You don’t have to dust off your history books. There are plenty of opportunities to discover the past while having some fun along the way! Summer is the perfect time to visit some of this area’s most important sites where history unfolded. Here are a few suggestions.

Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine

Old Newgate was originally constructed as a copper mine in the early 1770s, later becoming a prison, housing its prisoners in the underground tunnels. During the Revolutionary War, it housed political prisoners including Tories and Loyalists. During the course of its time as a prison, it held more than 800 criminals until closing in 1827 and reopening as a mine. Fun Fact: Old Newgate’s first prisoner was John Hinson who committed burglary. The Old Newgate Prison & Copper Mine is located at 115 Newgate Road in East Granby, Connecticut. For more information, call (860) 653-3563.

Plimoth Plantation

Have you ever wondered what life was like when the pilgrims arrived in the New World?  At Plimoth Plantation, you’ll experience a recreation of the lives of the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag people. Wander through the recreated 1627 village and you’ll encounter actors portraying actual colonists as they perform 17^th century activities such as gardening, cooking, sewing and taking care of animals. Plimoth Plantation is also home to the Wampanoag Homestead, where you’ll see the recreated home of Hobbamock and his family, as well as two wetuash (houses), garden and outdoor cooking area. Another onsite attraction is the Mayflower II, which was sailed across the Atlantic in 1957, re-enacting the original voyage of the Pilgrims. Plimoth Plantation is located at 137 Warren Avenue in Plymouth, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.plimoth.org.

Pownalborough Courthouse

Built in 1761, this building is the only remaining pre-Revolutionary War court building in Maine. The courthouse was originally built within Fort Shirley, but remained long after the fort was taken down. There were plenty of famous visitors, lawyers and judges including a young John Adams who tried (and won) a land ownership case against the Kennebec Proprietors. The courthouse has also served as a tavern, guesthouse, family house and meeting house for nearly 200 years. Today, when visiting, you’ll learn about its occupants, as well as stories of crime and justice, 18^th century style. Pownalborough Courthouse is located on Route 128/Cedar Grove Road in Dresden, Maine. For more information, visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

If the walls of the Moffatt-Ladd house could talk, they would give you a very interesting glimpse into early United States history! This Georgian mansion was originally built for John Moffatt in the mid-18^th century. During the Revolutionary War, General William Whipple – one of New Hampshire’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence – lived there with his family. The mansion has been carefully restored so you can experience the amazing architecture and design work. Highlights include amazing pieces of Chippendale furniture and family portraits. Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden is located at 154 Market Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.moffattladd.org.

While the weather cooperates, spend some days discovering the rich history of the region.