Recently, Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth joined the NH Heritage Museum Trail as a Seacoast region member. Welcoming more than 100,000 visitors annually, Strawbery Banke Museum interprets the waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock from 1695 to 1955 through 32 historic buildings, eight gardens, costumed roleplayers, traditional crafts people and professional staff.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes regions with 16 members in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
“There is always strength in numbers,” said Strawbery Banke Museum President and CEO Lawrence J. Yerdon. “Each of us knows that partnership is essential to the success of our museums, whether collaborating along geographical, thematic or mission-driven lines.”
For Jeff Barraclough, president of The Trail, this expansion “could not come at a better time.” “In the coming months, we plan to roll out a Trail Passport that will incentivize people to visit not just one museum, but all museums on The Trail,” he said. “We are thrilled Strawbery Banke Museum has elected to join our collaborative.”
Yerdon said he looks forward to working with other members “to increase visitation everywhere along ‘The Trail.’ As the NH Heritage Museum Trail continues to build awareness among the traveling public, it makes sense to collaborate on initiatives like the joint Trail Passport,” he added. “By leveraging our individual marketing efforts into a larger collective initiative, members can better promote one another and NH’s unique and rich heritage.”
Recently, Castle Preservation Society (CPS) in Moultonborough received a grant from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the second such award for museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail in the past year. “The LCHIP program is significant because it enables nonprofits like CPS to tackle important preservation projects that will benefit countless numbers of visitors for many years to come,” said Charles Clark, CPS executive director.
Emma Stratton, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which was awarded $80,000 earlier in 2019, agreed and said LCHIP funds have been used to address foundation and drainage issues on its Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721). “We removed a 20th century deteriorating concrete skirt, repaired mortar between the foundation stones and regraded around the Ladd-Gilman House,” she said. “We also created an underground drainage system, added storm doors, repaired rotten door sills, rebuilt a historic stone wall and installed the beginnings of a pathway between our two historic buildings.”
This other structure on the campus of the American Independence Museum in Exeter is Folsom Tavern (c.1775). “In the spring,” added Stratton, “we hope to continue our work to connect the pathway between our buildings, regrade the green space on our campus and finalize more intensive foundation repairs.”
Noting their award was $51,875, Clark said LCHIP funds will be used to support restoration of the exterior of the North tower at Castle in the Clouds. This project, he explained, will include repairing failing mortar, restoring wooden rafter tails and window framing, and installing a new replica balcony of the 1914 original. “While repairing the mortar, each stone in the tower’s facade will be re-pointed, which involves removing each one and carefully numbering and photographing their placement to ensure each return to its original position,” he explained.
In restoring the timber framing, Clark said they will save as much original detail as possible, according to Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic restoration. “For non-salvageable portions, all replicated timbers will be skillfully handcrafted out of solid oak, including scalloping details,” he added.
According to both executive directors, the LCHIP grant created leverage opportunities. “Combined with several other grants we have received, it unlocks a challenge grant from the Steinwachs Family Foundation that allows the project to be fully funded,” said Clark.
Stratton added, “An award from LCHIP is a testament to the importance of a project and, as a matching grant program, helps the visibility of a project when approaching additional funders. This grant was an incredible opportunity for the American Independence Museum, as we approach the Ladd-Gilman House’s 300th anniversary in 2021.”
About The Trail
Comprising more than 15 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Featuring 17 museums from Portsmouth to Plymouth and several points north and west, the NH Heritage Museum Trail recently opened two new exhibits.
Millyard Museum
Every four years, Manchester is visited by numerous presidential candidates campaigning in the New Hampshire Primary, a process that is explored in the new exhibit, “Manchester and the Path to the Presidency.” “The exhibit features incredible images of candidates through the years with Manchester voters in their homes, on the streets and in many iconic spots around the city,” said the museum’s Jeff Barraclough. “With this exhibit, we believe we demonstrate our pivotal role in American political history.”
Sponsored by Brady Sullivan Properties, the exhibit will be on view through February, 2020. To learn more, visit manchesterhistoric.org.
Wright Museum
In Wolfeboro at Wright Museum, visitors will have the chance to view “The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II,” an exhibit sponsored by Taylor Community and The Weirs Times. The exhibit features photographs of World War II veterans by Thomas Sanders, who traveled the nation to record in pictures and words experiences from those who fought the “last good war.”
“This is not to be missed and only available for view through the end of our season on October 31,” said museum Executive Director Mike Culver. “We welcome all to see and learn more about ‘the greatest generation.’”
To learn more about the exhibit, visit wrightmuseum.org.
About The Trail
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
With 17 museums from Portsmouth to Plymouth and several points north and west, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features two unique events on Saturday, October 26.
Canterbury Shaker Village
At Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury from 3pm to 8pm, guests will be treated to traditional music performed by a variety of artists and groups and food from local Canterbury food and drink vendors. Musicians expected to perform include High Range Band, Liz Faiella with Lindsay Straw, The Wholly Rollers, Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio, Jim Prendergast with Hanz Araki and others. Food and drink vendors will include a seasonal selection from the Village’s own Creamery Café and Canterbury Aleworks.
“It is a wonderful outdoor event, marked by beautiful fall foliage and perfect for the entire family,” said Maggie Stier, interim executive director.
The Canterbury Shakers composed over 10,000 pieces of music at the Village and there will be special programming throughout the evening highlighting some of their work as well as a program showcasing the newly restored 1887 Hook & Hastings pipe organ in the Chapel of the Dwelling House.
Canterbury Shaker Village is a non-profit museum and historic site located 12 miles north of Concord, NH. It features 25 historic buildings, 700 conserved acres of fields, orchards, and gardens, and offers easy walking trails that encircle several ponds on the property. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, visit shakers.org.
American Independence Museum
In Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour beginning at 3 pm with cemetery tours every half hour from 4-5:30pm. At this family-friendly event, Colonel and Mrs. Folsom invite guests to join them in their historic tavern to celebrate the waning light and autumn season.
“You will meet the Folsom family, tour their historic tavern and hear how they once hosted George Washington while enjoying seasonal refreshments,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton.
Afterwards, guests will make their way to Winter Street Cemetery to meet their colonial tour guide and see the Folsoms’ final resting place and gravesites of many of Exeter’s (in)famous and revolutionary residents.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, AIM welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant. To learn more about the event, or to purchase tickets (which include tours), visit independencemuseum.org.
About The Trail
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
In October, the NH Heritage Museum Trail will feature several harvest themed events for all ages.
Millyard Museum
On October 12 and 13 at Millyard Museum in Manchester, visitors will have the chance to view fall foliage from the top of the 66-foot-tall Weston Observatory off of Oak Hill Ave. “This is a great family fun event,” said Millyard Museum Director of Operations Jeffrey Barraclough. “The Weston Observatory is normally closed to the public so this is the only weekend to get a unique view of New England’s fall foliage.”
For pricing information, visit manchesterhistoric.org.
Canterbury Shaker Village
On October 18, 19, 25 and 27, Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury will offer Spirit Encounters Tours. These evening tours will take visitors into some of the buildings and rooms at the 200-year old Shaker Village that help tell the stories of the Shakers’ involvement with the spirit world and the growth of spiritualism as part of the Shaker religion.
“The tour leaders share the Shakers’ own accounts of otherworldly encounters, and they make the tours a lot of fun,” said Interim Executive Director Maggie Stier.
To purchase tickets, visit shakers.org.
Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm
On October 19, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth will host Herbal Root Fest. At the event, Museum Educator and Herbalist Carol Felice will teach visitors how to recognize and harvest medicinal and wild edible plant roots.
“You will also create a delicious lunch and a medicinal remedy from what you collect,” said Museum Executive Director Cara Sutherland. “Participants will walk away well-nourished and with a supply of fresh assorted roots and a do-it-yourself handbook.”
To purchase tickets, visit remickmuseum.org.
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
In the Seacoast Region of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visitors and locals alike will be treated to two unique family friendly events.
On Sunday, September 8 from noon to 4 pm, Woodman Museum in Dover will host its 23rd Annual Car Show. The event will will feature beer and food by Bad Lab Beer Co. in addition to pre-WWII motorcars, antique and classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
“This event is a hit every year,” said museum Executive Director David Tompkins. “It’s a great way to enjoy the museum and community.”
Community will also be the focus at nearby American Independence Museum’s Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella. Featuring beer, food by Sea Dog Brewing (also a featured brewer), colonial inspired music, games and more, the series takes place in the museum’s Folsom Tavern, built in 1775.
“George Washington had a beer here, so you should, too,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Beginning on Thursday, September 26, Beer for History kicks off with von Trapp Brewing, known for brewing Euoropean-styled lagers.
Other featured breweries in the series include Throwback Brewery, Sea Dog Brewing, Tilton Brothers Brewing, and Bad Lab Beer Co.
“Both events highlight the diversity of programs and events on The Trail,” said Jeff Barraclough, director of operations of Millyard Museum, one of several institutions that founded it. “It’s been a great 2019 and we look forward to a strong fall.”
The NH Heritage Museum Trail is made up of 17 museums with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Portsmouth, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
For more information about these and any other events on The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.
There are many ways to experience Wolfeboro, but perhaps none more unique than The Museum Loop, highlighted by a boat or trolley ride.
On the tour, featuring three museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visitors ride to or from The Libby Museum in New Hampshire Boat Museum’s antique “Millie B.” Visitors then ride back in a trolley in the opposite direction.
A day loop pass is valid for 1 day in August and includes a boat ride, return trolley ride and entry to New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) and The Libby Museum. A summer loop pass includes the aforementioned plus admission to Wright Museum of World War II and non-Trail member The Clarke House Museum.
“As summer comes to an end, individuals are anxious to pack in as many activities as possible,” said Wright Museum Executive Director Mike Culver when discussing the popularity of The Museum Loop. “This is a fun way to do that.”
NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings agreed and added, “This is a unique way to experience Wolfeboro and multiple types of history in one day.”
The tour takes place every Thursday and Friday (weather permitting) at 9:30 a.m. through the end of August. For more information, visit nhbm.org, or call (603) 998-3286.
The NH Heritage Museum Trail is made up of 17 museums with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
Located in the Lakes Region on the NH Heritage Museum Trail, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth features everything from getting to know farm animalstointeractive farm tour, self-led history-based activities and more.
One of the most popular summer activities at the museum, however, may be The Country Doctor Tour at the Captain Enoch Remick House.
“This brief guided tour features the doctors’ authentic 19th and 20th-century medical tools and equipment, visitation and treatment areas and one-of-a-kind historic apothecary that predates the earliest local pharmacy,” said Museum Marketing Coordinator Dawne Gilpatrick.
Tours take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
After these tours, visitors are welcome to help with light-duty farm chores, some of which include gathering eggs, feeding the pigs and giving hay to the goats.
“You can also meet the small dairy herd and watch as a cow is milked by machine,” she added.
On Thursday, August 22 in the ongoing Plants of Field & Forest Program, participants are taken on a tour of the museum property to learn how to identify naturally-growing plants and their benefits.
Other activities at Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm include indoor exhibits and a Color from Plants Fiber Dyeing Workshop on August 31.
“The museum is a special way to spend a summer day,” said Gilpatrick. “We offer an opportunity for all generations to get an active feel for rural life, past and present…While we may be a present-day farm, many people tell us they feel as though they’ve stepped back in time–it’s a bit of Remick magic.”
For more information about Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm and its activities, visit remickmuseum.org.
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
In August on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, visitors will enjoy everything from art to walking tours.
Every Thursday during the summer months, the Currier Museum of Art offers special programs for children, youth and families from 11am to 2pm. On Thursday, August 22, Currier Museum of Art in Manchester will conclude its summer-long Art Explorer’s series with “Create your own Mythical Creature.”
The event invites visitors of all ages for drop-in art-making. Materials include: tempera paint, colorful yarn, feathers, googly eyes, gems, sequins, and animal print construction paper.
“Offering a creative and welcoming environment for community members is one of the museum’s priorities,” said Manager of School Tours and Youth Programs Amanda Horrocks. “Programs like Art Explorers does just that by encouraging visitors to engage with art in new ways.”
To learn more about the Currier Museum of Art’s exhibitions and programs, visit currier.org
On Saturday, August 31, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth Village will host Color from Plants Fiber Dyeing Workshop, which will take participants through the art and craft of fiber dyeing with plants.
“We’re used to the idea that plants are food or pretty things to look at, but so many of our colors come from plants,” said Museum Educator and Herbalist Carol Felice. “To watch as a plant turns fabric a fabulous color is like playing with magic.”
Registration for the workshop closes on August 26. To learn more, visit remickmuseum.org
At Discover Portsmouth in Portsmouth, visitors can enjoy Portsmouth Women’s History Walking Tours every fourth Wednesday and third Friday of the month through October 18.
According to Walking Tour Manager Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf, these 75 minute “engaging tours” take guests through the city’s “many beautiful sites” while providing education on the history of Portsmouth women.
“There are a lot of stories told about men but not many about the strong women of this time,” she said. “We started this tour because we realized women have a lot of untold stories, too.”
To learn more, visit portsmouthhistory.org.
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Featuring 17 member institutions from Portsmouth to Plymouth and several points west and north, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features numerous events for all ages in early August.
On Saturday, August 3 in Exeter, American Independence Museum will express its appreciation for residents in SAU 16 with Free Admission Day. Sponsored by Kennebunk Savings, the day will provide free admission to residents who live in the towns of Exeter, Brentwood, Kingston, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees, including teachers, with valid ID.
“We are so grateful for the support of Kennebunk Savings,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to visit us and see all the new enhancements in our museum.”
For individuals who may live closer to the state’s center, Saturday August 3 features Changemakers, a dance performance that concludes Arts Week at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury. Arts Week is a two-week long event that engages visitors of all ages in the creative process.
“We will have dance, art, sculpture, even a performance by aerialists,” noted Maggie Stier of Canterbury Shaker Village, “and children get free admission from 10 – 4 on August 3rd for Shaker Saturday activities.”
A dance collaboration between Ballet Misha and Nsquared, Changemakers takes place at Canterbury Shaker Village’s Education Center at 5:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.
On Wednesday, August 7, The Libby Museum in Wolfeboro will hold its final Live Animal Show.
According to Executive Director Alana Albee, Live Animal Shows are one of the “most popular” events at the museum.”
“It’s a chance to learn and get up close to exotic and local animals,” she said. “Our first event this summer included a 6 foot Australian Python, an African Frog and a distant relative to the raccoon, a Guatamuny.”
Held in partnership with Wildlife Encounters, the free event begins at 2 p.m.
For more information about these events or the many others on the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visit the website.
Comprised of 17 museums, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions with stops in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
In July, the NH Heritage Museum Trail will feature numerous family-friendly events in its Merrimack Valley branch.
On Saturday, July 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester will hold Twilight at the Currier 3rd annual summer block party. The entire museum will be open at no charge.
The free, family-friendly event, open to all ages, will include both indoor and outdoor activities related to the exhibition, Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar. There will be a community art project based on guitars, face-painting, an LED hoop performer, many food trucks, and a beer and wine tent.
Music will be provided by Way Up South, whose sound weaves together southern, blues, country, jazz, and Americana rock.
“Block parties are a great excuse for neighbors to get together and have some fun,” said Alan Chong, director, Currier Museum of Art. “We invite all of our neighbors – from across the whole state – to stop by to see our art and our exhibitions, listen to some great music, and get their families involved in some creative activities.”
On Tuesday, July 23, Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury will kick off its Arts Week, which will conclude on Saturday, August 3.
During the two-week-long event, visitors may experience everything from art workshops to dance, music performances, and more.
“Creativity thrives here,” said Canterbury Shaker Village Interim Executive Director Maggie Stier. “Innovation was so important to the Shakers, and the setting seems to encourage that today, too – whether it’s observing, interacting, or making something yourself.”
For more information on the many activities offered during Arts Week visit shakers.org.
On Saturday, July 27 in Manchester, Millyard Museum will offer an educational tour of Manchester Hebrew Cemetery.
Through an in-depth tour presented by local historians Richard Duckoff and Matt Labbe, visitors will learn about Jewish history and Manchester heritage.
In speaking on these and various other events in the Merrimack Valley portion of The Trail in July, President Jeff Barraclough said they combine the “perfect amount of education and fun.”
“Visitors will gain historical knowledge without even feeling like they are learning,” he said. “These experiences are fun and educational for the whole family.”
In Wolfeboro in the Lakes Region branch of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, July will feature many fun opportunities for all ages.
At New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), Executive Director Martha Cummings said the New England Vintage Boat and Car Auction on Saturday, July 13 is one of their biggest events.
“It’s a lot of fun to be able to see boats, cars, kayaks and unique collectibles you won’t find anywhere else,” she said. “It’s a great day for everyone.”
On Sunday, July 14 at Family Day, Wright Museum will feature WWII re-enactors, children story-telling, rides in military vehicles, face-painting and more.
“This is a fun day that gets the entire town involved,” said museum Executive Director Mike Culver. “There is so much to see and do at The Wright and throughout town this special day.
At The Libby Museum of Natural History on Saturday, July 27, visitors (teens and adults) can enjoy a unique combination of art and nature at Wildlife Sketching Class, taught by artist Stephanie Ayers.
“This class is a fun community event where you can learn to draw real animals like a polar bear, moose, or fisher cat from the taxidermy collection housed at the museum,” said Executive Director Alana Albee. “Right now, we have a 14-year old and an 84 year-old signed up. This is a nice way to get the whole family together to try something different.”
According to Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the entire Trail is “full of fun, family friendly activities.”
“My hope is that people look to us for not just history, but a fun time for the whole family this summer,” he said. “Celebrating our ‘heritage’ can be fun.”
