The Visitor Center at The Rocks
As the 2026 season approaches, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail (The Trail) is preparing for its most ambitious year. With the addition of several prominent historic sites and the continuation of its statewide storytelling initiative, The Trail is positioning itself as “the gateway” to the Granite State’s rich cultural legacy.
“2026 is going to be a truly wonderful year for our visitors,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the NH Heritage Museum Trail. “With the addition of incredible sites like The Rocks in Bethlehem and the John Hay Estate at the Fells, our Trail is more diverse and vibrant than ever.”
He said he is especially excited to share the final chapters of their “25 Stories for 250 Years” project, as many members formally celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. Launched in late 2024, this initiative features monthly stories from every member museum, highlighting the diverse people and events that have shaped New Hampshire.
“It’s about more than just dates in a book—it’s about the authentic, living history that you can still touch and feel right here in New Hampshire,” he added.
The Trail also continues to grow, recently welcoming three significant institutions to its network. In early 2026, the Enfield Shaker Museum, known for its remarkably preserved Shaker architecture, and the John Hay Estate at the Fells in Newbury, a stunning historic summer estate, joined The Trail. They were preceded by The Rocks in Bethlehem, a historic property managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
“With the nation’s 250th anniversary this year, 2026 is going to be our best year yet,” said Barraclough. “The Trail features something for people of all ages—visit us.”
The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail features members in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, Dartmouth-Sunapee Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.