With most museums on the NH Heritage Trail now open—or close to opening—for the 2017 season, both locals and tourists are in for a treat.
At the Aviation Museum of NH in Londonderry, “Celebrating Flight!” will open on May 13 and run through May 28. The museum’s first paper airplane exhibit, submissions for “Celebrating Flight!” will be accepted from May 1 to May 13.
“We are excited to host our first paper airplane exhibit at the museum,” said Executive Director Jessica Pappathan. “We encourage creativity in design, and hope to inspire enthusiasm for flight. To quote the Aviation Museum of NH’s first Director, Vincent Devino, ‘The excitement of flight can begin with a paper airplane—this is sure to be a unique and fun exhibit.'”
To be considered for acceptance in the exhibit, airplanes should be less than 18″ in width, height or length. “We are all very excited to see the submissions that come through for the exhibit,” added Pappathan. “This will help kick off a very busy summer for us.”
The mission of the Aviation Museum of NH is to preserve New Hampshire aviation history through dynamic and hands-on exhibits and programs. For more information about “Celebrating Flight!” or the museum, visit www.aviationmuseumofnh.org.
In Wolfeboro, The Libby Museum—a museum of natural history—opens on June 1 and features one of the most unusual collections on The Trail.
“Dr. Henry Libby grew up in Tuftonboro and became a collector in his adult life,” explained new Executive Director Alana Albee. “In 1912, he built a home for his collections, which visitors can see today as they were last century. If you want to see how museums looked 100 years ago, this is the place.”
The collection includes everything from displays of butterflies and moths to Abenaki relics, bears, birds and even a polar
bear. Reflecting its unique and wide-ranging collection, events and programs at The Libby are designed to engage visitors of all ages.
In July and August, visitors can enjoy free live animal shows every Wednesday at 2pm, while the work of local young, award-winning photographers will be featured in July. In August, award winning nature photographer Roger Irwin’s work will be on display. In addition, the popular Lil’Sprouts, ‘Kamp Kindness’ program will provide activities for ages 5-8, to enjoy hands-on creativity, enviro-science and art.
“It is a great place for all ages,” added Albee. “Come see our collection, picnic by the lake and take the kids on our nature trail.”
The Libby Museum has historic status and is registered on the US Government’s list of “Historic Places.” It represents one of the oldest institutions of its kind. To learn more about The Libby, visit www.thelibbymuseum.org.
The 16 museums on The Trail include the Aviation Museum, Albacore Park, American Independence Museum, Canterbury Shaker Village Castle in the Clouds, Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Libby Museum, Millyard Museum, Museum of the White Mountains, New Hampshire Boat Museum, New Hampshire Historical Society, New Hampshire Farm Museum, Portsmouth Historical Society @ Discover Portsmouth, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, Woodman Museum, and Wright Museum of WWII.