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Volunteers Make a Difference on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Castle in the Clouds Volunteers. Photo by Colleen Crowley

Volunteering is a fun and enriching experience on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which features nearly two dozen member institutions across the Granite State.

“It’s wonderful to welcome people as a greeter at the Folsom Tavern,” said Dawn Jelley, who volunteers at the American Independence Museum (AIM). “I’ve been volunteering for the past six years, and I love it.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. “Without volunteers, AIM cannot engage anyone with this mission,” said Dr. Robert Levey, Interim Executive Director at AIM. “Volunteers like Dawn are invaluable.”

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at AIM, visit independencemuseum.org or email volunteer@independencemuseum.org.

At Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, Paula said she enjoys the human connection she experiences as a volunteer. “I know that I will meet at least one guest who makes me smile each day,” she said. “I encourage all who have the time and interest to volunteer at Castle in the Clouds.”

A 6,300-acre property built in 1913-1914, Castle in the Clouds welcomes visitors from across the world. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at Castle in the Clouds, visit castleintheclouds.org or email volunteers@castleintheclouds.org.

According to Jeff Barraclough, Executive Director of the Millyard Museum in Manchester, volunteers are the “unsung heroes” of their operation. “We operate on tight margins, so the in-kind contributions by volunteers in the form of time and energy are priceless,” he said.

Operated by the Manchester Historic Association, the Millyard Museum features rotating exhibitions and the Discovery Gallery, which is a multi-purpose space used for school groups, family programs, lectures, temporary exhibits, and other activities. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at the Millyard Museum, visit manchesterhistoric.org or email history@manchesterhistoric.org.

For Barraclough, however, the main takeaway is the impact volunteers have on the visitor experience across The Trail. “Volunteers make a huge difference in our respective abilities to educate and inspire people of all ages,” he said. “We are so grateful for volunteers.”

For Jelley, though, her personal takeaway is the fun she experiences as a volunteer, especially at AIM’s Folsom Tavern (1775). “It is wonderful to welcome people back to 1775 and to visit the tavern like they would have back when it opened its doors,” she said.

History “On Tap” on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Thursday, September 28, Liars Bench will host Portsmouth on Tap in collaboration with Portsmouth Historical Society to celebrate Portsmouth’s 400th Anniversary. Taking place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the event will feature a limited-edition beer by Liars Bench inspired by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty and historical trivia and games hosted by the Historical Society.

“Portsmouth on Tap is a new way for the Portsmouth Historical Society to connect to our local community,” said Emma Stratton, Executive Director of Portsmouth Historical Society. “We hope people will join us for these exciting events that bring history to life through trivia, games, and delicious brews.”

To learn more about Portsmouth on Tap, which takes place throughout the fall, click here.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

In nearby Exeter, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will also host Beer for History in the fall. Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the popular series takes place within and outside Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which once welcomed George Washington.

“Beer for History events feature an incredible ambiance that feels very historic and authentic,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “Part of our We Are One initiative is to bring the community together, and this family-friendly series does just that.”

Beer for History kicks off with Stowe, VT’s von Trapp Brewing on Thursday October 5 with tickets $10 for adults (21+) and free for anyone under 21. Other brewers in the series include SawBelly Brewing, The Czar’s Brewery, and UNH Brewlab. Tickets may be purchased at independencemuseum.org.

In addition to AIM in Exeter and 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. To learn more about The Trail, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Serves as Gateway to New Hampshire

For Jeff Barraclough, president of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, attracting out-of-state visitors is a big focus for member institutions. “Collectively, we welcome more than 200,000 visitors to museums on The Trail each year, more than half of whom are from out of state,” he explained. “Attracting tourists is a big part of our focus, because we recognize its impact on not just us, but nearby businesses.”

Formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their programs, exhibits, and events, The Trail features more than 20 museums on the Seacoast and in Merrimack Valley and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Aside from preserving the history and heritage of New Hampshire, individual museums on The Trail are “remarkably diverse” from one another.

“Some museums cater more to families, while others may be more suitable for adult visitors,” said Barraclough, who is also executive director of the Millyard Museum, located in Manchester. “All of us, however, work very intentionally to create high-quality programming and experiences that we believe enhance people’s overall quality of life.”

Emma Stratton, longtime executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter, agreed with Barraclough and said the hope is that the 2022 season will see a return of visitation to pre-pandemic levels. “We are preparing for on-site visitation much like we did before the pandemic, while also continuing to develop online digital events and exhibits that can be accessed by anyone anywhere,” she said.

Founded in 1991, AIM preserves the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). “When you tour our property, you will learn about the incredible history of these structures, the families that have lived in them, and the important role each has played in New Hampshire history,” added Stratton.

Regarding The Millyard, Barraclough said their permanent exhibit, Woven in Time: 11,000 Years at Amoskeag Falls, is a main area of interest for visitors. “The exhibit tells the story of Manchester and the people who have lived and worked here,” he said. “This story starts with the native peoples who fished at Amoskeag Falls 11,000 years ago and takes people through Manchester’s early farming and logging roots and into the beginnings of industry.”

Regarding her expectations for the 2022 season for AIM and all member institutions, Stratton said, “Welcome back.”

Member institutions on The Trail are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

NH Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Digital Programs and Events

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.

NH Heritage Museum Trail Awakens From Hibernation

The onset of spring means many 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.