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.

Education Week Participants at Canterbury Shaker Village

The program, which introduces participants ages 16 to 21 to careers in historic preservation trades, completed its February 23-27 session and will return for a second week, April 27 through May 1, 2026. Sessions take place at Canterbury Shaker Village, demonstrating how historic sites serve as active centers for education and workforce development.

“The Career Exploration program exemplifies exactly why the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail remains so relevant today,” said Jeff Barraclough, Trail President. “Our member sites aren’t just repositories of the past – they’re dynamic educational centers where young people can connect with living traditions and build skills for the future.”

The hands-on program addresses a critical workforce shortage in preservation trades across the Northeast. In the program, participants engage with experienced mentors in timber framing, horse hair plastering, stone wall repair, slate and copper roofing, wood window restoration, electrical work, blacksmithing, and more.

Activities at Canterbury Shaker Village take place in the Horse Barn, Cart Shed, Power House, and Hubbard Gallery. The program will also take place at Sanborn Mills Farm in Loudon.

“We’re grateful to our hosts at Canterbury Shaker Village and Sanborn Mills Farm, and all the dedicated professionals and supporters who make this program possible,” said Althea Barton, who works on special projects for the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “All the young participants learn new things, and some end the week ready to commit to a chosen trade.”

At Canterbury Shaker Village, students will learn to apply wet plaster to wood lath, fish electrical wires through walls, build dry stone walls, make timber framing pegs and wood mallets, shape copper sheets, glaze wood windows, and install wood shingles on a 19th-century privy.

“The exposure to these specialized skills is one of the best ways to generate interest in pursuing these trades as actual careers,” said Garrett Bethmann, Manager of Communications and Engagement at Canterbury Shaker Village.

Many of the tradespeople featured during these weeks have been involved with different preservation and conservation projects at the Village. “They are showcasing actual skills and knowledge that are used both here and at other historic sites,” said Bethmann, who noted preservation is just as much about the future as it is history.

“Investing in opportunities to not only connect with our current preservation partners but also to educate and grow the next generation is a fulfilling and worthy cause,” he added.

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance strengthens communities and local economies by supporting revitalization and protection of historic buildings and places, including through its Preservation Trades Initiative. In addition to Canterury Shaker Village, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail features members in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, Dartmouth-Sunapee Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Brethren’s East Shop at Enfield Shaker Museum

The Enfield Shaker Museum, a 40-year-old institution preserving the legacy of one of New Hampshire’s most significant religious communities, has joined the NH Heritage Museum Trail.

“We’re seeing more and more museums understand that collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential to thrive in today’s cultural landscape,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “Their decision to join us demonstrates how forward-thinking institutions are embracing collaboration to expand their reach and strengthen their impact.”

Founded in 1986 by Carolyn Smith with humble beginnings—a card table under the west stairs of the Great Stone Dwelling and a small money box—the Enfield Shaker Museum has grown into a significant cultural institution. Smith led the effort to establish the museum’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and spearheaded the process of regaining ownership of the historic Shaker property.

“When I started this museum 40 years ago, I understood even then that preservation work couldn’t happen in isolation,” said Carolyn Smith, Acting Director. “Now, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, joining the Heritage Trail represents our commitment to the collaborative spirit that has always driven our success. We’ve learned that when cultural institutions work together, we all become stronger.”

The Enfield Shaker community was established in 1793 and operated until 1923, when the remaining Shakers moved to Canterbury, New Hampshire. The museum offers year-round programming, permanent and rotating exhibits, guided tours, craft workshops and demonstrations, educational programs, and hiking trails.

The 2026 season features special exhibitions including “Sweet Summer Land” and “Keeping Warm,” along with Fiber Arts Weekend (March 20-22), the annual Shaker Forum (April 17-19), and a 40th Anniversary Opening Day celebration on May 13.For more information about Enfield Shaker Museum, visit shakermuseum.org.

In looking ahead to the 2026 season, Barraclough said this latest addition to The Trail strengthens its footprint across the state. “We have nearly doubled in size over the past 10 years,” he said. “This growth helps spotlight individual members and our entire group.”

Enfield Shaker Museum 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 Enfield Shaker Museum.

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.