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

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Welcome Legends, Symphony NH and More 

The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will feature a busy month in New Hampshire’s Merrimack Valley Region in November and December, highlighted by Legends Day and a Symphony NH concert.

At Legends Day on Sunday, Nov. 12, New England Racing Museum in Loudon will welcome four national motor racing broadcasters with New England roots. These broadcasters include Dick Berggren (who also founded the museum), Jack Arute III, Ken Squier, and Mike Joy. Rhode Island native and sportscaster Allen Bestwick will serve as the event emcee.

“This is a lineup of New England auto racing legends that made it to the national stage,” noted museum Executive Director Thomas Netishen “This is a chance to meet these legends and hear them reflect in a panel discussion on their respective 50-plus years in the racing industry.”

VIP ticket holders will have early private access to the museum starting at 10:00 a.m. with a private tour starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. All other ticket holders can enter at 11:00 a.m. to view the museum’s 30+ race cars, motorcycles and artifacts. Buffett lunch and social hour is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Honoree panel discussion is at 1:00 p.m. followed by a banner unveiling ceremony.

Legends Day tickets are $65 for museum members and $80 for non-members. To learn more about VIP tickets, call (603) 783-0183. Regular tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

In nearby Canterbury on Sunday, December 2 at 4;00 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village will host Symphony NH String Quartet followed by a reception with farm to table hors d’oeuvres by Catered by Lacey Tokash Catering. “The concert takes place in the Chapel in the Dwelling House, which has marvelous acoustics,” remarked Leslie Nolan, executive director of the Village. “Seats are limited, so we encourage people to purchase tickets as soon as possible.”

The Village’s Concert + Cocktails event on Sunday, December 2 will be followed by Contra Dancing: Community Old Time New Hampshire Dance on Sunday, December 9. Contra Dancing will feature Dudley Laufman with Wind In The Timothy and Canterbury Orchestra singers. “Both events are part of our Merry Merry Celebration for the holidays,” added Nolan. “It’s a wonderful time to be at the Village.”

To purchase tickets to either event at the Village, click here.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum and Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire’s Merrimack Valley, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, click here.

Busy October at Castle in the Clouds on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail 

October is a busy month for Castle in the Clouds on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. Many events feature a fall or Halloween theme, including a Graveyard Tour, which takes place on Monday and Saturdays at varying times throughout October. On this tour, visitors walk approximately two miles throughout the property to view remnants of cemeteries from long ago.

On Friday, Oct. 13, Castle in the Clouds will host a Pumpkin Walk, a self-guided hike on an easy, family-friendly trail lined with lighted jack-o’-lanterns. Costumes are encouraged, and the walk is Halloween-themed and appropriate for all ages (not scary).

On Monday, Oct. 16, 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Glenn Knoblock will provide insight into how cemeteries and gravestones reveal forgotten aspects of history in New Hampshire Cemeteries and Gravestones. Independent scholar and author of more than twenty books, Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project. He has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

“With his profound expertise in historic cemeteries and grave markers, Glenn will undoubtedly elevate this exploration of New Hampshire history, bringing invaluable insights to enrich the experience,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds.

For more information about Castle in the Clouds, click here.

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, including Castle in the Clouds, click here.

History “On Tap” on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Thursday, September 28, Liars Bench will host Portsmouth on Tap in collaboration with Portsmouth Historical Society to celebrate Portsmouth’s 400th Anniversary. Taking place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the event will feature a limited-edition beer by Liars Bench inspired by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and historical trivia and games hosted by the Historical Society.

“Portsmouth on Tap is a new way for the Portsmouth Historical Society to connect to our local community,” said Emma Stratton, Executive Director of Portsmouth Historical Society. “We hope people will join us for these exciting events that bring history to life through trivia, games, and delicious brews.”

To learn more about Portsmouth on Tap, which takes place throughout the fall, click here.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

In nearby Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will also host Beer for History in the fall. Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the popular series takes place within and outside Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which once welcomed George Washington.

“Beer for History events feature an incredible ambiance that feels very historic and authentic,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “Part of our We Are One initiative is to bring the community together, and this family-friendly series does just that.”

Beer for History kicks off with Stowe, VT’s von Trapp Brewing on Thursday October 5 with tickets $10 for adults (21+) and free for anyone under 21. Other brewers in the series include SawBelly Brewing, The Czar’s Brewery, and UNH Brewlab. Tickets may be purchased at independencemuseum.org.

In addition to AIM in Exeter and 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. To learn more about The Trail, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts Spotlight on Castle in the Clouds

Originally called Lucknow, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough sits on 6,300-acres developed in 1913 by Tomas G. Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer, to create a luxurious lifestyle.

“At the time, the estate featured state-of-the-art amenities, beautiful hand-made furnishings, and a large staff to run it,” explained Executive Director Charles Clark.

Today, visitors come from across the world to tour the mansion and exhibit gallery, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant or Café in the Clouds, and hike miles of trails maintained by Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

A founding member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, Castle in the Clouds has also become well known for its wide variety of events held year-round. This upcoming Labor Day Weekend is no exception, beginning with Castle Close-Up Tour: The Servant Experience on Friday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.

“This special tour kicks off Labor Day Weekend and will highlight the many ways labor was involved in the building and operation of Lucknow,” said Clark.  “It’s an interesting tour that explores the living quarters and workspaces of the estate staff in an effort to better understand  the servant experience and their stories.”

Tuesdays on the Terrace

On Monday, September 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Castle in the Clouds will host Labor Day Family Picnic & Mini Parade. At this event, visitors are invited to bring their own picnic lunch or purchase food on the property. During the picnic, visitors may participate in activities, including lawn games and make-your-own musical instruments, followed by a mini parade around the field at 1:45 p.m.

“If you want to participate, bring recycled materials, including cans, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, bottles, jar lids, or anything else you think you could turn into an instrument,” Clark added.

Labor Day Weekend at Castle in the Clouds concludes with Putting Human Faces on the Textile Industry: The Workers of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company on Monday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. During this presentation, made possible by a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities: Humanities To Go program, guests will glean insights into the daily life of Amoskeag Manufacturing Company textile workers in the early 1900’s.

“It’s a fascinating look at how people from European countries and French Canada made the transition from an agrarian to an industrial society,” said Clark. “It’s a look into how these changes affected families, local cultures, the nature of work itself, and relationships among workers.”

In talking about their membership in the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Clark said he hopes Castle in the Clouds can inspire visitors to visit other member institutions throughout New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire is full of history, and there is no better way to experience it than on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail,” he said.“All of our members feature professional staff, fun events, and inspiring programs. Some members, like us, also feature incredible natural scenery that can be explored by walking trails, so there is no shortage of things to do.”

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. To learn more about The Trail or any member institution, including Castle in the Clouds, click here.