Promoting the history and heritage of Lake Winnipesaukee and its surrounding area, the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum recently joined the NH Heritage Trail, which extends from Portsmouth to Plymouth and several points north and west.
NH Heritage Trail president and Executive Director of the Wright Museum of WWII in Wolfeboro, Michael Culver referred to the new addition as “an exciting opportunity.”
“All the museums on the Trail feature certain characteristics—unique collections, knowledgeable staff and committed boards,” he said. “We are always open to welcoming a new member whose story helps to enhance the overall narrative of The Trail itself.”
Melanie Benton, museum director of the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, said she is excited to join The Trail. She cited its emphasis on creating “memorable experiences” for visitors as an important determining factor in electing to become a member.
“We felt that joining The Trail would enhance our capacity as an organization,” she said. “From more exposure across the state to sharing best museum practices, there is real value to being a member.”
Open from June through late October, the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum is located in the Weirs section of Laconia next to Funspot. The museum features a collection of historical photographs, maps and lake charts, and memorabilia on lake history, including water skiing, boating, summer camps for boys and girls, Native Americans and the steamboat era and more.
Charles Clark, executive director Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, said he believes that the addition of the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum helps to not only highlight the diversity of the Lakes Region, but The Trail itself.
“There is a lot to see in this beautiful Lakes Region and throughout The Trail,” he said. “We cover more than 300 years of history and feature all kinds of activities and programs for families and die-hard history buffs. I’m excited to see The Trail continue to expand.
Culver agrees and noted many museums on The Trail this year have implemented new programs and/or exhibits. As an example, he cited a new permanent display for their Military Gallery at the Wright Museum of World War II.
“The display is a “life-size” 1940s-era wooden Army barracks, complete with pot belly stove, foot lockers, uniforms and gear, wall pin-ups, and all the military and personal accessories that would have been found in such a WW II barracks,” he said. “The display will give Museum visitors a realistic view of how soldiers of the period lived and worked.”
As a new Trail member, Benton expressed optimism that their membership will help increase foot traffic into the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum.
“We are looking forward to a busy year,” she added.
Museums on the Trail include the Aviation Museum, Albacore Park, American Independence Museum, Castle in the Clouds, Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Libby Museum, Millyard Museum, Museum of the White Mountains, New Hampshire Boat Museum, New Hampshire Farm Museum, Portsmouth Historical Society @ Discover Portsmouth, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, The Belknap Mill, Woodman Museum, and Wright Museum of WWII.