Located on a country road in rural Canterbury just 20 minutes outside New Hampshire’s state capital in Concord, Canterbury Shaker Village sits on nearly 700 acres, delighting visitors from across the region and beyond.
“The history here is just incredible,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan, who said the property features thirty historic buildings and an extensive network of nature trails, ponds, and gardens for outdoor exploration.
Established in 1792, Canterbury Shaker Village is one of the oldest, most typical, and most completely preserved of the Shaker Villages. Subscribing to a revolutionary Christianity that shocked their contemporaries, the Shakers challenged nearly every mainstream ideal of American society, believing in communal ownership, pacifism, dancing in worship, equality of the sexes, celibacy, and living simply.
“They thrived here for 200 years,” explained Nolan, who said the last Shaker sister in residence, Ethel Hudson, died in 1992. “Our mission here is to preserve and interpret the legacy of the Shakers, while providing a place for learning, reflection, and renewal of the human spirit.”
This mission is achieved in multiple ways, including indoor and outdoor guided tours that begin on May 14. “On these tours, you will learn about how Shakers impacted agriculture, technology, modern architecture, and design in America,” said Nolan. “The Shakers were very creative and quite unorthodox.”
Another highlight from this year’s season includes Wilderness: Light Sizzles Around Me, an Exhibition by renowned artist Lesley Dill, that will run May 28 – September 11. Featuring a uniquely inspired selection of sculptures and two-dimensional works more than a decade in the making, the exhibition represents Dill’s ongoing investigation into the significant voices and personas of America’s past.
“This is a fantastic exhibit in our beautiful new gallery space,” said Nolan. “We are thrilled to show her work.”
On Thursday, June 23, Canterbury Shaker Village will host Simply Shaker Annual Fundraiser where guests will enjoy an open house, dinner, and celebration under a tent overlooking Turning Mill Pond. An accompanying online auction will also take place June 10 – June 20.
In partnership with New Hampshire Academy of Science, Canterbury Shaker Village will offer Introduction to Scientific Research Program on July 18 – 22 and July 25 – 29 for students, grades 8 – 10.
“This program takes place in our brand new STEM Lab,” said Nolan. “Here, students will learn about scientific planning, instrument techniques, and analytic approaches scientists use in an advanced ethically run research lab.”
In talking about their membership in the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Nolan said she hopes Canterbury Shaker Village can inspire visitors to explore other member institutions.
“The Trail is a wonderful resource for the state, as each member museum works diligently to not just preserve history, but actively interpret and present it to audiences of varying ages and interests,” she said. “We invite you to experience all The Trail has to offer this season.”
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.
Featuring more than 20 museums on the Seacoast and in the Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail is expecting a busy 2022 season.
“Most, if not all, museums, should be operating at full capacity by June with the pandemic mostly behind us,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough, who said member institutions feature programs and events for all ages. “We cover more than 300 years of history. If you want to experience New Hampshire, you can do it on the Trail.”
Some museums, including USS Albacore Park in Portsmouth, are already open for the season. Albacore Park is the formal site for the USS Albacore Submarine, a research submarine designed by the U.S. Navy that has been preserved as a museum.
“If you want to experience New Hampshire, you can do it on the Trail.”
Jeff Barraclough, NH Heritage Museum Trail President
While not yet open, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) in Wolfeboro is opening registration for its Community Sailing program on 4/1. Developed in partnership with the Town of Wolfeboro’s Parks and Recreation Department, the program provides numerous opportunities for people of all ages to learn how to sail in different kinds of boats. NHBM also offers boat building classes for adults, families, and youth.
“Like many museums on The Trail, we want people to experience what they are learning,” said Executive Director Martha Cummings.
According to Barraclough, the 2022 season will again feature its Trail Passport program. Sponsored by the Bank of New Hampshire, the Trail Passport provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each museum on The Trail. Passports (valued at $150) will be sold at all participating museums for only $25.
“The passport can be used for an entire year starting from the date of purchase,” said Barraclough, who is also executive director of the Millyard Museum, located in Manchester and one of The Trail’s founding members. “From Portsmouth to Manchester up into the Lakes Region, this passport is your ticket to a great time this season.”
Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Entering its eighth season, Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond is now open at Strawbery Banke Museum, one of more than 15 museums located on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.
“After a successful 2020-21 season providing safe outdoor recreation, the Museum is looking forward to another highly anticipated skating season,” said Lawrence J. Yerdon, President and CEO.
In addition to daily public skating, Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond offers skate lessons, adaptive ice time for those with physical challenges, pop-up performances, rink rentals, and more.
Located in Portsmouth, NH, Strawbery Banke Museum is a 10-acre history museum interpreting over 300 years of history—from Indigenous history to the present day—through historical houses on their original foundations, heirloom gardens, traditional crafts, and costumed roleplayers who share the stories of the families who lived in the authentic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. To learn more about Strawbery Banke Museum, or Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, visit strawberybanke.org.
On Saturday, December 18 at 12:00 p.m., Albacore Park in Portsmouth will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day, which remembers and honors veterans and their families. Albacore Park is one of more than 2,500 participating cemeteries and sites.
National Wreaths Across America Day at Albacore Park in Portsmouth
“At Albacore Park, 27 wreaths were placed in 2020, and we hope for more this year,” said Executive Director Patricia Violette, who noted this year’s event theme is “Live up to their legacy.” “We urge everyone to look to the people and the families that have made these sacrifices to keep this country free and live up to their legacy.”
Free to everyone, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 18. For more information on how to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath for a hero, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/NHAPPS.
Albacore Park is the formal site for the USS Albacore Submarine and museum and home of the Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association. To learn more, visit ussalbacore.org.
Formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail includes members in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Featuring more than 15 museums from southern and central New Hampshire, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features several special ceremonies and events in honor of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11.
Concluding its 2021 season on October 31, the Wright Museum will reopen for Veteran’s Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and host a special ceremony to honor veterans from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m..
“It is important we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by all veterans,” said Wright Museum Executive Director Mike Culver, who said the ceremony is organized by Wolfeboro’s American Legion Post 18. “Nearly a third of our annual visitors are veterans, so this is an important day for them and us.”
Admission to the ceremony is included with regular admission. For more information, visit wrightmuseum.org.
On Sunday, November 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Woodman Museum in Dover will host their annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring re-enactors of various conflicts from the Revolutionary War to modern battles, the event will include live cannon firing and antique military vehicles and memorabilia.
Tickets are only available for purchase at the Woodman Museum or event, although veterans, currently deployed military and their families, and Gold Star families receive free admission.
Formed in 2014, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features member institutions in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
“If you are anywhere near The Trail, visit our website to learn more about our museums and what may be happening in your area to honor veterans,” said President Jeff Barraclough. “We honor all veterans on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.”
On the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail this fall, several museums feature lecture series.
At the Woodman Museum in Dover, their Fall Speaker Series kicks off on Wednesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. with New Hampshire author Olga Morrill. She is currently working on the third book of an historical fiction series called The Vagabond Trilogy, which includes real people and events from the Piscataqua Region in the 1600’s. In addition to Morrill’s presentation, the event will include an open discussion about colonial Dover in the early 17th century.
For tickets, or to learn more, visit woodmanmuseum.org.
Part of their Virtual Lecture Series, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) in Wolfeboro will feature Daniel Boyne, author of The Red Rose Crew: A True Story of Women, Winning and the Water on Thursday, October 14 at 7 p.m. In his lecture, Boyne will discuss highlights from his book, which tells the story of a group of women who rowed their way to a silver medal at the 1975 World Championships in Nottingham, England.
“Their accomplishment helped to grow and change the sport for women,” said NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings, who noted their Virtual Lecture series is free. “We are so appreciative of New Hampshire Humanities for its support of this and all our lectures, which reflect our continued focus on highlighting diversity in the sport of rowing this year,” she added.
To learn more about NHBM’s Virtual Lecture Series, visit nhbm.org.
Formed in 2014, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features member institutions in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Joining the New Hampshire Heritage Museum earlier in 2021, North East Motor Sports Museum will host Hot Rods, Muscle And More Car Show on Saturday, August 28. In total, the museum will award 20 trophies, including the inaugural Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy.
“Ted Parker and Gil Coraine have contributed extensively to the museum’s success, and we look forward to honoring them with this high quality and unique trophy,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum, 922 NH Route 106 in Loudon, with the Coolest Sounding vehicle runoff competition kicking off the awards at 1 p.m. The show will also feature a 50/50 raffle and an onsite food truck. “Visitors will also enjoy and explore the history of more than 30 historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside our museum,” he said. “You can test your skills on our iRacing and four-lane electric slot car track, too.”
The cost to enter a vehicle into the show is $20, which includes two free tickets to view the exhibits on the day of the show. The cost for spectators to view the outdoor car show is $5, while kids under 12 are admitted free. “We look forward to welcoming back our car enthusiast friends for another great car show fundraiser,” added Netishen.
For more information about North East Motor Sports Museum, click here.
Formed in 2014, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
Aside from special programs, exhibits, virtual and in-person tours, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail often features special events that provide visitors with unique experiences.
On Wednesday, August 25, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will take people back 100 years to the 1920s for a night of Gatsby-era music, dancing and fun to support restoration of the historic Lucknow estate. In addition to live music, the event will feature a buffet dinner and a live auction, which includes eight unique Castle experiences.
“People often express that when they visit the Castle and grounds, they feel like they could live here,” said Executive Director Charles Clark. “Offering opportunities to experience more private moments at Castle in the Clouds gives auction winners a taste of what it was like living here and the lifestyle that Tom and Olive Plant enjoyed in the early-to-mid 1900s.”
To purchase tickets, or learn more about the auction (and experiences) or museum, click here.
On Saturday, September 11, Strawbery Banke will host its largest fundraiser, Vintage & Vine, returning for the 33rd year. Taking place outdoors throughout the Museum’s 10-acre site, heirloom gardens, and historic landscapes, the event features an extensive selection of fine wines and imaginative cuisine prepared by Greater Seacoast-area top chefs and caterers.
“Acknowledging that this year’s event falls on September 11 and the enormous challenges of the pandemic, we are offering First Responders who purchase tickets and attend this event a complimentary individual one-year membership,” said Robyn Aldo, Vintage & Vine Event Chair and Strawbery Banke Trustee. “Existing members will get a three month extension.”
Featuring a mini-wine auction and raffle, the event is also a kick-off for the Vintage & Vine Online Auction, which runs through October 10 and includes home goods, great escapes, beauty products, health and fitness packages, and more.
To purchase tickets, or to learn more, click here.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
This summer on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, many museums feature live music.
At the Woodman Museum in Dover, their Summer Concert Series continues through the first week in August. On Sunday, July 25, Great Bay Sailor will perform an extensive repertoire of maritime, Irish/Scottish, British, and old-timey music. On Saturday, July 31, the series welcomes Reverend Todd Seely, whose musical talents draw from Americana, country, bluegrass, gospel, rock and roll, and punk rock. Comprised of key brass players from the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, the Portsmouth Brass Quintet will perform on Saturday, August 7.
Reverend Todd Seely performs at the Woodman Museum
Part of their Concerts in the Clouds series, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will host Classic Albums Live, who will perform The Eagles’ Hotel California, on Saturday, July 31. To learn more, click here.
Classic Albums Live to perform at Castle in the Clouds
Held from June 22 – September 14, Strawbery Banke’s Tuesdays on the Terrace will welcome the Chuck Walker Trio on Saturday, August 3. Blending a classic mix of jazz, blues, and soulful grooves, the Chuck Walker Trio celebrates the music of Django Reinhardt, Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others.
To learn more about the series or Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, click here.
Formed in 2014, the NH Heritage Museum Trail features member institutions in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
Last year, museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail were either closed or curtailed their operations due to the pandemic, which serves as stark contrast to the 2021 season. “It’s been an incredible start to the season for many of us on The Trail,” remarked President Jeff Barraclough, who also serves as executive director of new member Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden in Portsmouth.
Mike Culver, executive director of the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, agreed and said the July 4th weekend broke records. On Friday, July 2, the museum had 290 visitors, followed by 458 on Saturday, July 3 with 624 on Sunday, July 4. “This kind of attendance is unforgettable,” he noted. “Docents remained organized, separating groups into manageable units that made visitors feel individually welcomed.”
A group of young visitors enjoy the Wright Museum of July 4th weekend
At the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum in Laconia, Director Cristina Ashjian said they are busy with visitors after a year’s hiatus. She noted how visitors will be able to enjoy a special installation of paintings of the Big Lake and its environs this season. The exhibition, Smile of the Great Spirit, includes views of Winnipesaukee from Red Hill, Center Harbor, and Meredith as well as sites such as Endicott Rock at The Weirs.
In August, the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum will restart the popular ‘Winnipesaukee Wednesdays’ lecture series. Events in the series include Michael Bruno (‘Cruising NH History’ on August 4), Ron Guilmette (‘Islands of Winnipesaukee and Squam’ on August 11), and Hans Hug (‘Wrecks of Winnipesaukee’ on August 18). To learn more, click here.
Artist Hugo Possner (1859-1933) painted this ‘View of Endicott Rock and Lake Winnipesaukee’ from a popular postcard available c. 1900
At The Wright, Curator Justin Gamache expressed enthusiasm for Shaped by Conflict: Mementoes of the WWII Era, which opens August 17. Made possible by Taylor Community and The Weirs Times with additional support by John and Evelyn Frank, the exhibit gives visitors an in-depth look at common mementos and personal items of the WWII era. “The exhibit features handmade trench art, postcards, sweetheart pillows, and much more,” he said. “The exhibit is a terrific illustration of how Americans sought to commemorate a critical moment in our nation’s history.”
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
Founded in 1991 as a nonprofit entity and a founding member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, the American Independence Museum in Exeter is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its Ladd-Gilman House this season. Built by Nathaniel Ladd in 1721 as a brick structure in the Georgian style, the house was deeded to Nathaniel’s sons, Elias and Josiah,who shared the house with their respective families. In 1747, Daniel Gilman bought the eastern part of the house from Elias — and in 1752, he added an addition to the eastern side.
“The new addition was constructed with clapboards and the rest of the brick structure was clapboarded to maintain a consistent appearance,” said museum Curator Jennifer Carr, who has conducted extensive research into the structure. By 1777, the entire house belonged to the Gilman family. In the early nineteenth century, the house was again enlarged when John Taylor Gilman had an existing structure moved from another part of town and added to the western side of the house. Possibly used by the Gilmans as a summer kitchen, the addition is now the museum’s gift shop.
In 1902, the house was sold to the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire, and it became their headquarters. The Society added a caretaker’s cottage to the western side of the house, which now serves as the museum’s offices and library.
Today, the Society owns the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) as well as the 3,000+ objects in the museum’s collection, which includes an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—known as a Dunlap Broadside. “This discovery led to the museum’s formation,” explained museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who said the Ladd-Gilman House served as the actual home to many influential persons in NH’s initial history.
“It was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution, and it also was Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire,” she added. “Their father, Nicholas Gilman, Sr., served as the state’s first Treasurer.”
According to New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the Ladd-Gilman House is one of many such structures on The Trail. “If you have an interest in architecture and culture—from the mid 1600’s through today—you will find it on The Trail,” he said. “We are excited about the anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and invite people to learn more about it.”
Tours of the Ladd-Gilman House are expected to resume September 1, and a 300th birthday celebration is planned for September 17 and 18. To learn more about the American Independence Museum, or Ladd-Gilman House, click here.
The American Independence Museum is one of more than 15 museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
While most museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail begin to reopen for the spring and summer seasons, many will continue to provide digital events as part of their mission. For the American Independence Museum in Exeter, this means keeping guests engaged with history even from home. “Even though we’re reopening for the season in May, we still want to provide digital programs for those audiences who do not live locally,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton.
These digital programs, she noted, offer historical insight into the museum and explore the concepts of freedom and independence, including an upcoming lecture on May 20. The lecture includes the documentary Uprooted, which discusses the lives of five refugees who resettled in New Hampshire. Part of the New Hampshire Humanities To Go program, the lecture will feature a guided discussion and is free to the public.
In addition to digital lecture programs, the American Independence Museum also offers virtual scout programs for Boy and Girl Scouts to explore history and earn a badge. “We want people to have options to learn through our museum, whether it be in-person or at home,” said Stratton.
For more information about the American Independence Museum, click here.
Located in Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art is now open Thursday through Sunday and offers a wide variety of online art classes and programs through its website. “We offer classes for both children and adults as well as beginners or those more advanced in their artistic career,” said Tracey Carrier, Manager of Membership and Guest Experience. “We also have special programs geared towards veterans, and other community groups.”
Classes and workshops range from comic art and impressionism to printmaking, sculpture, and art discussions. With varying time frames, topics, and prices, the Currier offers a wide variety of classes and programs through online registration. The museum also offers a weekly, free art discussion: Art Conversations from Home, every Wednesday at 1pm.
For more details, or to register for classes, click here.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections,programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
With the summer season just around the corner, many museums along the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are opening soon for the 2021 season, including the USS Albacore (AGSS 569) Museum and Park in Portsmouth.
“We are opening our site for weekends starting May 8 and then resuming our 7-day a week schedule from 9:30 to 5:00 in June,” said Patricia Violette, Executive Director and Curator of Albacore Park. Tours will run on weekends from 9:30 am to 4 pm, and social distancing and mask use are required within the park. Before the museum opens for in-person tours, Albacore Park will feature remote Zoom lectures throughout the month of April. All lectures are free and can be RSVPed through email for a Zoom code.
“Albacore Park is one of Portsmouth’s historic gems and all are welcome,” said Violette. “We’re excited to finally open our doors for community engagement and to welcome our eager visitors back to our site.” Albacore Park is the formal site for the USS Albacore Submarine, a research submarine designed by the U.S. Navy that has been preserved as a museum. For more information about the museum and in-person tours, visit ussalbacore.org.
In Wolfeboro, the Wright Museum of World War II will reopen May 1 with the first part of its season to feature special exhibits that focus on women. In WASP, the Untold Story, created by the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas and presented by Service Credit Union with additional support from Pratt & Whitney, visitors will learn about Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. “It’s so important for people to understand the efforts of women throughout the war,” said Mike Culver, Executive Director. “We are pleased to present this exhibit in partnership with our sponsors.”
Women Airforce Service Pilots in flight suits during WWII
The Wright Museum of World War II reopens for the season on May 1 and is open daily 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 4 pm on Sundays. For more details, visit wrightmuseum.org.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
The onset of spring meansmany museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail are beginning to thaw from the winter season to welcome the public back. For the American Independence Museum in Exeter, this means restarting tours.
“Visitors can journey back in time to experience the 1775 Folsom Tavern,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton. “Our public tours begin May 15.” Tours will be offered Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm. Tours start every hour and require pre registration. They are limited to 8 people and masks are required at all times.
In addition to Folsom Tavern Tours, the American Independence Museum will celebrate both the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and 30th anniversary of the museum itself. “We will focus on building digital programs this spring and then shift to in-person and outdoor events for the spring and summer,” added Stratton.
1775 Folsom Tavern
Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum connects America’s Revolutionary past with the present. For more information about the museum, click here.
Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury also has their sights set on May 15 with their semi-annual 5K race. “This year, the Village is planning two 5K races, one on May 15 and the other on October 23,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan. “All ages are welcome—there’s no obligation to run, as it can be walked as well.” Starting at 10 am, the race is organized in partnership with Capital Area Race Series (CARS) and Millennium Running. There is a registration fee of $25.
The 5K race is part of Canterbury Shaker Village’s plan for more outside activities throughout the season. “The main focus is on the outdoors, including tours on Saturdays and Sundays that take groups around the village,” said Nolan, who noted the Heifer cows will also revisit the Village on May 15. The Village will also open for brand new indoor tours beginning Saturday, June 12. Reservations are suggested.
To learn more about the race, tours, or the Village, click here.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
Featuring 18 member institutions throughout New Hampshire, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is active this holiday season, highlighted by a visit from Santa on Saturday, December 12 at the Aviation Museum of NH in Londonderry.
“He will arrive by helicopter at 11 a.m. to visit with children and take their requests outdoors to comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines,” said Executive Director Jeff Rapsis, who noted the event is free. “All children will receive goodie bags, and hot chocolate will be served to help keep everyone warm, too.”
Santa will also open the Aviation Museum’s annual holiday “Festival of Toy Planes and Model Aircraft,” which requires paid admission. The exhibit is made possible in part by support of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Cogswell Benevolent Trust. “The exhibit features a collection of more than 3,500 toy planes from all eras,” added Rapsis. “Santa’s visit and the exhibit offers fun for the whole family, and it will be arranged to meet all Covid-19 public health guidelines.”
In Exeter, the American Independence Museum will host Virtual Holiday Tea, which will also take place on Saturday, December 12, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As part of the virtual event, which will feature colonial music, participant will receive several colonial recipes suited for a tea and a 1-ounce package of tea from Alchemy & Herbs in Exeter. Children will receive a half-ounce of tea with their ticket.
Tea selections include Bohea (a black tea blend similar to tea drank by colonists) and Liberty Tea (an herbal, no-caffeine blend that uses native herbal blends that allowed patriots to drink tea without purchasing English Tea). Tea pick up can be arranged at the museum at 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, or shipped for $3.
Other upcoming events on the NH Heritage Museum Trail include the Currier Museum of Art’s Veteran Creative Cohorts, which is part of its ongoing Arts for Vets program. During these virtual cohorts, veterans connect socially through art-viewing, creative art activities and guided conversations.
To learn more about Veteran Creative Cohorts, visit currier.org.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
On Saturday, December 5 from 10am to 4 pm, the Millyard Museum in Manchester will host Holiday Open House 2020. “Although our annual Holiday Open House will look different this year, we are excited to be able to offer a fun, festive day,” said John Clayton, executive director, Millyard Museum and Manchester Historic Association.
Highlights of the day include free admission, discounts in the museum shop and safe, individualized crafts and activities for kids.
According to Jeff Barraclough, director of operations, the event also represents the last chance to see the exhibit “Manchester’s Urban Ponds.” “This is an incredible exhibit that highlights the surprisingly unique history of many ponds in Manchester,” he said.
He added that Holiday Open House 2020 is representative of what visitors can see at many museums along the NH Heritage Museum Trail. “This holiday season, museums across New Hampshire are working hard to provide fun, safe activities for people of all ages to enjoy,” said Barraclough, who is also president of The Trail. “This event is just a small example of the many events happening on The Trail that celebrate the season.”
For advanced registration, contact the Millyard Museum at (603) 622-7531 or history@manchesterhistoric.org. For more information, visit manchesterhistoric.org.
The Millyard Museum is one of more than 15 members of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, which was formed in 2014 as a way 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 and Wolfeboro.
