General News - New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

New Exhibit and Galleries Highlight Current Events

A new exhibit at the Millyard Museum and new galleries at the Currier Museum of Art highlight current events on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

At the Millyard Museum in Manchester, Manchester Through the Lens of Frank Kelly features photographs and negatives of Frank Kelly, a prominent Manchester photographer in the mid-twentieth century. Over his long career, Kelly and his wife, Eleanor, photographed many Manchester people, events, businesses, and landmarks.

“This is an incredible exhibit that highlights his work, including unique shots of Manchester businesses and presidential visits to the Queen City,” said Jeff Barracough, executive director of the Millyard Museum. “Collectively, these images provide a snapshot of Manchester during a period of enormous change.”

Manchester Through the Lens of Frank Kelly will run through March 31, 2023. To learn more, visit manchesterhistoric.org.

Also located in Manchester on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, The Currier Museum has completed the reinstallation of many of its galleries, including the entire second floor. Developing themes that cut across European, American, and Asian cultures, these new galleries combine historic and contemporary works along with new acquisitions.

Guston with Brooks chairs

One such acquisition is a painting by 17th-century Dutch artist Judith Leyster, a pioneering female artist of her time who painted genre works, portraits, and still lifes. The painting is currently on view in The Currier Museum’s European Gallery next to a painting by her husband, Jan Miense Molenaer (part of a permanent collection).

In addition to its 19th Century Collection, new galleries explore Nature and Nostalgia through American landscape paintings in the 19th and 20th centuries, periods defined by tremendous changes, including war, industrialization, and growth of cities. Some subject matter specifically pertains to New Hampshire.

“Our strong collection of views of the White Mountains is now enhanced by an early painting of the Cog Railway on Mount Washington and Philip Guston’s gigantic mural made for the National Forestry Building in Laconia,” explained Senior Curator Kurt Sundstrom. “These are reminders that New Hampshire’s landscape was nearly destroyed in the late 1800s and had to be carefully restored and protected.”

To learn more about The Currier Museum, and its new galleries, visit currier.org.

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

Portsmouth Historical Society to Host Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition

The 32nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition is now open at the Portsmouth Historical Society on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail.

In addition to the exhibition at the Portsmouth Historical Society Galleries at 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth through Friday, December 22, gingerbread houses will be on display at downtown Portsmouth businesses that are participating in a Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt. Portsmouth Historical Society is also hosting a Vintage Christmas Kickoff Party on Friday, December 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to once again ring in the holiday season with these special events,” said Sabina Ion, marketing manager.

This year’s theme of fictional places and characters was inspired by two exhibitions in 2022 at Portsmouth Historical Society that featured children’s book illustrations. “Entries in this year’s Contest and Exhibition will include classic characters near and dear to many, magical castles, and favorite fantasy landscapes that are sure to put people in the holiday spirit,” added Ion.

According to Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, the events at Portsmouth Historical Society represent just “a small sampling” of holiday-themed events on The Trail this season. “From Portsmouth up to the Lakes Region and down to Manchester, there is plenty to do on The Trail that celebrates the holidays,” he said.

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.

Founded in 1917, Portsmouth Historical Society is devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

Be ‘Merry’ This Holiday Season at Canterbury Shaker Village

Located on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Canterbury Shaker Village will host several events to help kick off the holiday season, beginning with the Village Store Holiday Sale.

Held Nov. 25 to Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Village Store Holiday Sale will offer free hot cocoa and cider along with complimentary gift wrapping for any purchased item. An additional perk at the Holiday Sale for members only is 20% off any item in the Store.

“Now is definitely the time to renew your membership or become a new member,” said the Village Executive Director Leslie Nolan. “Our Store features books, textiles, soaps, candles, Shaker boxes, and so much more. It’s a great place to start your holiday shopping.”

On Saturday, December 3 at 4:00 p.m., the Village will host Concert & Cocktails, the first of two ‘Merry Merry Canterbury’ themed events. Featuring the String Quartet from Symphony NH, the concert will be followed by a festive reception with farm-grown appetizers by The Rustic Gourmet and a signature cocktail by Cold Garden Distillery at 5:00 p.m.

Concert & Cocktails is sponsored by Coaches Collective International, Cambridge Trust, and Bruce & Betsy Stefany. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased at shakers.org.

On Sunday, December 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, Canterbury Singers will sing holiday Shaker songs. Before the performance from 12:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m., visitors can make pomanders and cinnamon tree ornaments in the Village’s Hubbard Gallery.

Additional activities at the Village during this time of year include “Shaker Stories” tours, offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18. Tours are also available at the same time on the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 25.

“Shop, experience music, take a tour, walk our trails—there is plenty to see and do this holiday season at the Village,” said Nolan.

Featuring 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement, the Village is designated as a National Historic Landmark with 25 restored original Shaker buildings and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings. In addition to Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

New England Racing Museum to Host Legends Day on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Sunday, November 13, New England Racing Museum will host Legends Day, which will feature numerous stock car stars of the former NASCAR North and Busch North Series in attendance. These stars include Maine’s Kelly Moore (all-time wins leader in the Busch North Series), legendary Vermont racing brothers Bobby and Beaver Dragon, ‘Dynamite ‘ Dave Dion, and Central New Hampshire native Brad Leighton.

“This event honors these drivers, all of whom collectively represent an all-star lineup of New England stock car greats,” noted Tom Netishen, executive director of the museum.

Presented by Autopac Gallery and Overhead Door Options, the event includes an honoree panel discussion, permanent banner unveiling, and buffet lunch. Event co-emcees will include museum founder Dick Berggren and Vermont native Dave Moody, the latter of whom is host of the nationally syndicated Sirius Speedway radio show.

Expressing excitement for the event, Netishen said he hopes it serves to enlighten people as to the deeper mission behind New England Racing Museum itself. “While the primary focus of the museum is racing, guests also learn how regional motor sports have impacted the development of automotive engineering and automotive safety,” he explained. “Many developments in auto racing have directly impacted consumer and commercial vehicles.”

The museum also features multiple interactive exhibits. “If you’ve never been to a race or driven a race car, we encourage you to test drive our simulator and sit in a real race car,” added Netishen.

New England Racing Museum is a member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which features more than 20 museums throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. “We are excited to be part of The Trail and, like all member institutions, reveal deeper insight into a slice of New Hampshire history and its relevance to today.”

Legends Day takes place at New England Racing Museum on Sunday, November 13. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. with guests able to explore the museum’s 30+ race cars, motorcycles, and hundreds of artifacts. The museum’s 2022 feature exhibit includes the Busch North cars of Brad Leighton, Dave Dion, and Kelly Moore. Buffet lunch and social hour is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Honoree discussion starts at 1:00 p.m., and the event concludes with a dramatic banner unveiling ceremony in which commemorative banners become a permanent part of the museum.

Legends Day tickets are $50 for museum members and $55 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit nemsmuseum.com or call 603-783-0183.

In addition to the New England Racing Museum in Loudon, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

Author Mike Pride to Speak on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m., historian and author Mike Pride will discuss “the long lost story” of Civil War nurse Harriet Dame at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord. Described by The Society’s Elizabeth Dubrulle, director of Education and Public Programs, as one of New Hampshire’s “most determined fighters for the Union,” Dame is the subject of Pride’s recently published book, No Place for a Woman: Harriet Dame’s Civil War. “Dame was quite a woman,” Dubrulle said. “She was one of the few women to accompany the troops into the field, often treating their wounds amidst the fighting.”

Dame served with the Second NH Regiment throughout the war—from the first Battle of Bull Run until the regiment was disbanded in Christmas 1865. “When her portrait was hung in the NH State House in 1900, she became the first woman so commemorated in the state,” added Dubrulle. “Her portrait was placed among the portraits of dozens of men whose images line the state house walls.” At the lecture, entitled “‘Self Was Absorbed in Loving Labor’: Harriet P. Dame Goes to War,” Pride will recount his exploration of Dame’s career at the war front and her long postwar life. No Place for a Woman: Harriet Dame’s Civil War will be available for purchase, and Pride will sign copies. The lecture is free, and registration is not required.

For more information about the lecture or The Society, which houses more than 35,000 objects, 2 million manuscript pages, and 250,000 photographs, visit nhhistory.org. In addition to the New Hampshire Historical Society, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail features more than 20 museums throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast. “The Society is a terrific example of one of the roles fulfilled by The Trail, which seeks to preserve and promote an understanding and appreciation for our state’s heritage,” remarked Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “We invite people of all ages to visit The Society and other museums on the Trail this fall and winter season.” In addition to The Society in Concord, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Castle in the Clouds to Host Halloween Pumpkin Walk on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

In partnership with Moultonborough Recreation Department and Lakes Region Conservation Trust, Castle in the Clouds will host Halloween Pumpkin Walk on Friday, October 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Self-guided, the walk takes place on a hiking trail that is family-friendly and less than a mile in length.

“Bring headlamps or flashlights to help you find your way,” said Catherine Boyer Porter, marketing coordinator at Castle in the Clouds.“Costumes are also encouraged.”

After the hike, guests are invited to warm up by a fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and goodies, compliments of Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough Recreation Department, and Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

Castle in the Clouds is owned and operated by Castle Preservation Society, whose mission is to preserve, interpret and share its buildings and surrounding landscape as a cultural and educational resource for the public’s benefit. For more information about Halloween Pumpkin Walk or Castle in the Clouds, visit castleintheclouds.org.

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

Ghosts Take Center Stage on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

This Halloween season, visitors just may see some ghosts on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, beginning with the American Independence Museum’s “Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours.”

Taking place at Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter, “Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours” features a colonial guide who will take visitors to the graves of some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents. Primarily used from the 1740s to 1870s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, politicians, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, and others.

“Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours” take place at 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m., at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 22. The 3:00 p.m. tour is designed especially for families with elementary school aged children, all of whom are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

At Strawbery Banke Museum’s “Ghosts on the Banke,” visitors can trick-or-treat safely outdoors from house to historic house with Jack-o’-lanterns lighting the way in Portsmouth’s oldest waterfront neighborhood.

During the event, which takes place from 5:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, visitors will encounter wayward pirates and a mysterious fortune-teller. Ghostly tales will be recounted, while visitors can construct a giant spider web, dance to spooky musical tunes, and play games for prizes.

Member ticket sales begin on Wednesday, September 21 followed by public ticket sales on Monday, September 26. To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit strawberybanke.org.

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

Hot Rods and ‘Light’ Highlight Upcoming Events on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Saturday, August 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the New England Racing Museum will host the Hot Rods, Muscle and More Car Show, presented by Shea Concrete Products. Accepting all makes, models, and years, the show will feature more than 150 vehicles with proceeds to support the mission of the New England Racing Museum.

“Everything we do is meant to preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motor racing,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director. “This show is a wonderful and fun way for the public to have a great time and learn more about us and the region’s rich motor racing history.”

In total, the museum will award 21 trophies, including the Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy. “Ted Parker and Gil Coraine are a big part of the museum’s success, so we are thrilled we can honor them in this way each year,” added Netishen.

One highlight of the show is the ‘Coolest Sounding’ vehicle runoff competition, which takes place at 1:00 p.m. In addition to a 50/50 raffle, visitors are invited to explore the history of regional motor racing with more than 30 historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside New England Racing Museum as well as test their skills on its iRacing and four lane electric slot car track.

“We look forward to welcoming supporting car owners and spectators of all ages to our annual car show fundraiser for a day of family fun,” said Netishen.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the show is $20, which includes two free tickets to 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 nemsmuseum.com.

In nearby Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore several of its historic 18th century structures with protective UV filters removed from the windows. This opportunity is made possible through “Let There Be Light: Natural Illumination,” one of several new ‘By Appointment Only’ Tours.

“With these filters removed, visitors can experience the inside of these buildings in lovely natural light like the Shakers themselves,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan. “It is an incredible experience.”

“Let There Be Light” takes place on Fridays, August 19, September 16, and October 21. Other ‘By Appointment Only’ Tours include “Elders & Eldresses: Shaker Leadership” and “Music & Movement: Shaker Song & Dance.”

Established in 1792, Canterbury Shaker Village is one of the oldest, most typical and 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. “These appointment-only tours provide a rare glimpse into Shakers life,” added Nolan.

To make an appointment, or learn more about the Village, visit shakers.org

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

‘Gala’ and ‘Excursion’ Highlight Upcoming Events on NH Heritage Museum Trail

In the Lakes Region portion of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, two special events take place in August.

In Moultonborough on Friday, August 19 from 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds will host Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala, which will feature authentic New Orleans jazz, cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live auction with unique Castle experiences. Proceeds from the event will benefit the restoration and rehabilitation of Maple Lodge, a gatehouse that welcomes visitors to the property at the top of Ossipee Park Road.

“This building will become the permanent home of our library of archival documents and will provide substantial multi-use space and offices for our education team, “ noted Charles Clark, executive director of the Castle Preservation Society.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Castle in the Clouds is operated by nonprofit Castle Preservation Society. Its mission is to preserve, interpret, and share the buildings and landscape of Castle in the Clouds as a cultural and educational resource for the benefit of the public.

To learn more about Castle in the Clouds, or Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala, visit castleintheclouds.org.

Vintage Voyage Boat Excursion this August

In nearby Paugus Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee on Wednesday, August 17, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) will take guests on the first of two Vintage Voyage Boat Excursions. Vintage Voyage I on August 17 leaves the The Naswa Resort in Laconia, while Vintage Voyage II leaves Wolfeboro town docks (Thursday, September 15).

Vintage Voyage I will take explorers to the west and northwestern end of Lake Winnipesaukee before returning for lunch at The Naswa Resort. Vintage Voyage II will explore the northeastern end of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Broads followed by lunch at Marker 21 restaurant.

“You will have the chance to ride in beautiful, privately-owned historic boats,” said NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings. “Our boat captains tell stories and reveal little known tidbits about the area—this is a unique opportunity.”

Vintage Voyage Boat Excursion and fundraiser is sponsored by Lake Life Realty and Meredith Village Savings Bank. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit nhbm.org.

In addition to museums in the Lakes Region, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail includes members in Merrimack Valley and the Seacoast. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

Plenty to do in Portsmouth on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Featuring nearly two-dozen museums in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail offers plenty to do in Portsmouth, one of its major hubs. “Portsmouth is not just a gateway for many visitors to The Trail, but the entire state,” said Jeff Barraclough, president of the group and also executive director of founding member, Millyard Museum, in Manchester.

Emma Stratton, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, agreed and said many visitors are actively looking for suggestions on what to do. “You could spend a week in Portsmouth and still not be finished, but then you have the entire Trail to explore,” she said.

Formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their programs, exhibits, and events, The Trail includes museums on the Seacoast and in Merrimack Valley and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Regarding what is happening now in Portsmouth on The Trail, Stratton expressed excitement in the recent opening of their exhibit, entitled ‘Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books.’ A collection of more than 100 illustrations for children’s picture books, the exhibit represents a “who’s who” of New England illustrators—from Hans and Margret Rey (Curious George) and Dr. Seuss (aka Theodor Geisel) to contemporary artists.

“The exhibit also includes reflections on diversity and inclusion in addition to creative reading, craft and play areas, and a ‘Journey Box’ initiative that will go to local schools, libraries, and underserved families,” she said.

At nearby Strawbery Banke Museum, self-guided tours of the 10-acre campus, including the historic buildings and heirloom gardens, are available daily from May 1 to October 31. Strawbery Banke also features their popular Tuesdays on the Terrace, a music series that features regional talent every Tuesday through September 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

“This season, visitors to Strawbery Banke can also explore the Water has a Memory: Preserving Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth from Sea Level Rise exhibit,” said Lawrence J.

Water Has Memory Exhibit

Yerdon, President and CEO. “This exhibit teaches how the Museum and its partners are addressing the impacts of sea level rise on the historic houses.”In addition to Portsmouth Historical Society and Strawbery Banke, museums on The Trail in Portsmouth include Albacore Park and The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden. Located just minutes from Portsmouth, other museums in the seacoast branch of the Trail include the American Independence Museum (Exeter) and the Woodman Museum (Dover).

“The Trail might begin on the Seacoast, but it does not end there,” noted Barraclough, who said they offer a Passport program, which provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each member museum at a discount.

Sponsored by Bank of New Hampshire, passports ($150 value) are available for purchase at each participating museum for just $25. The Passport includes brief summaries of the museums, organized by location and category, that may be stamped upon entry.

Founded in 1917, Portsmouth Historical Society is devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts a Spotlight on John Paul Jones

On Saturday, July 10, the Portsmouth Historical Society on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will host its annual John Paul Jones Birthday Party at the John Paul Jones House. Featuring free admission, the event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include house tours, live entertainment , refreshments, and family-friendly activities.

An important ship captain in the American Revolution, Jones is considered the founder of the U.S. Navy, although he was largely overlooked in the 19th century. “It is incredible how our interest in him continues to grow over time,” said Emma Stratton, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society.

This interest is captured in a new exhibit at Portsmouth Historical Society, entitled ‘Captain, Celebrity, Cliché: The James C. and Judith R. Bradford Collection of John Paul Jones Memorabilia.’ A collection of some three hundred collectibles of diverse kinds related to Jones (1747–1792), individual objects date from the mid to late twentieth century, reflecting years of collecting such material by the donors.

“Dr. James Bradford is a distinguished naval historian who has edited the papers of Jones and collected various examples of Jones’s popularity in modern culture,” explained Stratton. “We are thrilled to host this exhibit.”

Much of the Bradford Collection will be on view this summer at the John Paul Jones House, where the naval hero purportedly rented a room during his visits to Portsmouth in 1777 and 1781.

Founded in 1917, Portsmouth Historical Society is devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Music This Summer

Featuring nearly two-dozen museums in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast, the New Hampshire Heritage Trail has become known for its diversity in programming, including its penchant for music. “There is nothing quite like a live music performance with a museum of regional, or possibly, national significance serving as backdrop amidst beautiful scenery,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough.

Two examples of The Trail’s emphasis on music can be found at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

Taking place every Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., through September 11, Canterbury Shaker Village presents Music on the Green, each week providing a different style of music from a different genre. Upcoming concerts in July include the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio (July 3), The Wholly Rollers (July 10), River Sister (July 17), The Mink Hills Band (July 24), and Jim Dozet Duo (July 31). The concerts are free, but donations are encouraged.

Music on the Green at Canterbury Shaker Village

“Music was very important to the Shakers, which is why this series is both fun and mission-driven,” said Leslie Nolan, executive director of Canterbury Shaker Village. “The Shakers were known to participate in long sessions of singing and dancing. “ To learn more about Music on the Green, or Canterbury Shaker Village, which interprets Shaker life through guided tours, exhibits, buildings, gardens, and programs, visit shakers.org.

At Strawbery Banke Museum, Tuesdays on the Terrace take place every Tuesday through September 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Upcoming July performances include “Kids Music and Magic Night” with Sages Entertainment and Mr. Aaron (July 5), Ben Baldwin & Kent Allyn (July 12), “Chorus Night” with Sounds of the Seacoast and Portsmouth Pro Musica (July 19), and Sharon Jones (July 26). Admission per concert is $5 and free for members and children under 3.

“The outdoor concert series is a wonderful addition to the slate of Strawbery Banke events and showcases the talent of accomplished musical acts from the Seacoast area,” noted President and CEO Lawrence J. Yerdon.

Located on 10 acres, Strawbery Banke Museum interprets more than 300 years of history 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 Tuesdays on the Terrace, or Strawbery Banke Museum, visit strawberybanke.org.

Member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Some Muscle

On Saturday, June 25, NH Muscle Cars’ 4th Annual NH “Muscle at the Museum” car show will take place at the newly named, New England Racing Museum, formerly known as North East Motor Sports Museum.

“We are excited to welcome back NH Muscle Cars for the fourth year in a row, as their professional, organized and unique club events make them an ideal partner for our motor minded audience at the museum.” said Thomas Netishen, executive director.

At the event, which begins at 10 a.m., more than 300 muscle, classic and American made cars and trucks will be on display. “23 custom steel NH Muscle Cars trophies for the winners of each show category,” noted Philip Manro, founder of NH Muscle Cars Club, who expressed enthusiasm for the ‘cruise’ that leads up to the event.

“Our popular ‘cruise to the show’ departs from the old KMart parking lot in Hooksett at 9 a.m. and goes to the museum, giving cruise participants early access to the show,” he added. “Show car participants will also receive 2 free tickets to access the museum.”

Additional event highlights include a 50/50 raffle, official NH Muscle Car clothing and merchandise, vendors and two onsite food trucks. “While at the show, we also encourage visitors to stop inside the museum to see our new 2022 exhibits and test drive our iRacing simulator and slot car track with friends and family,” added Netishen.

Entry as a spectator to the car show is $5 for adults and free for kids, 12 and under. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit New England Racing Museum. To purchase tickets in advance, click this link. To learn more about New England Racing Museum, visit nemsmuseum.com.

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

New Exhibit Opens on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Now through September 30, the Millyard Museum in Manchester will present the exhibit, The People’s Sculptor: The Life and Works of John Rogers. A talented artist and successful businessman whose statuary “groups” were very popular in the late nineteenth century, Rogers (1829 – 1904) was known as “The People’s Sculptor.”

“He was the first American sculptor to mass produce his work,” said Jeff Barraclough, executive director of the Millyard Museum, one of more than 20 museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. “He sold as many as 80,000 sculptures during his lifetime and effectively brought the art of sculpture to the American middle class.”

Rogers got his start as a sculptor in Manchester while working as a mechanic in the machine shop of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company from 1850 to 1856. In his free time, he began to model with clay he found near the Merrimack River in Hooksett, which led to his career as a sculptor. Towards the end of his career, he gave one of his finest works, a seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, to the City of Manchester as a gift.

“This exhibit celebrates Rogers and his art and the important influence Manchester had in his life,” said Barraclough, who is also president of The Trail.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit manchesterhistoric.org.

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

‘Watch the Seasons Change,’ Take Flight, and More

This season, education and adventure are just two kinds of experiences possible on New Hampshire Heritage Trail, which stretches from Portsmouth to Manchester and up through the Lakes Region.

On Saturday, June 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., education takes center stage at the Museum of the White Mountains (MWM), as it hosts an Opening Reception for a new exhibit, titled Watching the Seasons Change. The exhibit, noted MWM Director Meghan Doherty, will explore the seasons through different lenses, including artists’ perspectives and scientific research.

“Spring Thaw in the Presidentials, Mary Brewster Hazelton, Oil on Canvas, 1889. Museum of the White Mountains, Gift of Douglas and Karin Cullity Nelson.”

“Sap Collector, Artist Once Known, Birchbark, Vine or Twine, Circa 1870. On Loan from Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, N.H.”

“As the seasons change in the Northeast, we all expect certain signs – the bright red of the sugar maple, the crackle of frozen puddles under foot, the sweet smell of fresh growth as the snow melts, the burble of the brook under a thick canopy of leaves.” she said. “This exhibit will take a look at how our changing climate is affecting those things.”

Watching the Seasons Change Opening Reception is free to attend. To learn more about the exhibit, or MWM, visit plymouth.edu/mwm.

For those looking for adventure, the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire will hold the annual Nashua Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 18 in Nashua, NH.

According to Executive Director Jeff Rapsis, this event is “a great kick off to summer” with fun for all ages. “This is a terrific event that we look forward to hosting every year, especially as a way to celebrate dads,” he said.

At this Father’s Day weekend event, some of the highlights include vintage and home-built aircrafts, vintage cars, and a virtual reality exhibit that features a world aerobatics champion.

The event will also feature a restored Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, a twin-engined amphibious World War II-era aircraft. The airplane, one of very few of its type still flying, will be on display to visitors through noon, and will offer rides in the afternoon.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about the Aviation Museum in Londonderry, visit nhahs.org.

Aside from preserving the history and heritage of New Hampshire, individual museums on The Trail feature events, programs, exhibits, and experiential learning opportunities for all ages. To learn more about The Trail, including its Passport program, which provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each member museum, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.