Have you used historic paint colors in your home? Have you ever wondered who or what made those colors “historic?” Come find out at this illustrated talk at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 9 in the Nickels-Sortwell House barn. Advance registration is suggested. Admission is $5 for members of Historic New England, $10 for nonmembers. To reserve a place, call 207-882-7169 or visit www.historicnewengland.org. Nickels-Sortwell House is located at 121 Main Street, Wiscasset. The barn entrance is on Federal Street. This talk is presented jointly by Historic England and Sagadahoc Preservation Inc.

Sally Zimmerman, senior preservation services manager at Historic New England, will reveal the 20th century origins of historic paint color research. Historians originally thought that early American houses were dull and utilitarian in color. By the late nineteenth century, houses were being painted in a wide array of colors, depending on their geographic location and the type of dwelling.

Today’s technology has added to the research of the past through our abilities to do advanced chemical analysis of paint samples. We now know the past was much more colorful than people knew. Hear the stories of four women who pioneered the use of historic colors in house museums and private homes. Learn how historic paint color palettes can enhance the appearance of any interior. For a full Historic New England program calendar and more information on their collection and 36 historic house museums across five states, visit www.historicnewengland.org.

This lecture will be repeated on Monday, August 10 at 7 p.m. at the Winter Street Center, 880 Washington Street, Bath. For more information on the Monday program, call 207-443-2174 or visit www.sagadahocpreservation.org.