1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Portsmouth Historical Society Showcases Sweet Traditions with Gingerbread Contest

Last year’s best first-time entry award went to Penny and Charlotte for “Christmas at John’s House”
Photo credit – Portsmouth Historical Society

On Friday, November 29, the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition opens at the Portsmouth Historical Society on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. This year’s theme is “Holiday Memories,” where participants were encouraged to make their favorite holiday memories out of gingerbread.

Featuring a Reception and Judges’ Award Presentation on Friday, December 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition closes on Monday, December 30. “This year’s gingerbread displays promise to bring the spirit of the holidays to life through warm family memories and winter pastimes,” said Marketing Manager Sabina Ion. “This annual event is a truly unique way to celebrate the magic of the season.”

Click here to learn more about this and other holiday-themed events at Portsmouth Historical Society.

According to Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition is “one of many festive events” on The Trail. “From Portsmouth to the Lakes Region and Manchester, there is plenty of holiday cheer for all ages on The Trail this season,” he said. “Explore and share the holidays with us.”

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

The Trail Lights Up For The Holidays

Christmas at the Castle at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough

This year, nearly two-dozen member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will celebrate the holidays with special programs and events. “This is going to be a festive season on The Trail,” said The Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “There are plenty of opportunities for guests to get into the holiday spirit with the whole family.”

One opportunity is on Saturday, December 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Canterbury Shaker Village, which will feature music from Symphony New Hampshire Quartet. The concert, Merry Merry Canterbury Concert & Cocktails, will take place in the Dwelling House Chapel and be followed by a reception with appetizers and drinks in the Hubbard Gallery.

“This is going to be a lively and festive event that will kick off the holidays at the Village,” said Executive Director Erin Hammerstedt. “The Dwelling House Chapel is a beautiful location for music, and the entire Village will be stunning when it’s decorated.” Tickets for Merry Merry Canterbury Concert & Cocktails are $35. Click here to purchase tickets.

In Moultonborough, Castle in the Clouds will hold their annual Christmas at the Castle event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. over three consecutive weekends, November 23 and 24, November 30 and December 1, and December 7 and 8. “We added an extra weekend this year for visitors to tour the beautifully decorated historic Lucknow Mansion,” said Charles Clark, executive director at Castle in the Clouds. “This year’s holiday theme, Home for the Holidays, brings a cozy, nostalgic touch to the festive season.”

According to Clark, the theme offers a modern twist on the legacy of the original owners, Tom and Olive Plant. “They crafted a place filled with personal touches, early 20th century innovations, and stunning views that create a sense of warmth and hospitality,” he added. During event days, Castle in the Clouds will also feature Tours, an Artisan Fair, photos with Santa Claus, crafts, and hot cocoa and cookies. The Carriage House Restaurant will also be open. Tickets for Christmas at the Castle are $25 for adults, $15 for those ages 5 through 17, and free for children 4 and under. Click here to purchase tickets online or tickets can be bought at the Carriage House on event days.

On Saturday, December 7, the Millyard Museum in Manchester will also host holiday events. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Holiday Open House will feature crafts, old-fashioned board games, and a visit with Santa Claus from noon to 1:00 p.m. Holiday Open House is free.

Millyard Museum will also host Home for the Holidays American Girl Tea Party on Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. At this event, guests will enjoy crafts, treats, and stories about how different cultures and time periods celebrated Christmas and other winter holidays. Click here to purchase tickets, priced at $20.

“It’s a wonderful time of year to visit The Trail,” Barraclough added. “History can be festive.”

In addition to Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, or Millyard Museum in Manchester, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Scouts Earn Merit Badges on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

The exhibit floor at the L.L. Lee Scouting Museum

The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail offers Scouts the opportunity to earn the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge by studying Scouting history in-person and virtually at the L.L. Lee Scouting Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire, owned by Daniel Webster Council, Scouting America.

“The Scouting Heritage Merit Badge requires researching the history of Scouting, which is right up our alley,” said Joe Biedrzycki, Communications Director and Volunteer Coordinator. “It includes learning about the founder of Scouting, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, and we have an exceptional collection of artifacts about his life, including items from his home.”

These include BP’s original, hand-drawn illustrations, a first edition of Scouting for Boys, and historic uniforms, pins, and badges that date back to Scouting’s origins in 1907 England. “The Scouting Heritage Merit Badge was introduced in 2010 for BSA’s 100th anniversary,” said Biedrzycki. “There are 137 different subjects Scouts can explore to earn merit badges, and 14 merit badges are required among the 21 needed to earn the Eagle Scout rank.”

In addition to artifacts and information about Baden-Powell, the Scouting Museum has exhibits on Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Exploring, Venturing, and Girl Scouting. “We constantly add and rotate things in and out of the permanent collection,” explained Biedrzycki. “The concept is that you can come to the Scouting Museum any number of times, and it’s a little different every time.”

According to Biedrzycki, the museum’s impact extends beyond their brick and mortar headquarters. “We bring pieces of our collection and a portable exhibit to the West Point Camporee every spring-—it’s the largest weekend Scout encampment in the nation,” he said. Noting 5,000 kids from across the country camp out on the campus, Biedrzycki said the West Point Camporee is run by the Scoutmasters’ Council, founded by the large number of cadets who are Eagle Scouts.

Recently, he said museum staff attended a similar event, Norwich University Scouting Association Camporee. “On October 11, we also went to the New England Shooting Sports Symposium at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation,” he added.

According to Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the Scouting Museum’s broad impact exemplifies the scope of The Trail itself. “All museums on The Trail have an impact that extends far beyond their respective walls,” he said. “We appreciate the Scouting Museum’s unique expertise, as it reaches current and past Scouts throughout the nation—their impact extends The Trail’s reach, too.”

Offering free admission, the Scouting Museum is open Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and select Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. year-round. Private tours are also available by request. Click here to learn more about the Scouting Museum or request a tour.

In addition to the L.L. Lee Scouting Museum in Manchester, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Welcomes Erin Hammerstedt

Erin Hammerstedt, Executive Director of Canterbury Shaker Village

In September, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail welcomed Erin Hammerstedt as the new Executive Director of Canterbury Shaker Village. A longtime member institution of the Trail, the Village is designated as a National Historic Landmark with 25 restored original Shaker buildings and four reconstructed Shaker buildings.

“We are honored to welcome Erin,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “She brings a wealth of historic preservation experience that is truly unmatched. Erin is an asset not only to Canterbury Shaker Village but to the entire Trail.”

Hammerstedt most recently served as Director of Historic Harrisville, Inc., a local nonprofit that rehabilitates historic buildings in the mill town of Harrisville, New Hampshire. She holds a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation and has worked in multiple nonprofit roles involving the preservation and use of historic structures. She has also worked as a consultant on public projects that include historic resources and as a staff member for a historic district commission.

“I am a firm believer in the importance of authenticity,” said Hammerstedt. “Materials can be made to look like things, but they are not the real thing. Here, at Canterbury Shaker Village, things are as real as they get.”

During her first year as Executive Director, Hammerstedt said she plans to “learn as much as [she] can about the place and the things that have happened [there] from its origination to the present.” “I want to make sure we retain its important essence while allowing it to live on well into the future,” she added.

Describing the Village as “magical,” Hammerstedt said she was drawn to the combination of Shaker quality and Shaker story as well as “the amazing” staff already in place. “I am honored to be part of this amazing team in this truly one-of-a-kind place,” she noted.

Click here to learn more about Canterbury Shaker Village, including its ongoing celebration, Commemorating 250 Years: Shakerism in America. In addition to Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Students “Take Flight” on New Hampshire Heritage Trail

Students visiting the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire stand in front of a plane at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, a member of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, is ramping up student excitement about airplanes and aviation careers through hands-on programming and experiences.

“The largest manufacturing export in New Hampshire is aviation and aerospace, and there is currently a shortage of trained professionals in all parts of aviation,” said Jeff Rapsis, Executive Director of the Aviation Museum. “We want to inspire young people to consider these careers.”

Located along Runway 17-35, the longest at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, the Aviation Museum offers guests the opportunity to watch planes take off from the parking lot year-round. Inside the museum, visitors can experience rotating exhibits and artifacts related to the Granite State’s flying history.

For Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the Aviation Museum has the potential to impact the future of aviation in New Hampshire. “Students step into this museum and are able to imagine being a pilot or an engineer or a ground controller,” he said. “It’s a unique opportunity to get people thinking about their future careers at an early age.”

According to Rapsis, their programs are directed toward very young children through high school age students. Featuring toy planes, Legos, and coloring activities available for younger children, older kids get the chance to participate in hands-on aviation activities, such as piloting an aircraft in a professional-grade flight simulator.

“It mimics the exact experience of flight,” added Rapsis. “It really allows students to step into aviation.”

Student on a flight simulator

Student using a flight simulator

In Manchester, Lebanon, and Farmington high schools, the Aviation Museum also offers a program where students build a functional, full-size, two-seat airplane over a two-year period. “This allows students to garner real-world experience working directly on an aircraft,” Rapsis explained.

The Aviation Museum currently has an exhibit open that explores early board games related to flight. In the fall, the museum will offer several game nights. “These games show the public’s early fascination with flight,” said Rapsis.

Other offerings include a Halloween event during which young people in costume will go to “ground school” and meet the ghosts of aviation past in order to obtain a “broomstick pilots license” on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Weather-permitting, on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m. Santa Claus will arrive at the Aviation Museum by helicopter to meet fans.

The Aviation Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more about upcoming events, programs, and activities, visit aviationmuseumofnh.org.

In addition to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in Manchester, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Exhibits and Lecture Series on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

The Museum of the White Mountains, located at Plymouth State University

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail member, the Museum of the White Mountains (MWM), will feature their summer exhibition, Of Baskets and Borers: The Past, Present, and Future of the White Mountains, until Saturday, September 14.

“The exhibition explores Indigenous basketry in the White Mountains region,” said MWM Assistant Director Kala Brzezinski. “We will be examining the intersection between Indigenous basketry, brown ash trees, and the Emerald Ash Borer.”

MWM will also host an ongoing summer lecture series and connected events that relate to themes in the featured exhibition. The next lecture, Throwaway Society: Culture and Consumerism in Ed Rossbach’s Basketry, will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be an Ash Tour at the White Mountain National Forest on Thursday, August 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On September 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MWM will host The State of the Clean Energy Transition with Sam Evans-Brown and there will be a Basket Making Demonstration with Annette Nolett on Saturday, September 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as part of the exhibit’s closing celebration.

Trail President, Jeff Barraclough expressed excitement over MWM’s summer exhibition. “This is an opportunity to really learn about our interconnectedness to place and space in New Hampshire, which is something we want to highlight on The Trail,” he said.

According to Brzezinski, MWM is also preparing for exhibits that will be on display this fall. In the Path of Totality will focus on the recent eclipse, and Echoes of Resilience: Unveiling Stories of Devastation, Survival, and Hope will explore the earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey in February, 2023. In the summer of 2025, MWM will host Crossroads: Change in Rural America as part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition.

“The White Mountains region is an ever-changing, ecologically diverse, economically and socially evolving area with rich artistic and cultural histories,” said Brzezinski. “As an institution, we strive to be as dynamic and evolving as the place whose stories we aim to exhibit and amplify.”

Click here for more information about the Museum of the White Mountains, including more information about exhibits, speakers, and events. In addition to the Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Hot Rods in August

Antique cars on display at New England Racing Museum

On Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the New England Racing Museum, member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, will host Hot Rods, Muscle and More Car Show. Presented by Shea Concrete Products, the annual event will feature more than 250 vehicles with proceeds to support the mission of the New England Racing Museum.

“Our mission is to discover, preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motor racing,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director. “This show is a fun way for the public to learn more about us and the region’s rich motor racing history.”

In total, the museum will award 20 trophies, including the Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy. Winners of this award receive a complimentary brick that will be permanently placed in the museum’s tribute wall. Winners are also invited to take a picture inside the museum with their winning car, or truck, at the conclusion of the show with the Parker-Coraine trophy.

According to Netishen, the Best of Show Trophy is named after Ted Parker and Gil Coraine, each of whom have contributed extensively to the museum’s success. This year’s award, however, will have special significance.

“After a period of declining health, Gil passed away in February of this year,” added Netishen. “Gil was a local drag racing pioneer and former museum board member—he will be missed.”

Hot rod

Over 250 vehicles will be on display

Along with the car show, visitors will be invited to enjoy and explore New England motor racing history at more than 30 historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside the museum. Visitors can also test their skills on an iRacing rig and four-lane electric slot car track.

The show will also feature a 50/50 raffle and an onsite food truck. “Whether you are a fan of racing or not, the event is always a fun time with family and friends,” said Netishen.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the show is $20, which includes one passenger and two free tickets to view the museum that day of the show. The cost for spectators is $5 per person with kids under 12 admitted free. To learn more, visit NERmuseum.com.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Guests go ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Sherburne House (1695) at Strawbery Banke Museum courtesy of David J. Murray

Strawbery Banke Museum, a member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, is offering guests behind-the-scenes guided tours that explore early maritime history in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October.

Tour groups will pass into a historic maritime trade hub, the Puddle Dock neighborhood, and will gain “exclusive access” to the Sherburne House (1695) and the Chase House (1762).

“These tours are really exciting,” said Strawbery Banke Museum Executive Director Linnea Grim. “We want guests to step into the past, literally, in a neighborhood that shaped the region’s history.”

Lasting approximately an hour, the tours invite guests to pass behind museum barriers and handle reproduction objects. There will also be time to ask questions. “It’s an opportunity for guests to interact with over 300 years of history, while enjoying our vibrant campus,” Grim added.

For New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trial President Jeff Barraclough, it’s an innovative idea. “These tours are exactly the kind of immersive experiences that get people interested in history,” he said. “This is an excellent addition to The Trail.”

This year Strawbery Banke Museum was recognized as one of the top ten best open air museums in the country by USA Today. Grim noted that they have recently expanded exhibits on Abenaki history and sea level rise, are hosting the New England BIPOC Fest on Sunday, August 18, and holding their 36th annual Vintage and Vine event on Thursday, September 12.

“We’re excited to welcome lots of guests this summer and fall,” she said.

A daily admissions ticket for Strawbery Banke Museum is required to attend this tour. Tickets for behind-the-scenes guided tours are an additional $20 and can be purchased at strawberybanke.org.

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

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Expands

Exterior of NHBM’s Moultonborough Facility (Photography by Kimberly)

One of nearly two-dozen member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) recently opened a new campus in Moultonborough.

Trail President Jeff Barraclough expressed excitement about The Trail’s newest addition.. “It’s fantastic to see our member institutions expanding,” he said. “I believe the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s new facility will become a preeminent destination for visitors from across the region…This is an important development for The Trail.”

At the new campus, which features a “light and bright” 24,000 square-foot building, visitors will experience a “museum in the making,” according to NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings. “It’s a chance to glimpse into our future,” she said. “This is a huge and exciting project, and we want the public to be a part of the process.

Interior of NHBM's Moultonborough Facility

Interior of NHBM’s Moultonborough Facility (Photography by Kimberly)

When complete, the new facility will feature exhibits that showcase boat building, speed and sport, and a variety of styles and types of boats powered by wind, steam, gas, and paddles. Featuring interactives that allow visitors to literally touch history, exhibits will also peel back the various sociological and cultural layers that surround boating (and its history).

According to Cummings, the new campus strengthens NHBM’s mission. “Our ability to preserve history and celebrate boating, the outdoors, and lake life is enhanced with this state-of-the-art campus,” she said. “We are so excited to develop and share stories about the incredibly diverse history of the state’s boating culture, which belongs to everyone.”

In celebration of the new campus, admission is free to NHBM’s Moultonborough Campus in 2024. “We want everyone to experience the beauty of this place,” added Cummings.

Founded in 1992 by vintage and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging programs and events tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. To learn more about NHBM, visit nhbm.org.

In addition to NHBM in Moultonborough, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. 

Students Pay Tribute to New Hampshire Soldiers

Prospect Mountain High School Students at Wright Museum/em>

At the Wright Museum on June 6, which marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Prospect Mountain High School students paid tribute to New Hampshire soldiers who lost their lives during the historic invasion. These tributes took place at a public event where students presented short biographies of the soldiers and discussed their research with guests. The event concluded with a special reception.

“The tributes were very moving, especially to the students, who were very close in age to the soldiers they presented on,” said Peggy Hennelly-Maniates, executive director of the Wright Museum.

The students’ research began last year when they visited the American Cemetery on a school trip to France where many U.S. soldiers who died on D-Day are buried. “When they returned home, each student was assigned a fallen soldier and the students learned who they were,” Hennelly-Maniates explained.

The event was enhanced, according to Hennelly-Maniates, with a late May visit by WMUR’s NH Chronicle, which visited Wright Museum for a special series on the 80th anniversary of D-Day that also highlighted the students’ research. “WMUR was wonderful to work with,” she said. “We were very excited to let people know about some very brave men who gave it all for the freedoms we now enjoy.”

Trail President Jeff Barraclough also expressed appreciation for the media coverage of New Hampshire Heritage Trail members. “We’re a network of 21 museums working together to help promote one another,” he said. “When one of our members gets the spotlight, it connects people to all of our museums.”

 

In addition to the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts Spotlight on “the Village”

Tours at the Village. Photo by Ellen Friedlander

Located on a country road in rural Canterbury just 20 minutes outside New Hampshire’s state capital in Concord, Canterbury Shaker Village ( the Village) sits on nearly 700 acres, delighting visitors from across the world.

“Our campus is expansive, providing visitors with the chance to experience nature on groomed trails just minutes outside of fairly urban settings,” noted Education Manager Kyle Sandler. “These trails are free and open to the public.”

Founded in 1969 as a nonprofit, the Village has developed an international reputation as one of the oldest, most representative, and best preserved of all the Shaker villages. During its 200-year history, more than 2,000 Shakers called the Village home.

“At its height in the 1850s, 300 people lived, worked, and worshiped among more than 100 buildings laid out in a practical, functional grid,” added Sandler.

The Shakers’ way of life, according to Shirley Wajda, Ph.D., Curator of Collections, offers relevant lessons for today’s visitors.

“The Shakers embraced the values of gender and racial equity, pacifism, simplicity, innovation, resourcefulness, and enterprise,” she said. “Their values and ability to thrive as a self-sufficient community for 200 years offers insight into how we may live better today.”

In talking about their membership in the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Sandler said he hopes Canterbury Shaker Village inspires visitors to explore other member institutions.

“The Trail is an amazing asset for the state,” he said. “Each member museum works hard to not only preserve history but also to actively interpret and present it to people of all ages and interests.”

Volunteers Make a Difference on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Castle in the Clouds Volunteers. Photo by Colleen Crowley

Volunteering is a fun and enriching experience on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which features nearly two dozen member institutions across the Granite State.

“It’s wonderful to welcome people as a greeter at the Folsom Tavern,” said Dawn Jelley, who volunteers at the American Independence Museum (AIM). “I’ve been volunteering for the past six years, and I love it.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. “Without volunteers, AIM cannot engage anyone with this mission,” said Dr. Robert Levey, Interim Executive Director at AIM. “Volunteers like Dawn are invaluable.”

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at AIM, visit independencemuseum.org or email volunteer@independencemuseum.org.

At Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, Paula said she enjoys the human connection she experiences as a volunteer. “I know that I will meet at least one guest who makes me smile each day,” she said. “I encourage all who have the time and interest to volunteer at Castle in the Clouds.”

A 6,300-acre property built in 1913-1914, Castle in the Clouds welcomes visitors from across the world. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at Castle in the Clouds, visit castleintheclouds.org or email volunteers@castleintheclouds.org.

According to Jeff Barraclough, Executive Director of the Millyard Museum in Manchester, volunteers are the “unsung heroes” of their operation. “We operate on tight margins, so the in-kind contributions by volunteers in the form of time and energy are priceless,” he said.

Operated by the Manchester Historic Association, the Millyard Museum features rotating exhibitions and the Discovery Gallery, which is a multi-purpose space used for school groups, family programs, lectures, temporary exhibits, and other activities. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at the Millyard Museum, visit manchesterhistoric.org or email history@manchesterhistoric.org.

For Barraclough, however, the main takeaway is the impact volunteers have on the visitor experience across The Trail. “Volunteers make a huge difference in our respective abilities to educate and inspire people of all ages,” he said. “We are so grateful for volunteers.”

For Jelley, though, her personal takeaway is the fun she experiences as a volunteer, especially at AIM’s Folsom Tavern (1775). “It is wonderful to welcome people back to 1775 and to visit the tavern like they would have back when it opened its doors,” she said.

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum Joins the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

With its extensive Medicine Wood Trail and world-class collection, Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (MKIM) has joined the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

Founded in 1991, MKIM is located on a 12-acre museum campus that educates visitors about the natural environment and how Natives historically used it. Offering a variety of experiential outdoor learning opportunities, MKIM additionally features the Betsy Janeway Arboretum.

According to Executive Director Andrew Bullock, MKIM is more than a collection of artifacts. “Our mission is to provide a venue to facilitate greater understanding between guests and members of the Native community,” he said. “We value the preservation of Native American history and educating our members and the public through tours, workshops, lectures, and special events.”

The museum also features exhibit galleries that explore the rich diversity of art, housing, food, environments, and transportation of the region’s Native Americans. “Once thought of as a quaint community organization, MKIM has become an important voice, educating the public, and partnering with Native people of New Hampshire and beyond,” stated Bullock.

Regarding why MKIM joined The Trail, he cited it as an industry leader. “The Trail will provide ideas, support, and networking opportunities that will help us continue to grow and thrive,” he added.

The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum is one of 21 members of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs, and events. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, Warner, and Wolfeboro.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Preparing for Busy 2024

In 2023, 100,000 people visited the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail—a number President Jeff Barraclough expects to surpass this year.

“New Hampshire is filled with fascinating history and some incredible museums that share that history with the public,” he said. “From museums that share the heritage of a specific region to specialized museums focusing on one subject, there is something to interest everyone on The Trail.”

He said The Trail is excited this year to welcome the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner as a new member. “Mt. Kearsarge plays an important role in sharing the history and culture of the Indigenous People of this region,” he added.

Regarding the increasing popularity of The Trail, Barraclough said it is not restricted to New Hampshire. “People travel here from across the country and globe to visit us,” he said. “We are a gateway to New Hampshire.”

Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, Warner, and Wolfeboro. To learn more about The Trail, or the Trail Passport program, which provides access to all member institutions at a significantly reduced rate, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Brings History to Life Through Education

Field Trip at Millyard Museum

While not the official motto of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, “bringing history to life” is one of the most important objectives behind field trips and education programs offered by many member institutions.

“Field trips and on-site education programs provide highly entertaining, interactive educational experiences that enhance classroom learning,” said Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and Executive Director of member Millyard Museum in Manchester. “The Trail’s educational programs are relevant for any subject—from science, literature, and language to social studies, mathematics, and art.”

Noting the Millyard Museum’s programs are adaptable for grades K-12, Barraclough said they explore a wide variety of topics, some of which include Native People, early European settlement, waterpower, and immigration. “Each museum on The Trail provides unique perspectives and insights on New Hampshire’s history,” he added.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Brings History to Life Through Education

Field Trip at Castle in the Clouds

In addition to their longstanding field trip options, Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, said they recently developed Castle in the Classroom in which staff will visit schools.

“Students can learn about bias and perspectives, leading to either a classroom debate or the creation of a newspaper-style article with one program,” he explained. “In another program, students engage in a STEM activity and learn about innovation and the design process.”

Kid learning at AIM

Child in a Homeschool Program at AIM

According to Jennifer Carr, Executive Director of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter, critical thinking is the primary takeaway for students who engage in their field trips and educational programs. She cited AIM’s 3-year We Are One organizational theme as a conceptual guidepost in their current educational offerings.

“Given the divisiveness of today’s political climate, we encourage kids of all ages to think critically and to hopefully recognize that what makes each of us different also makes us the same,” she said. “Diversity is a complicated subject—and the earlier we start, the better.”

In reflecting on the educational role of The Trail in New Hampshire, Barraclough said member institutions collectively interpret more than 300 years of New Hampshire history.

“We have hundreds of thousands of artifacts in our collections and welcome more than 200,000 visitors annually,” he said. “Whether people realize it or not, The Trail is largely responsible for not just preserving history in the state, but bringing it to life for young people of all ages.”

Totaling nearly 2-dozen, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast