In-Person

2 Sessions

June 26, 2025, 2 pm-3:30 pm- Lecture at UMF, Ed Ctr, room 112

June 27, 2025, 10 am - 2 pm- Trip to Waterville Historical Society & Museum

Carpool: TBD

Waterville Historical Society and Museum, walking tour of historic downtown

Optional lunch at Lebanese Restaurant, MEZZE, on Temple Street, preceded by a 65-90 minute historical background class.

The WHS is based in the 1814 Reddington House, at 62 Silver Street, in Waterville (one block from downtown and the Concourse Parking Lot). The small city of Waterville, first settled on the right bank of the Kennebec River in 1754 following the building of Fort Halifax on the opposite bank of the river, became one of Maine’s manufacturing centers in the late 19 th century, with textile mills, wood products mills, and the extensive railroad car repair shops.

The Reddington family was among the earliest settlers and in 1814 built a grand 2-story home, which the family donated in 1903, with all its furnishings and the carriage house, to the newly created Waterville Historical Society.

Eric Hooglund is Professor Emeritus of Iranian Studies. Previous Gold Leaf courses include History of Waterville and Walking tour of former Lebanese District; Walking tour of Belgrade Grade Lakes village; US Foreign Policy in the Middle East; Iranian Films by women Directors; films of Asghar Farhadi, winner of 2 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film.

Picture credit from Sun Journal

In-Person

July 11, 2025

1 pm - 4 pm

Due to popular demand, Julia Daly will give another class similar to the Spring term class.  If you were on the waiting list, now is the time to enroll!

This will be a short hike and geological overview of Daggett's Rock, Maine's largest glacial erratic. The hike is about 0.3 miles up an old logging road. The rock can be examined from several ground-level spots on a short loop around it. There is some uneven footing on the access trail. Maps and hand lenses will be available to the participants.

Please wear appropriate clothing/footwear and a bug hat.

July 11, 2025

1 pm-4 pm

Car pooling: TBD

Julia Daly is a professor of Geology at UMF.

In-Person

3 sessions

Each session will be a walk or hike in various meadows, woodlands, or mountains in the vicinity of Farmington. The travel time to the trailhead will generally be between 30 and 45 minutes, and participants should plan to be on the trail for 1 to 2 hours. Efforts will be made to avoid difficult terrain, and a makeup date will be scheduled in the event of cancellation.

Approximately one week before each session, participants will receive an individual email detailing the travel plan, providing information about the destination, and offering suggestions on what to bring. 

July 25 & August 21, led by Ray Stillman

September 18, led by Nadine Marchand

Ray Stillman and Nadine Marchand have conducted many similar outings in past sessions.

In-Person

The Maine Art Glass Studio in Lisbon Falls, Maine, provides a unique experience for those interested in the artistry of stained glass.  Insects, butterflies, other animals, and plants are created or enclosed in stained glass.  There will be a short presentation about the museum, followed by a self-directed tour of the exhibits.

The studio is located in the former Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Lisbon Falls, which involves the use of stairs between floors. An introduction to the museum will be presented at 11:00 am.

Brochures are available on the Gold LEAF Bulletin Board.

July 28, 2025

9-3 pm includes travel time

Address: 51 Main St, Lisbon Falls, ME 04252

Lunch on your own

Carpool: TBD

Ray has collected glass items over many years.