct stairs, boardwalks, and bridges using traditional carpentry methods. Demos throughout the day.

Historical storytelling and family-friendly programming.

AMC’s Education Department will be holding family friendly tree-related activities.

Community booths hosted by organizations supporting forest heritage and outdoor education.

11 a.m.  “Stories from the Timberlands” with Clarence Begin.

Retired forester Begin shares stories from over 50 years of working on the timber lands around Moosehead Lake — a legacy passed down from his father, to be held in the Lumbermen’s Museum.

1:30 p.m. “David Stone Libbey: Penobscot Lumberman, River Driver, Civil War Soldier and Writer” with author Tommy Carbone.

Historian and storyteller Carbone explores the adventurous life of David Stone Libbey, a legendary woodsman and writer whose work chronicled life in the North Woods — including the Moosehead Lake Region, to be held in the Lumbermen’s Museum.

At Weyerhaeuser Timberland’s office (441 Pritham Avenue):

125th anniversary celebration; open house with historical displays on company heritage and demonstration of modern technology used in forest; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. lunch available from the Greenville Fire Department Auxiliary Food Truck. Meals sold to support local emergency services; free desserts served inside the Weyerhaeuser Office. A sweet treat to celebrate Weyerhaeuser’s longstanding presence in the North Woods.

Nearby event: Greenville Crafts Fair

While not officially part of Forest Heritage Days, guests are encouraged to visit the Greenville Crafts Fair, held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bartley Event Center, about half a mile from our venues. A great chance to explore handmade goods and support local artisans.

Forest Heritage Days is hosted by the Moosehead Historical Society, in collaboration with AMC, Weyerhaeuser, Tree-Star and a devoted group of local citizens. This celebration honors the enduring relationship between the people of the Moosehead region and the forests that continue to shape our community’s history, economy and culture.

Let’s celebrate Maine’s forest heritage — past, present and future. Hosted by the Moosehead Historical Society and presented with generous lead sponsorship from Weyerhaeuser.

For more information, go to https://www.forestheritagedaysmaine.org/.