On Sunday, Aug. 31 starting at about 1 p.m., members of the Dirigo Vintage Base Ball League will be hosting a game of Town Ball on the Village Green at the Boothbay Railway Village. Town Ball is a direct descendant of the British game of rounders. It was played in the United States as far back as the early 1800s and is considered a stepping stone towards modern baseball.

Instead of just playing a game of Town Ball, the club members are calling on visitors and museum members to be a part of the game. Men, women and children are all welcome to join in and learn from the experts. Once the basic rules are explained a game or more of Town Ball will be played. Spectators are also welcome and encouraged. Be sure to pack your peanuts and popcorn!

The museum invited the Dirigo Vintage Base Ball League to help tell the story of types of activities rural Maine villages would have enjoyed on their village greens during the late 1800s. In addition to grazing livestock animals, a typical Maine village green would open space for band concerts, seasonal celebrations and even political debates.

Often referred to as "The Massachusetts Game,” Town Ball is still played by the Leatherstocking Base Ball Club every Sunday in Cooperstown, New York.

The Village is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hourly train departures between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Museum members get in for free. Well-behaved and leashed four-legged friends are welcome. Contact the Boothbay Railway Village for more information at 207-633-4727, or online at www.railwayvillage.org. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.