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New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Preparing for Busy 2024

In 2023, 100,000 people visited the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail—a number President Jeff Barraclough expects to surpass this year.

“New Hampshire is filled with fascinating history and some incredible museums that share that history with the public,” he said. “From museums that share the heritage of a specific region to specialized museums focusing on one subject, there is something to interest everyone on The Trail.”

He said The Trail is excited this year to welcome the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner as a new member. “Mt. Kearsarge plays an important role in sharing the history and culture of the Indigenous People of this region,” he added.

Regarding the increasing popularity of The Trail, Barraclough said it is not restricted to New Hampshire. “People travel here from across the country and globe to visit us,” he said. “We are a gateway to New Hampshire.”

Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, Warner, and Wolfeboro. To learn more about The Trail, or the Trail Passport program, which provides access to all member institutions at a significantly reduced rate, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Brings History to Life Through Education

Field Trip at Millyard Museum

While not the official motto of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, “bringing history to life” is one of the most important objectives behind field trips and education programs offered by many member institutions.

“Field trips and on-site education programs provide highly entertaining, interactive educational experiences that enhance classroom learning,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and Executive Director of member Millyard Museum in Manchester. “The Trail’s educational programs are relevant for any subject—from science, literature, and language to social studies, mathematics, and art.”

Noting the Millyard Museum’s programs are adaptable for grades K-12, Barraclough said they explore a wide variety of topics, some of which include Native People, early European settlement, waterpower, and immigration. “Each museum on The Trail provides unique perspectives and insights on New Hampshire’s history,” he added.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Brings History to Life Through Education

Field Trip at Castle in the Clouds

In addition to their longstanding field trip options, Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, said they recently developed Castle in the Classroom in which staff will visit schools.

“Students can learn about bias and perspectives, leading to either a classroom debate or the creation of a newspaper-style article with one program,” he explained. “In another program, students engage in a STEM activity and learn about innovation and the design process.”

Kid learning at AIM

Child in a Homeschool Program at AIM

According to Jennifer Carr, Executive Director of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter, critical thinking is the primary takeaway for students who engage in their field trips and educational programs. She cited AIM’s 3-year We Are One organizational theme as a conceptual guidepost in their current educational offerings.

“Given the divisiveness of today’s political climate, we encourage kids of all ages to think critically and to hopefully recognize that what makes each of us different also makes us the same,” she said. “Diversity is a complicated subject—and the earlier we start, the better.”

In reflecting on the educational role of The Trail in New Hampshire, Barraclough said member institutions collectively interpret more than 300 years of New Hampshire history.

“We have hundreds of thousands of artifacts in our collections and welcome more than 200,000 visitors annually,” he said. “Whether people realize it or not, The Trail is largely responsible for not just preserving history in the state, but bringing it to life for young people of all ages.”

Totaling nearly 2-dozen, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Welcome Legends, Symphony NH and More 

The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will feature a busy month in New Hampshire’s Merrimack Valley Region in November and December, highlighted by Legends Day and a Symphony NH concert.

At Legends Day on Sunday, Nov. 12, New England Racing Museum in Loudon will welcome four national motor racing broadcasters with New England roots. These broadcasters include Dick Berggren (who also founded the museum), Jack Arute III, Ken Squier, and Mike Joy. Rhode Island native and sportscaster Allen Bestwick will serve as the event emcee.

“This is a lineup of New England auto racing legends that made it to the national stage,” noted museum Executive Director Thomas Netishen “This is a chance to meet these legends and hear them reflect in a panel discussion on their respective 50-plus years in the racing industry.”

VIP ticket holders will have early private access to the museum starting at 10:00 a.m. with a private tour starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. All other ticket holders can enter at 11:00 a.m. to view the museum’s 30+ race cars, motorcycles and artifacts. Buffett lunch and social hour is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Honoree panel discussion is at 1:00 p.m. followed by a banner unveiling ceremony.

Legends Day tickets are $65 for museum members and $80 for non-members. To learn more about VIP tickets, call (603) 783-0183. Regular tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

In nearby Canterbury on Sunday, December 2 at 4;00 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village will host Symphony NH String Quartet followed by a reception with farm to table hors d’oeuvres by Catered by Lacey Tokash Catering. “The concert takes place in the Chapel in the Dwelling House, which has marvelous acoustics,” remarked Leslie Nolan, executive director of the Village. “Seats are limited, so we encourage people to purchase tickets as soon as possible.”

The Village’s Concert + Cocktails event on Sunday, December 2 will be followed by Contra Dancing: Community Old Time New Hampshire Dance on Sunday, December 9. Contra Dancing will feature Dudley Laufman with Wind In The Timothy and Canterbury Orchestra singers. “Both events are part of our Merry Merry Celebration for the holidays,” added Nolan. “It’s a wonderful time to be at the Village.”

To purchase tickets to either event at the Village, click here.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum and Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire’s Merrimack Valley, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, click here.

Busy October at Castle in the Clouds on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail 

October is a busy month for Castle in the Clouds on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. Many events feature a fall or Halloween theme, including a Graveyard Tour, which takes place on Monday and Saturdays at varying times throughout October. On this tour, visitors walk approximately two miles throughout the property to view remnants of cemeteries from long ago.

On Friday, Oct. 13, Castle in the Clouds will host a Pumpkin Walk, a self-guided hike on an easy, family-friendly trail lined with lighted jack-o’-lanterns. Costumes are encouraged, and the walk is Halloween-themed and appropriate for all ages (not scary).

On Monday, Oct. 16, 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Glenn Knoblock will provide insight into how cemeteries and gravestones reveal forgotten aspects of history in New Hampshire Cemeteries and Gravestones. Independent scholar and author of more than twenty books, Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project. He has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

“With his profound expertise in historic cemeteries and grave markers, Glenn will undoubtedly elevate this exploration of New Hampshire history, bringing invaluable insights to enrich the experience,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds.

For more information about Castle in the Clouds, click here.

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, including Castle in the Clouds, click here.

History “On Tap” on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Thursday, September 28, Liars Bench will host Portsmouth on Tap in collaboration with Portsmouth Historical Society to celebrate Portsmouth’s 400th Anniversary. Taking place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the event will feature a limited-edition beer by Liars Bench inspired by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and historical trivia and games hosted by the Historical Society.

“Portsmouth on Tap is a new way for the Portsmouth Historical Society to connect to our local community,” said Emma Stratton, Executive Director of Portsmouth Historical Society. “We hope people will join us for these exciting events that bring history to life through trivia, games, and delicious brews.”

To learn more about Portsmouth on Tap, which takes place throughout the fall, click here.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

In nearby Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will also host Beer for History in the fall. Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the popular series takes place within and outside Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which once welcomed George Washington.

“Beer for History events feature an incredible ambiance that feels very historic and authentic,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “Part of our We Are One initiative is to bring the community together, and this family-friendly series does just that.”

Beer for History kicks off with Stowe, VT’s von Trapp Brewing on Thursday October 5 with tickets $10 for adults (21+) and free for anyone under 21. Other brewers in the series include SawBelly Brewing, The Czar’s Brewery, and UNH Brewlab. Tickets may be purchased at independencemuseum.org.

In addition to AIM in Exeter and Portsmouth Historical Society in Portsmouth, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts Spotlight on Castle in the Clouds

Originally called Lucknow, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough sits on 6,300-acres developed in 1913 by Tomas G. Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer, to create a luxurious lifestyle.

“At the time, the estate featured state-of-the-art amenities, beautiful hand-made furnishings, and a large staff to run it,” explained Executive Director Charles Clark.

Today, visitors come from across the world to tour the mansion and exhibit gallery, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant or Café in the Clouds, and hike miles of trails maintained by Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

A founding member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, Castle in the Clouds has also become well known for its wide variety of events held year-round. This upcoming Labor Day Weekend is no exception, beginning with Castle Close-Up Tour: The Servant Experience on Friday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.

“This special tour kicks off Labor Day Weekend and will highlight the many ways labor was involved in the building and operation of Lucknow,” said Clark.  “It’s an interesting tour that explores the living quarters and workspaces of the estate staff in an effort to better understand  the servant experience and their stories.”

Tuesdays on the Terrace

On Monday, September 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Castle in the Clouds will host Labor Day Family Picnic & Mini Parade. At this event, visitors are invited to bring their own picnic lunch or purchase food on the property. During the picnic, visitors may participate in activities, including lawn games and make-your-own musical instruments, followed by a mini parade around the field at 1:45 p.m.

“If you want to participate, bring recycled materials, including cans, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, bottles, jar lids, or anything else you think you could turn into an instrument,” Clark added.

Labor Day Weekend at Castle in the Clouds concludes with Putting Human Faces on the Textile Industry: The Workers of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company on Monday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. During this presentation, made possible by a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities: Humanities To Go program, guests will glean insights into the daily life of Amoskeag Manufacturing Company textile workers in the early 1900’s.

“It’s a fascinating look at how people from European countries and French Canada made the transition from an agrarian to an industrial society,” said Clark. “It’s a look into how these changes affected families, local cultures, the nature of work itself, and relationships among workers.”

In talking about their membership in the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Clark said he hopes Castle in the Clouds can inspire visitors to visit other member institutions throughout New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire is full of history, and there is no better way to experience it than on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail,” he said.“All of our members feature professional staff, fun events, and inspiring programs. Some members, like us, also feature incredible natural scenery that can be explored by walking trails, so there is no shortage of things to do.”

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, including Castle in the Clouds, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature ‘Muscle’ in August

On Saturday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., New England Racing Museum will host the 5th Annual Hot Rods, Muscle and More all-vehicles car show, presented by Shea Concrete Products.

In addition to the car show, featuring an estimated 150+ vehicles, the event provides visitors with the opportunity to explore New Hampshire history through dozens of historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside the museum. Visitors may also test their skills on the museum’s iRacing rig and four lane electric slot car track. 

“It’s a fun day where you can simply have a great time with your family,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director. “We also have a great gift shop where people can purchase gifts for others or mementoes to remember their time here.”

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Regarding the show itself, Netishen said they will award 20 trophies, including the third annual Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy, which honors “two incredibly important people associated with the museum.”

“Ted Parker and Gil Coraine have contributed extensively to the museum’s success,” he added. “We look forward to honoring them each year with this high quality and unique trophy.”

Other event highlights include a 50/50 raffle, food truck, and the ‘Coolest Sounding’ vehicle runoff competition, which takes place at 1:00 p.m. Event proceeds support the museum and its mission “to preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motor racing.”

“Museum events like this are a major revenue source that help keep us operating,” said Netishen. The cost to enter a vehicle into the 5th Annual Hot Rods, Muscle and More is $20, which includes two free tickets to the museum that day of the show. The cost for spectators is $5 per person with kids under 12 admitted free. To learn more, visit nermuseum.com.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, click here.

The Trail Invites Visitors To Explore History

Created by the New Hampshire Historical Society, the 603 History Hunt is one of several experiential learning opportunities on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail that invite exploration of history in fun and creative ways.

“Everyone can learn more about the people, places, and events that make New Hampshire special while spending time traveling around the state completing challenges,” said Jenn Walton, assistant director of education and public programs.

Some challenges can be completed from anywhere in the state while others are found in a specific region or location within New Hampshire. Examples of challenges include asking players to film a video, take a photograph, answer a trivia question, or scan a QR code. Players earn points and win prizes, accordingly.

“The Society has been wanting to do a statewide scavenger hunt for several years now, and our 200th anniversary was the perfect opportunity to put our plan into motion,” added Walton.

To learn more about 603 History Hunt, visit nhhistory.org. To sign up for 603 History Hunt, download the Scavify app through the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit scavify.com/download.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Storywalk

If walking is more your speed, the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter invites visitors to walk along the boardwalk by Exeter River in Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park for Storywalk. Part of a nationwide movement and literacy boosting project, Storywalk places an illustrated children’s book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along the boardwalk.

“We select books that share the story of the 18th century and the American Revolution,” said Sarah Jaworski, program manager. “Our goal is to teach civics and inspire civic engagement.”

In July and August, the selected book is “Free for You and Me: What Our First Amendment Means.” “The book is wonderful in teaching children about the five liberties protected by the First Amendment,” added Jaworski.

Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park is located on the point of the Exeter River in downtown Exeter. Storywalk takes place through October. To learn more about AIM, or other programming for kids, visit independencemuseum.org.

In addition to the New Hampshire Historical Society and AIM, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or its Passport program, which provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each member institution, click here.

Portsmouth Features Walking Tours, Music and More on The Trail

This summer, there is plenty to do on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail in Portsmouth, which is home to several member institutions, including Portsmouth Historical Society and Strawbery Banke Museum.

“With Portsmouth’s 400th celebrations going on this year, it’s a great time for both visitors and locals to engage with Portsmouth’s history,” said Sabina Ion of Portsmouth Historical Society.

At Portsmouth Historical Society, visitors can enjoy the New England summer “while immersing themselves in history on daily walking tours.” “Our knowledgeable guides take visitors throughout downtown Portsmouth, revealing unique insights and fun tidbits of history on several different kinds of walking tours,” said Emma Stratton, executive director. “These tours are especially interesting given all that is taking place throughout Portsmouth this year.”

To learn more about Portsmouth Historical Society or their walking tours, visit portsmouthhistory.org

Tuesdays on the Terrace

Tuesdays on the Terrace

At Strawbery Banke, Tuesdays on the Terrace summer concerts take place every Tuesday through August 29 on the Kennebunk Savings Terrace from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Upcoming July performances include North River Music (July 4), Liz & Dan Faiella (July 11), Sharon Jones (July 18), and Kids Night featuring Mr. Aaron (July 25).

“There is something for everyone as the performers are so talented and diverse,” said Linnea Grim, Strawberry Banke President and CEO, Thomas W. Haas Endowed Chair. “There are also two concerts specifically created for kids.”

Located on nearly 10 acres, Strawbery Banke interprets more than 300 years of history—from Indigenous history to the present day. To learn more about Tuesdays on the Terrace or Strawbery Banke, visit strawberybanke.org.

In addition to Portsmouth Historical Society and Strawbery Banke, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail in Portsmouth include Albacore Park and Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden. “Let Portsmouth be your first stop on The Trail this summer,” added Stratton. “You have 400 years of history to explore here.”

Member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

The Trail Preserving New Hampshire History and Heritage

On Friday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will host Wild West Gala in the Clouds, a fundraiser that underscores the importance of historic preservation in New Hampshire.

“Historic preservation is one of our primary objectives—we are stewards of history,” said Charles Clark, executive director of Castle in the Clouds, who said Gala proceeds will support a new restoration project at historic Lucknow Estate.

As for the nature of the project, Clark said it will remain a secret until the night of the event. “We are announcing it at the Gala so we don’t want to spoil the surprise,” he added.

Ladd-Gilman House (1721)

At the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter, Executive Director Jennifer Carr said their proverbial “secret” is out. Built in 1721, AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House has been the focus of ongoing restoration efforts for more than 5 years.

“It’s a process that involves painstaking research, professional assessments, and significant financial support,” said Carr. “Currently, we are looking to conduct an historic building assessment of the Ladd-Gilman House before proceeding with further restoration projects.”

One future project at AIM that is already known, however, is a new heating system at the Ladd-Gilman House. “Controlling the internal climate within the museum is essential both for the building’s structural integrity and the care and preservation of our artifacts,” added Carr.

According to Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and executive director of member institution Millyard Museum in Manchester, historic preservation may be defined in many ways.

“As museums, our role is to not just interpret, but reinterpret, history through the critical lens of what is taking place today,” he said. “We are storytellers, too, which falls under the purview of historic preservation and the unique heritage of our state.”

To learn more about Castle in the Clouds or purchase tickets to Wild West Gala in the Clouds, visit castleintheclouds.org. To learn more about AIM or Ladd-Gilman House, visit independencemuseum.org.

Education is a ‘Field’ Trip on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Featuring 21 museums in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail is an educational destination for many secondary schools.

“Many of us have developed field trips for students of varying ages,” noted Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and executive director of member institution Millyard Museum in Manchester. “If you want your child or student to learn about New Hampshire and its rich history, take a field trip to a member institution on The Trail.”

One such member institution is the American Independence Museum (Exeter, NH), which is revamping its on-site field trips for the 23/24 academic school year. Designed for 5th graders, the program is entitled, Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists.

“It’s a 2-hour program that provides students and homeschoolers with insight into the unique perspectives of loyalists, patriots, and those who remained neutral,” said Sarah Jaworski, program manager at the American Independence Museum. “It’s aligned with national curriculum standards and provides a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience.”

The intent behind Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists, noted Jaworksi, is to help students recognize the “complex challenges” faced by people living in the colonies leading up to the Revolutionary War. “The hope is that students can connect what happened during Colonial times with present day life,” she said. “History has a tendency to repeat itself.”

At Castle in the Clouds (CITC) in Moultonborough, Debbi Finkelstein, director of Education & Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for their field trips, available for the first time since 2019. Offered in full- and half-day formats, field trips include a guided tour of Lucknow Mansion and guided hike.

“We have workbooks for students to use throughout the mansion with questions and activities that provide them with a variety of interactive and critical thinking opportunities,” she said.

Questions that guide CITC’s field trip curriculum include: ‘How does technology influence your life on a daily basis’ and ‘What can land use and change tell you about the people who inhabited the land?’ “The lesson plan itself pairs social studies (history) with STEM topics, such as geology and technology,” added Finkelstein.

In reflecting on the educational experiences possible throughout The Trail, Barraclough said member institutions are an “underutilized resource in the state,” which is something he hopes can change. “We are actively working with schools to develop educational programs and field trips that complement the in-school learning experience,” he said. “We would love to work with more schools and educate even more students.”

To learn more about field trips at the American Independence Museum and Castle in the Clouds, visit independencemuseum.org and castleintheclouds.org, respectively.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Gets Musical

Charged with preserving New Hampshire’s heritage, several museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will offer music concerts for all ages this spring and summer, including The Belknap Mill and Canterbury Shaker Village.

The Belknap Mill’s ‘Arts in the Park’ Summer Concert Series begins Friday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. with Newmont Military Band. Other dates in the series, free and open to the public, include June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, and September 8.

Arts in the Park concerts take place at Rotary Park, 30 Beacon St. E. in Laconia. “We are excited to welcome visitors from near and far to these concerts,” said The Belknap Mill’s Jill Desruisseaux. “We hope these concerts spur people to also learn more about The Belknap Mill, by visiting our exhibits and museum spaces during the shows.”

Built in 1823, Belknap Mill is the oldest, largely unaltered brick textile mill in the United States. The Belknap Mill’s mission is to preserve the Belknap Mill as a unique historic gathering place and to celebrate the Lakes Region’s cultural heritage through the arts, education and civic engagement. To learn more, visit belknapmill.org.

Music on the Green

Beginning Sunday, July 2 at 4:00 p.m. with the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio, Canterbury Shaker Village’s Music on the Green takes place every Sunday through September 24. An Emmy award winning composer and critically acclaimed New Hampshire based fiddler and singer, Tirrell-Wysocki is known for a unique blend of fiddling and singing to produce his own style of Celtic music.

Admission to Music on the Green is free, although donations are encouraged. “We are thrilled we can provide this beautiful concert series for all ages on our expansive grounds,” said Leslie Nolan, executive director of the Village. “Bring a picnic, go for a hike on our trails, or take a tour before — you can make a day of it here.”

Featuring 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement, the Village is designated as a National Historic Landmark with 25 restored original Shaker buildings and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings. To learn more, visit shakers.org.

In addition to The Belknap Mill and Canterbury Shaker Village, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New England Racing Museum To Host 2nd Annual New England Racers Reunion: Race Car Show

On Saturday, May 6, New England Racing Museum will host the 2nd Annual New England Racers Reunion: Race Car Show with a variety of race cars and race motorcycles on display. “This is our season opening fundraiser, and we look forward to welcoming guests from across the region to the museum with over 50 race cars expected,” said Executive Director Thomas Netishen.

At the event, visitors will be able to view racing exhibits from Ron Bouchard Museum, ProNyne Motorsports Museum, Ollie Silva Museum, and Maine Vintage Race Car Association. Senior Tour of Auto Racers and ACOT will also have car corrals.

One important change for this year’s event is the introduction of the Jim Martel Trophy, which will be awarded to best in show. Known as “Gentleman Jim,” Martel raced across New England for four decades in cutdowns, supermodifieds, sprint cars, and stock cars. In 1970, he captured 21 wins at Star Speedway in the late model division.

“We are pleased to name the best of show trophy in memory of Jim, who was a local racing standout, hall of famer, restorer, and former board member of the museum,” said Netishen.

In addition to best in show, other awards include best appearing open wheel race car, Mary Lima best appearing modified, best appearing stock car race car, best appearing drag race car, best appearing race motorcycle, and best appearing road race car.

The 2nd Annual New England Racers Reunion: Race Car Show is open to the public at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, at New England Racing Museum in Loudon. An onsite food truck will be available and a 50/50 raffle will take place. Admission is $5 per adult and free for kids.

Featuring more than 30 displays of historic race cars and motorcycles, the museum will also be open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event with $10 admission for adults and kids under 12 free. For more information about the event or museum, visit nemsmuseum.com.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Anticipates Busy 2023 Season

In 2023, more than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which features more than 20 museums in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, and Lakes Region. “We are excited to welcome people from across the nation and world this season,” said Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and executive director of member institution Millyard Museum in Manchester.

Regarding highlights this year, Barraclough cited the unique characteristics of member institutions with some located in urban settings and others located on pastoral landscapes. “You won’t have just one kind of experience on The Trail,” he said. “What you will discover at any of our museums, however, is an intentional focus to bring history to life in creative ways.”

At Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, Executive Director Leslie Nolan said visitors can literally walk through history. “Our tours take you inside beautifully restored original Shaker buildings, and we have miles and miles of trails that are open to the public on nearly 700 acres of forests, fields and gardens,” she said. “We also offer special programs, including outdoor concerts, stone wall building workshops, and so much more.”

Looking out Village Store Window (1)

Looking out Canterbury Shaker Village Store Window

Located in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) also provides visitors with a chance to walk through history, as the nearly one-acre campus features tours of the Ladd-Gilman House (1721) and Folsom Tavern (1775).

AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr cited big changes this year brought about by new staff that she believes will excite visitors of all ages. “Our new events manager is expanding our calendar to include more interactive and experiential events, and our new curator is conducting research to bring more exciting and inclusive stories and exhibits to guests,” she said.

Carr said they also have significant preservation work planned this year. “Guests will have an opportunity to learn about—and see—the hard work that goes into preserving historic structures,” she added.

Restoration work will also take place at Canterbury Shaker Village, as a new roof will be installed at the Dwelling House. One of 26 restored original Shaker buildings on the property, the Dwelling House is a T-shaped structure with 56 rooms that has been expanded numerous times since its construction in 1793.

Featuring a Chapel, a Paul Revere family bell, and a Shaker library, the 8,700 square foot Dwelling House is where the Shakers also ate and slept. “This building is a unique treasure of the property and worth a visit on its own,” added Nolan.

“Unique treasures,” cited Barraclough, defines all member institutions on The Trail, each providing “a snapshot of New Hampshire history.” “There is more than 300 years of history here on The Trail,” he said. “If you want to experience New Hampshire, this is the place to do it.”

Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

New Exhibit and Galleries Highlight Current Events

A new exhibit at the Millyard Museum and new galleries at the Currier Museum of Art highlight current events on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

At the Millyard Museum in Manchester, Manchester Through the Lens of Frank Kelly features photographs and negatives of Frank Kelly, a prominent Manchester photographer in the mid-twentieth century. Over his long career, Kelly and his wife, Eleanor, photographed many Manchester people, events, businesses, and landmarks.

“This is an incredible exhibit that highlights his work, including unique shots of Manchester businesses and presidential visits to the Queen City,” said Jeff Barracough, executive director of the Millyard Museum. “Collectively, these images provide a snapshot of Manchester during a period of enormous change.”

Manchester Through the Lens of Frank Kelly will run through March 31, 2023. To learn more, visit manchesterhistoric.org.

Also located in Manchester on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, The Currier Museum has completed the reinstallation of many of its galleries, including the entire second floor. Developing themes that cut across European, American, and Asian cultures, these new galleries combine historic and contemporary works along with new acquisitions.

Guston with Brooks Chairs
Guston with Brooks chairs

One such acquisition is a painting by 17th-century Dutch artist Judith Leyster, a pioneering female artist of her time who painted genre works, portraits, and still lifes. The painting is currently on view in The Currier Museum’s European Gallery next to a painting by her husband, Jan Miense Molenaer (part of a permanent collection).

In addition to its 19th Century Collection, new galleries explore Nature and Nostalgia through American landscape paintings in the 19th and 20th centuries, periods defined by tremendous changes, including war, industrialization, and growth of cities. Some subject matter specifically pertains to New Hampshire.

“Our strong collection of views of the White Mountains is now enhanced by an early painting of the Cog Railway on Mount Washington and Philip Guston’s gigantic mural made for the National Forestry Building in Laconia,” explained Senior Curator Kurt Sundstrom. “These are reminders that New Hampshire’s landscape was nearly destroyed in the late 1800s and had to be carefully restored and protected.”

To learn more about The Currier Museum, and its new galleries, visit currier.org.

In addition to the Millyard Museum and The Currier Museum, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.