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.
Previously the Director of Operations at the Millyard Museum in Manchester, Jeff Barraclough is now Executive Director of Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden in Portsmouth. “The Moffatt-Ladd House is a beautiful site with a lot of history, and I am thrilled to be here,” said Barraclough, who will remain president of the NH Heritage Museum Trail. Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The Trail features 21 museums, which recently welcomed the Moffatt-Ladd House as its newest member.
“The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden is excited to be the newest member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail,” Barraclough said. “We look forward to partnering and collaborating with this great group of museums and historic sites across the state.”
Regarding what attracted him to the Moffatt-Ladd House, Barraclough cited it as “an important historic site and one of America’s finest Georgian urban merchant estates.” “The house was built in 1763 and was the home of William Whipple, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who lived here throughout the Revolution,” he explained. “The estate also includes extensive historic gardens and a horse chestnut tree planted in 1776 by Whipple after returning from Philadelphia.”
To learn more about the Moffat-Ladd House, click here.
This summer, residents and tourists have the unique opportunity to explore all 18 museums on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail at a fraction of the standard cost through its recently launched Passport Program. Sold for $25 at all participating museums, passports (valued at $150) will provide people with admission to all 18 participating member institutions.
The program is made possible by Bank of New Hampshire. “We are proud to support the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and their mission to connect the public with culturally rich heritage institutions across the state,” noted Tiffany Baert, Vice President – Marketing Officer. “We recognize the importance of their efforts, applaud their hard work, and are proud to stand with them in support of our community.”
According to Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the hope is that the Passport Program will not only enhance people’s experience of The Trail, but give member institutions “a much needed boost.” “In total, we see on average more than 200,000 visitors every year,” he said. “Last year, of course, the pandemic significantly affected our operations, so it’s important we get our museums on people’s radars again. This Passport program will do just that.”
Available for purchase at each museum*, the Passport can be used for an entire year from the date of purchase. It includes brief summaries of the museums and is organized by location and category that can be stamped upon entry.
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.
*Note:
Museums participating in the Passport Program are: Albacore Park (Portsmouth), American Independence Museum (Exeter), Aviation Museum of NH (Manchester), Canterbury Shaker Village, Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough), Currier Museum of Art (Manchester), Lake Winnipesaukee Museum (Laconia), Lee Scouting Museum (Manchester), Libby Museum (Wolfeboro), Millyard Museum (Manchester), Museum of the White Mountains (Plymouth), NH Boat Museum (Wolfeboro), NH Historical Society (Concord), Portsmouth Historical Society, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm (Tamworth), Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth), Woodman Museum (Dover), and the Wright Museum of World War II (Wolfeboro).
The Belknap Mill, Northeast Motor Sports Museum, and Moffatt-Ladd House are not currently part of the Passport program, but we anticipate their participation in 2022.
Comprised of museums throughout eastern New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will launch a Trail Passport Program on June 1, which will provide access to all 18 member institutions. “We are excited to launch this program,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough. “We hope it provides an opportunity for people to see many of the remarkable museums throughout New Hampshire they might not see otherwise.”
Sponsored by the Bank of New Hampshire, the Trail Passport provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each of the museums that are part of the museum 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 and will include brief summaries of the museums, organized by location and category that can be stamped upon entry.
“This is an incredible savings for people,” added Barraclough. “We look forward to seeing new faces this year throughout The Trail.”
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.
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.
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.
Those who love holiday traditions will take ‘sweet’ comfort at this year’s 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, hosted by Portsmouth Historical Society on the NH Heritage Museum Trail. “We are thrilled to keep our show free to enter and view, making it accessible to everyone,” said Kait Smith, Chair of the Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition.
This year, houses will be placed throughout both floors of Portsmouth Historical Society to ensure social distance between visitors. “We are also taking it to the streets this year and will have houses displayed in store windows throughout downtown,” said Meredith Affleck, Manager, Exhibitions & Programming. “Folks will be able to take a checklist around to the various retailers and have it stamped.”
Upon returning, she said people can turn the stamped list in at Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center to enter a raffle for a $100 gift card to Cure and a $100 gift card to Roundabout Diner.
According to Smith, this year’s contest has taken on special significance. “While the world certainly looks a little different this year, it was so important to all of us on the Gingerbread House Exhibit committee to ensure that this event takes place,” she said.
According to Jeff Barraclough, president of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, many member institutions have founds creative ways to celebrate the holidays. “We have events for all ages and interests,” he said. “We hope people from all over check out what’s happening on The Trail this holiday season and support New Hampshire’s heritage.”
To learn more about the 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, or to enter a house (registration ends November 9), visit portsmouthhistory.org/gingerbread.
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. 18 member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
On Saturday, November 7, the Millyard Museum in Manchester will host Millyard Walking Tour with John Clayton, which will take participants through the Amoskeag Millyard. “The Amoskeag Millyard is a mile of brick mill buildings that housed the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, a behemoth of American industry from 1831-1936,” explained John Clayton, executive director of Millyard Museum and Manchester Historic Association.
The tour will provide unique insight into Manchester itself. “To understand Manchester, you need to understand the history of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company,” he said. “For more than a century, Amoskeag was the largest textile operation in the world and shaped life in Manchester. Despite the passage of time, it still touches us in ways that people are amazed to discover.”
Preregistration is required for the 90-minute tours (10 a.m. or 1 p.m.), which will be limited to 30 guests (masks required) due to COVID-19. Tickets are $10 for MHA members and $15 for the general public. To learn more, or purchase tickets, 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.
Featuring 18 member institutions throughout New Hampshire, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is active in September, highlighted by the “Socially Distanced Outdoor Concert Series” at Woodman Museum in Dover. The series concludes on September 19 with The Bog Standard, a New Hampshire-based three piece group of musical folks who play acoustic songs about the sea, pirates and rebels.
“They are an amazing local band, that feature Irish, folk, sailing shanties — and with audience participation and ‘sing alongs,’ they guarantee a good time will be had by all,” remarked David Tompkins, executive director.
The 2020 Socially Distanced Concert Series is sponsored by Dupont Auto Service Center, DF Richard, Edward Jones and Martel Plumbing. To purchase tickets, which range from $10 to $15, visit woodmanmuseum.org.
In Canterbury, Canterbury Shaker Village features free Outdoor Tours on Saturdays and Sundays through September and October with no reservations required. Tours are for approximately 1 hour, and begin at 11 am and 2 pm. “The tours present an overview of Shaker history from the 1792 Meeting House up until 1992 when the last surviving Shaker, Ethel Hudson died in the Dwelling House,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan.
Canterbury Shaker Village is comprised of 694 rolling acres with 30 historic buildings. To learn more about the free tours or other events, including a Casablanca film showing and yard sale, visit shakers.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. 18 member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
On the NH Heritage Museum Trail in September, visitors can experience hundreds of years of history, highlighted by a virtual Around the World Flight Adventure at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in Londonderry. “Using a flight simulator and streaming video, we’ll take people around the planet and back again,” said Executive Director Jeff Rapsis.
Designed as an online resource for students and teachers engaged in remote learning, Around the World Flight Adventure is open to anyone with a desire “to see the world’s great cities.” “You’ll learn about science, geography, history and culture along the way,” he added. “At a time when travel options are limited for most of us, it’s the ultimate field trip.”
Vietnam: The Real War — A Photographic History from the Associated Press
In Wolfeboro, visitors will have their final look at Vietnam: The Real War — A Photographic History from the Associated Press at the Wright Museum of World War II. Sponsored by Service Credit Union, the exhibit features 50 photos taken during the 1960’s and 70’s and runs through September 27. “These are images you won’t forget nor the stories that accompany them,” said Executive Director Mike Culver.
The region’s leading resource for educators and learners of all ages on World War II, The Wright features more than 14,000 items in its collection that are representative of both the home front and battle field. To learn more, visit wrightmuseum.org.
Ladd-Gilman House
In Exeter, Curator Jen Carr will take visitors through a virtual tour of the American Independence Museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), home to former New Hampshire Gov. John Taylor Gilman, beginning in 1794. “It’s a chance to learn more about New Hampshire and the American Revolution,” said Carr, who noted the tours began in August and run through September.
Each 45-minute guided tour ends with a Q & A with Carr. “All tours take place on the Zoom platform, so be ensure you have the app or software downloaded prior to the tour start time,” she added.
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. 18 member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
For many museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail in the Seacoast Region, July marks the beginning of an eagerly anticipated 2020 season.
Portsmouth Historical Society
On July 10, Portsmouth Historical Society (PHS) will reopen its Welcome Center and Gift Shop and feature two new walking tours (groups of 6 or less).
Offered every Sat at 3:30 through July, “The Portsmouth Path of President Washington” will be led by walking tour guide Jeff Thomson. One of the stops along the way is the Tobias Lear House. “Tobias Lear was President Washington’s personal secretary,” said PHS’s Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf. “Since many folks may not know that George Washington spent time on the Seacoast in 1789, we thought this would be an interesting addition to our walking tour line up.”
Offered every Sunday at 3:30 through July, “Gay” Old Times: Stories of Portsmouth’s LGBTQ Community will explore the hidden history of LGBT clubs, organizations, and people that impacted the NH Seacoast.
In Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke Museum reopens July 1 with “Emerging Renewed — An Interpretive Tour of the Historic Waterfront Neighborhood of Strawbery Banke.”
Featuring daily tours beginning on the hour and half-hour through October 31, the re-imagined experience will take visitors through four outdoor sites that explore the resiliency of the historic waterfront neighborhood over time. In the program, small group tours (10 individuals or fewer) will meet costumed role-players, discover architectural and landscape details and learn about the history of the site from the 1600s through efforts in 1958 that created the museum.
In Dover, the Woodman Museum also opens on July 1 with five available reserved tours daily from 10am to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday for groups of 10 or fewer.
One highlight in 2020, according to Executive Director Dave Tompkins, is a season long exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. “It explores the role of NH Suffragette Marilla Ricker, local Dover and other women from around the state who contributed to the 19th Amendment, which allowed women the right to vote,” he said.
The Woodman, founded in 1916, is a traditional early 20th-century style natural science, history, and art museum with exhibits for all ages. To learn more, or check for hours (The Woodman is closed July 4 and 5), visit woodmanmuseum.org.
About The Trail
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. 18 member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.
For members of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, the 2020 season will represent a welcome departure from day to day protocols forced upon staff due to COVID-19. “We are all looking forward to reopening soon,” said Jeff Barraclough, president of The Trail and director of operations at the Millyard Museum, one of its founding members. “It’s been a spring none of us will ever forget.”
With members in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region, The Trail features everything from historic villages, working farm and research submarine to museums that focus on World War II, aviation, American Revolution, boating and Industrial Revolution.
“COVID-19 has certainly delayed openings for us, but the season is still on,” added Barraclough, who said each member institution has enacted “rigorous protocols” to ensure visitor safety.
At the Millyard Museum in Manchester, he said extra precautions have included the implementation of a regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule and designating a one-way traffic flow throughout the museum. “We are also limiting the number of guests in the museum at any one time and temporarily removing some ‘hands-on’ features of our exhibits,” he said.
According to Mike Culver, executive director of the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro, member institutions have a responsibility to “help bring communities together again.” “However that is going to look in 2020 given social distancing restrictions, all of us on The Trail want the public to know that we are all in this together,” he said. “Our state’s heritage is still something to cherish and celebrate, especially now.”
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The 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.
