The John Hay Estate at the Fells

The John Hay Estate at the Fells, which is the historic summer home of John Milton Hay located on Lake Sunapee, has joined the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, a collaborative network established in 2014 that connects more than 20 heritage institutions across the state. The addition of The Fells strengthens the Trail’s mission to preserve and promote New Hampshire’s rich cultural legacy while fostering collaboration among museums and historic sites.

“We are honored to join the NH Heritage Trail—an organization whose mission to connect history, culture, and community reflects the very values we steward at the John Hay Estate at The Fells,” said Paige Kingsley, Executive Director of The Fells.

The NH Heritage Museum Trail, led by President Jeff Barraclough (Executive Director, Millyard Museum), spans the Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, Dartmouth-Sunapee Region, Seacoast, and White Mountains. Member institutions collectively interpret more than 300 years of state history, house hundreds of thousands of artifacts, and welcome over 200,000 visitors annually.

For The Fells, joining The Trail represents a natural extension of its mission to preserve and interpret both cultural and natural heritage. The 83-acre estate, originally established in 1889 by John Milton Hay—Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary and later U.S. Secretary of State—serves as both a National Historic Landmark and the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge.

“History becomes most powerful when it is shared,” Kingsley explained. “Every visitor who steps onto the grounds of The Fells experiences something immersive and memorable—a sense of being part of a living story…By joining The Trail, we help ensure that these transformative experiences are not isolated but connected to a larger narrative that spans the state.”

The Fells’ 2025–2026 season features a vibrant mix of musical performances, new sculpture installations, curated art exhibitions, and special historical programming—including a presentation on Abraham Lincoln by renowned historian Ralph Nurnberger. These offerings, alongside ongoing conservation and educational initiatives, underscore The Fells’ commitment to stewardship and public engagement.

“We also recognize that museums are stronger together,” added Kingsley. “Collaboration allows us to amplify our missions, share resources, and reach broader audiences.”

The Fells is one of more than two-dozen member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, located in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, Dartmouth-Sunapee Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Click here to learn more about The Fells.

The Rocks

The Rocks, a historic property in Bethlehem owned and managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, has joined the NH Heritage Museum Trail.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Rocks to The Trail as our northern-most member,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “This addition expands the reach of The Trail and highlights the unique history and conservation legacy of The Rocks.”

A 1,400-acre property, The Rocks has a storied history tied to John Glessner, a founding father of International Harvester and a member of the Forest Society since 1903. His vision for the property included the preservation of New Hampshire’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. In 1978, two of his grandchildren donated 1,400 acres to the Forest Society, ensuring the estate’s legacy would be protected for future generations.

“The Forest Society has a rich history at The Rocks, and we are excited to share it with more visitors through The Trail,” said Nigel Manley, Senior Outreach Manager. “With the recent renovations of the Carriage Barn and the Sawmill Pigpen, we now have ideal facilities to showcase the history of The Rocks and its connection to New Hampshire’s heritage.”

The Rocks offers year-round programs, including maple sugaring tours, heritage tours, forest education, and wildlife programs. Visitors can also explore miles of trails and learn about the estate’s history through its heritage tours.

“Joining The Trail allows us to reach more New Hampshire residents and visitors,” said Kristine Arey, Program Director at The Rocks. “We hope to encourage more visitors to explore and experience the unique history and conservation efforts of The Rocks.”

The Rocks is one of more than two-dozen member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, located in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, Dartmouth-Sunapee Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Click here to learn more about The Rocks.

Trail President Jeff Barraclough

In 2025, The Trail’s commitment to partnership was highlighted at the New England Museum Association (NEMA) conference, held in New Hampshire for the first time in many years. Most member museums participated, and The Trail hosted a program designed to showcase how New Hampshire museums are working together to share resources, ideas, and programming. The initiative drew interest from museum professionals across New England.

“Our participation in the NEMA conference allowed us to highlight our programs and show other museums how collaboration between museums can work,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Trail is expanding its collaborative efforts with new member museums and a refreshed Trail Passport. The Passport will feature five new museums— the New England Ski Museum, Belknap Mill, Enfield Shaker Museum, The Rocks, and The Fells—and has expanded to include the Dartmouth-Sunapee Region.

“In 2026, I am excited to welcome new museums to the Trail and to launch a new edition of the Trail passport,” said Barraclough.

The Trail’s collaborative efforts will culminate in a series of special events in honor of the nation’s 250th Anniversary, providing visitors with diverse opportunities to explore New Hampshire’s rich history. Member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Belknap Mill in Laconia

The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail has welcomed back the Belknap Mill as a member institution, as the historic site prepares to expand its programming and partnerships in 2026. The Belknap Mill is the nation’s oldest largely unaltered brick textile mill.

“Our goals for 2026 include expanding interpretative experiences, maintaining free and affordable access to history, and continuing preservation efforts for this nationally significant structure,” said Acting Executive Director Katherine Switala Elmhurst.

The Belknap Mill is an educational and cultural hub, connecting New Hampshire’s industrial past to contemporary issues through partnerships with organizations like the League of NH Craftsmen, Laconia Historical and Museum Society, and the Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative.

“We are working with regional craft guilds to introduce new classes, demonstrations, and exhibits that showcase time-honored techniques alongside contemporary makers,” she said.

In 2026, museum exhibits will examine water power, machinery, labor, and daily life, with the building serving as a primary artifact. “Enhanced interpretation will illuminate how raw materials moved through the Mill and how this system shaped the economic and social fabric of Laconia and the region,” Switala Elmhurst said.

She noted the early Industrial Revolution offers relevant lessons about progress and disruption, as it brought technological innovation and economic growth while reshaping families, labor, and the environment.

“At the Belknap Mill, we invite visitors to reflect on how communities adapted to rapid change and consider parallels with today’s challenges—automation, workforce shifts, and sustainability,” she said. “These historical conversations help frame modern questions about equity, responsibility, and innovation.”

In rejoining The Trail, Switala Elmhurst said the Belknap Mill is excited to participate in the statewide network’s effort to collectively tell New Hampshire’s story.

“The Trail helps visitors understand how sites like the Belknap Mill were connected—economically, socially, and technologically—and encourages exploration beyond a single stop,” she said. “Being part of the Trail strengthens collaboration, increases visibility, and reinforces that industrial history is deeply interconnected.”

In addition to Belknap Mill in Laconia, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Strawbery Banke, photo courtesy David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com

From late November through December, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail invites visitors to experience the warmth and wonder that make the holidays special in New England. “Holiday programming at our member institutions provides families with unique experiences that also highlight New Hampshire’s cultural heritage,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

The season began on The Trail on Thursday, November 28, with Portsmouth Historical Society’s 35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, where “The Great Gingerbread Experiment” challenges bakers and builders to push creative boundaries through Monday, December 30. To learn more, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

As December unfolds, the festivities continue with Strawbery Banke Museum’s 46th annual Candlelight Stroll, featuring the “Midwinter Melodies” theme Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 21. Visitors can wander through 350+ years of seasonal traditions under the glow of candle boxes, experiencing furnished historic homes from 1795 through the 1950s while costumed interpreters share stories of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. To learn more, visit strawberybanke.org.

Mid-December brings the Winter Magical Maker Fair at the Woodman Museum on Saturday, December 13, where families can explore the museum, enjoy storytelling with warm cocoa, and complete last-minute shopping with more than 20 vendors in this free, family-friendly indoor event. To learn more, visit woodmanmuseum.org.

“There is plenty to see and do on The Trail through December,” added Barraclough. “We hope you join us.”

Member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

From left to right: Jeff Barraclough, Millyard Museum; Charles Clark, Castle in the Clouds; Jonathan Nichols, Woodman Museum; Jenn Walton, NH Historical Society; Jeff Rapsis, Aviation Museum

Learning from – and with – one another is a key objective for members on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

“The Trail creates opportunities year-round for our members to learn from each other and share best practices that ultimately help us all better serve our communities,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of The Trail.

This collaborative approach was demonstrated at the recent New England Museum Association (NEMA) Conference with the theme, “Wellness Check: A Holistic View of Museums in the First Quarter Century.” The annual conference took place in Manchester, the first time in many years that it was held in New Hampshire. Hundreds of museum professionals from across New England attended where members highlighted their work and gained insights from colleagues in the museum field.

“The Trail ran a session, along with Manchester Museums, on forming museum partnerships,” noted Barraclough. “It was well-attended and gave us an opportunity to talk about the successes of the Trail, such as the Passport and 25 Stories project. Hopefully, it will inspire other museums in New England to form partnerships with each other.”

Multiple Trail institutions participated as hosts, including the Millyard Museum, Aviation Museum, and Castle in the Clouds.

For Jenn Walton of the New Hampshire Historical Society, the conference reinforced how museums can strengthen their community connections. “I learned about all sorts of partnerships—with schools, other museums, community non-profits, social service providers,” she said. “Strong partnerships enable museums to build bridges, increase community engagement, and provide a source of meaningful connection, inspiration, and empathy.”

According to Barraclough, “strong partnerships” exist at the heart of The Trail. “We have a responsibility to not just care for artifacts but tell New Hampshire-based stories that educate and inspire residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, The Trail plans to expand these collaborative learning opportunities through additional joint programming and shared professional development initiatives that will further strengthen member institutions’ capacity to serve their communities.

Member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Remick Country Doctor museum & Farm decorated for the holidays

The holiday season brings special magic to the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, with member institutions across the state offering festive programming that celebrates both the season and New Hampshire’s rich heritage. In Tamworth, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm presents two events that capture the warmth and wonder of a traditional New England Christmas.

At “Trees & Trimmings” on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors will experience Christmas trees decorated to complement museum exhibits, illuminated by candlelight and twinkling lights. Activities will include ornament-making workshops, displays of vintage Christmas decorations, and Victorian Christmas card making presented by the Arts Council of Tamworth.

“We’re pleased to begin this holiday tradition that connects visitors with historical Christmas celebrations,” said Cara Sutherland, Executive Director of Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm.

The Remick will also host “A New England Christmas” on December 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring two performances by Portsmouth’s Pontine Theatre. Each performance presents a regional holiday story, using antique stage techniques, such as toy theatre figures and rolling panoramas. The 45-minute program is suitable for ages 14 and above, with preregistration required.

“Holiday programming at our member institutions provides families with unique experiences that also highlight New Hampshire’s cultural heritage,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.”The Remick is just one of nearly two-dozen institutions on The Trail, with many offering unique experiences this holiday season.”

The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions across the state’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Click here to learn more about either event at Remick Museum.

The Penhallow House at Strawbery Banke Museum

When history needs saving, museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail call on the community.

“Preserving history requires partnering with those who understand both historical techniques and modern applications,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

One example of this collaboration is taking place at Strawbery Banke Museum, where the restoration of the historic Penhallow-Cousins House became a multi-generational project. Kevin Hart, owner of Hart Plumbing and Heating, and his son Hunter, recently installed a century-old hot water system in the house—a hands-on act of preservation that bridges technology and tradition.

“Hunter and I have been working together since he started when he was 19, which was 7 years ago, but he always came with me growing up,” said Kevin Hart. “Working with my son is the best thing a father could ask for in business.”

When they were approached about the project at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, Kevin thought it would be a great opportunity to work with his son. “It’s not very often that a father and son get to work together, and I take pride in that,” he said.

The c.1910 hot water system, a copper tank with a coil inside heated by either gas or kerosene, was discovered in a local basement. “Watching Kevin and Hunter work together is a reminder that history isn’t just about objects or buildings,” noted Linnea Grim, President and CEO, Thomas W. Haas Endowed Chair of Strawbery Banke Museum. “It’s about people, relationships, and the stories we pass down,”

According to Barraclough, projects like these exemplify a core aspect of The Trail’s mission, which is “to preserve the skills and relationships that built New Hampshire communities. “This partnership model extends across all our member institutions, ensuring that New Hampshire’s history is preserved by the very people and families whose ancestors created it,” he said.

In addition to Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.