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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At NHBM (Wolfeboro), Executive Director Martha Cummings said their programs and events are geared toward all ages. Lake Discovery Family Day is especially suited for kids. “It’s a free program that revolves around boating, lake ecology, arts, crafts, and games,” she said. “It’s fun for parents and caregivers, too.”
Other programs at NHBM include boat building workshops for youth, adults, and families and rides in the Millie B on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM also features a virtual lecture series, which features “lively presentations” by authors and, in some cases, former Olympians, all of whom share their stories related to boating, rowing, lake ecology, and more.
“We are thrilled to be part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail with all members working together to promote each other and the wonderful heritage of this state,” added Cummings.
Opening Day for NHBM is Saturday, May 28. To learn more about upcoming NHBM events, visit nhbm.org.
At Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm (Tamworth Village), Cuddle Corral takes place May 26 – June 4 during which time people of all ages can cuddle with baby goats. “This is not only a great photo opportunity, this activity helps our baby goats acclimate to humans, which prepares them to be excellent hiking companions for visitor trail walks later in the season,” said Program Manager Jim Cruickshank.
Opening fully for the season on Wednesday, June 15, Remick Museum features other pre-season activities, including a Marion Remick Bird Walk on May 14 and 28 and The Remick Country Doctor Medical History Tour, May 27 – June 11.
“These are wonderful opportunities to explore our grounds and learn some interesting history, too,” added Cruickshank.
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 museum on The Trail, click this link.
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.
For Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, attracting out-of-state visitors is a big focus for member institutions. “Collectively, we welcome more than 200,000 visitors to museums on The Trail each year, more than half of whom are from out of state,” he explained. “Attracting tourists is a big part of our focus, because we recognize its impact on not just us, but nearby businesses.”
Formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their programs, exhibits, and events, The Trail features more than 20 museums on the Seacoast and in Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Aside from preserving the history and heritage of New Hampshire, individual museums on The Trail are “remarkably diverse” from one another.
“Some museums cater more to families, while others may be more suitable for adult visitors,” said Barraclough, who is also executive director of the Millyard Museum, located in Manchester. “All of us, however, work very intentionally to create high-quality programming and experiences that we believe enhance people’s overall quality of life.”
Emma Stratton, longtime executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter, agreed with Barraclough and said the hope is that the 2022 season will see a return of visitation to pre-pandemic levels. “We are preparing for on-site visitation much like we did before the pandemic, while also continuing to develop online digital events and exhibits that can be accessed by anyone anywhere,” she said.
Founded in 1991, AIM preserves the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). “When you tour our property, you will learn about the incredible history of these structures, the families that have lived in them, and the important role each has played in New Hampshire history,” added Stratton.
Regarding The Millyard, Barraclough said their permanent exhibit, Woven in Time: 11,000 Years at Amoskeag Falls, is a main area of interest for visitors. “The exhibit tells the story of Manchester and the people who have lived and worked here,” he said. “This story starts with the native peoples who fished at Amoskeag Falls 11,000 years ago and takes people through Manchester’s early farming and logging roots and into the beginnings of industry.”
Regarding her expectations for the 2022 season for AIM and all member institutions, Stratton said, “Welcome back.”
Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
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.”
Between 2018 and 2020, nearly 50 photographers captured the people, places, culture, and events of New Hampshire as part of New Hampshire Now, a venture that involves several museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail.
“We are so pleased we have the opportunity to participate in this project and showcase exhibits that document life in New Hampshire during the past year,” noted President Jeff Barraclough.
At New Hampshire Now’s flagship exhibit at the New Hampshire Historical Society, this ‘life’ includes everything from county fairs and craftsmen working in their shops to kids at summer camp. This photographic diary also includes images of extraordinary events of our time, including first responders in the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests held around the state in the summer of 2020.
Photos from the New Hampshire Now exhibit on display at the New Hampshire Historical Society
While the exhibit at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord has a statewide focus, the others are tailored for every region of New Hampshire and feature images that characterize each specific area. The New Hampshire Now exhibit at Portsmouth Historical Society features images from the Seacoast and well-known people in the Portsmouth community.
“Visitors recognize not just the landscape, but owners of local businesses, well known artists, musicians, and teachers,” said Meredith Affleck, Manager, Exhibitions & Programming. “The photographs are works of art, really shining a light on the talent and commitment that these photographers bring to their work.”
At Manchester Historic Association’s Millyard Museum, its New Hampshire Now exhibit features some images Executive Director John Clayton described as provocative. “Manchester photos are far more gritty and representative of an urban environment,” he said.
NH Now Project photo of Officer Kelly McKenney from the Manchester Police Mounted Patrol on display at the Millyeard Museum
At the opening reception of the New Hampshire Now exhibit at Belknap Mill, Andrew Hosmer, mayor of Laconia, was in attendance. He spoke to the legacy of the Belknap Mill, honoring Peter Karagianis, Sr. who, along with other dedicated community members, saved the Mill from destruction during a period of urban renewal.
“The Mill represents the history of a community, the stories of its people and a vision towards the future,” said Hosmer. “This exhibition shines a light on New Hampshire in a way that captures and reflects who we are…the beauty, the grit and our individual and collective resilience.”
In addition to exhibitions, public programs and events, New Hampshire Now features a book that is available at each exhibition site, independent bookstores around the state, and at nhhistory.org. New Hampshire Now is a joint venture of the New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists.
To learn more about New Hampshire Now, including all exhibition locations, 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.
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.
