New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Music This Summer

Featuring nearly two-dozen museums in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast, the New Hampshire Heritage Trail has become known for its diversity in programming, including its penchant for music. “There is nothing quite like a live music performance with a museum of regional, or possibly, national significance serving as backdrop amidst beautiful scenery,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough.

Two examples of The Trail’s emphasis on music can be found at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

Taking place every Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., through September 11, Canterbury Shaker Village presents Music on the Green, each week providing a different style of music from a different genre. Upcoming concerts in July include the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio (July 3), The Wholly Rollers (July 10), River Sister (July 17), The Mink Hills Band (July 24), and Jim Dozet Duo (July 31). The concerts are free, but donations are encouraged.

“Music was very important to the Shakers, which is why this series is both fun and mission-driven,” said Leslie Nolan, executive director of Canterbury Shaker Village. “The Shakers were known to participate in long sessions of singing and dancing. “ To learn more about Music on the Green, or Canterbury Shaker Village, which interprets Shaker life through guided tours, exhibits, buildings, gardens, and programs, visit shakers.org.

At Strawbery Banke Museum, Tuesdays on the Terrace take place every Tuesday through September 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Upcoming July performances include “Kids Music and Magic Night” with Sages Entertainment and Mr. Aaron (July 5), Ben Baldwin & Kent Allyn (July 12), “Chorus Night” with Sounds of the Seacoast and Portsmouth Pro Musica (July 19), and Sharon Jones (July 26). Admission per concert is $5 and free for members and children under 3.

“The outdoor concert series is a wonderful addition to the slate of Strawbery Banke events and showcases the talent of accomplished musical acts from the Seacoast area,” noted President and CEO Lawrence J. Yerdon.

Located on 10 acres, Strawbery Banke Museum interprets more than 300 years of history through historical houses on their original foundations, heirloom gardens, traditional crafts, and costumed roleplayers who share the stories of the families who lived in the authentic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. To learn more about Tuesdays on the Terrace, or Strawbery Banke Museum, visit strawberybanke.org.

Member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.