In 2023, more than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which features more than 20 museums in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, and Lakes Region. “We are excited to welcome people from across the nation and world this season,” said Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail and executive director of member institution Millyard Museum in Manchester.
Regarding highlights this year, Barraclough cited the unique characteristics of member institutions with some located in urban settings and others located on pastoral landscapes. “You won’t have just one kind of experience on The Trail,” he said. “What you will discover at any of our museums, however, is an intentional focus to bring history to life in creative ways.”
At Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, Executive Director Leslie Nolan said visitors can literally walk through history. “Our tours take you inside beautifully restored original Shaker buildings, and we have miles and miles of trails that are open to the public on nearly 700 acres of forests, fields and gardens,” she said. “We also offer special programs, including outdoor concerts, stone wall building workshops, and so much more.”
Looking out Canterbury Shaker Village Store Window
Located in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) also provides visitors with a chance to walk through history, as the nearly one-acre campus features tours of the Ladd-Gilman House (1721) and Folsom Tavern (1775).
AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr cited big changes this year brought about by new staff that she believes will excite visitors of all ages. “Our new events manager is expanding our calendar to include more interactive and experiential events, and our new curator is conducting research to bring more exciting and inclusive stories and exhibits to guests,” she said.
Carr said they also have significant preservation work planned this year. “Guests will have an opportunity to learn about—and see—the hard work that goes into preserving historic structures,” she added.
Restoration work will also take place at Canterbury Shaker Village, as a new roof will be installed at the Dwelling House. One of 26 restored original Shaker buildings on the property, the Dwelling House is a T-shaped structure with 56 rooms that has been expanded numerous times since its construction in 1793.
Featuring a Chapel, a Paul Revere family bell, and a Shaker library, the 8,700 square foot Dwelling House is where the Shakers also ate and slept. “This building is a unique treasure of the property and worth a visit on its own,” added Nolan.
“Unique treasures,” cited Barraclough, defines all member institutions on The Trail, each providing “a snapshot of New Hampshire history.” “There is more than 300 years of history here on The Trail,” he said. “If you want to experience New Hampshire, this is the place to do it.”
Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
