The Norlands

The Norlands is an agricultural estate in Livermore featuring a Victorian mansion, granite library, meetinghouse, schoolhouse, cottage, and period-appropriate farm buildings. The entire property spans 400 acres and forms a cohesive complex.

The estate was built in 1821 and served as the residence of the Israel Washburn family. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

The site operates as a living history center where staff members demonstrate 19th-century farming practices and daily routines through hands-on activities. Visitors can watch directly how people worked and lived in that era.

The grounds are open for visits and offer individual or group-guided tours throughout the week. Guests can explore multiple buildings and participate in educational programs tailored to their interests.

The property holds an extensive collection of documents and objects from the 19th century. The estate also regularly hosts farm-to-table dinners featuring ingredients from nearby local farms.