MWM’s new exhibit “Silent Shifts: Evolving Winters in the White Mountains”
The Museum of the White Mountains (MWM) has opened a new exhibit, “Silent Shifts: Evolving Winters in the White Mountains,” on display until March 29.
The exhibit was co-curated by MWM Director Meghan Doherty and New Hampshire-based photographer Joe Klementovich. According to Doherty, the exhibit explores how winters have changed in the last 150 years. Through displays that feature historical and contemporary winter recreation gear, graphs from climate science studies, and winter-related photography by Klementovich, the exhibit reveals the complex relationships between climate, technology, and access to the outdoors.
“We want visitors to the exhibition to both appreciate the rich history of winter recreation in the White Mountains and recognize how our winters are changing,” said Doherty. “Since 1970, winters in New Hampshire have warmed up 6 ℉.”
Since 1957, she said snowpack duration has also decreased by 31 days at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in Woodstock, New Hampshire. “As our winters get warmer and we experience more rain during the winter months, our opportunities to get outside and experience the joys of winter recreation are decreasing,” she added. “Getting out and enjoying the snow helps us remember the joys of winter and why it’s worth protecting.”
MWM is one of nearly two dozen NH Heritage Museum Trail member institutions. According to Trail President Jeff Barraclough, the new exhibit at MWM underscores the relevance of The Trail itself.
“Collectively, our exhibits and programs reveal not just the importance of historical knowledge but its relevance to today,” he said. “We hope people will take the time to explore this exhibit and consider visiting our many other worthy member institutions.”
To learn more about the Museum of the White Mountains, including the “Silent Shifts: Evolving Winters in the White Mountains” exhibit, visit plymouth.edu/mwm.
In addition to the Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.