castle in the clouds - New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

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.

Busy October at Castle in the Clouds on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

October is a busy month for Castle in the Clouds on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. Many events feature a fall or Halloween theme, including a Graveyard Tour, which takes place on Monday and Saturdays at varying times throughout October. On this tour, visitors walk approximately two miles throughout the property to view remnants of cemeteries from long ago.

On Friday, Oct. 13, Castle in the Clouds will host a Pumpkin Walk, a self-guided hike on an easy, family-friendly trail lined with lighted jack-o’-lanterns. Costumes are encouraged, and the walk is Halloween-themed and appropriate for all ages (not scary).

On Monday, Oct. 16, 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m., Glenn Knoblock will provide insight into how cemeteries and gravestones reveal forgotten aspects of history in New Hampshire Cemeteries and Gravestones. Independent scholar and author of more than twenty books, Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project. He has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

“With his profound expertise in historic cemeteries and grave markers, Glenn will undoubtedly elevate this exploration of New Hampshire history, bringing invaluable insights to enrich the experience,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds.

For more information about Castle in the Clouds, click here.

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, 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 or any member institution, including Castle in the Clouds, click here.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts Spotlight on Castle in the Clouds

Originally called Lucknow, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough sits on 6,300-acres developed in 1913 by Tomas G. Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer, to create a luxurious lifestyle.

“At the time, the estate featured state-of-the-art amenities, beautiful hand-made furnishings, and a large staff to run it,” explained Executive Director Charles Clark.

Today, visitors come from across the world to tour the mansion and exhibit gallery, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant or Café in the Clouds, and hike miles of trails maintained by Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

A founding member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, Castle in the Clouds has also become well known for its wide variety of events held year-round. This upcoming Labor Day Weekend is no exception, beginning with Castle Close-Up Tour: The Servant Experience on Friday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.

“This special tour kicks off Labor Day Weekend and will highlight the many ways labor was involved in the building and operation of Lucknow,” said Clark. “It’s an interesting tour that explores the living quarters and workspaces of the estate staff in an effort to better understand the servant experience and their stories.”

On Monday, September 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Castle in the Clouds will host Labor Day Family Picnic & Mini Parade. At this event, visitors are invited to bring their own picnic lunch or purchase food on the property. During the picnic, visitors may participate in activities, including lawn games and make-your-own musical instruments, followed by a mini parade around the field at 1:45 p.m.

“If you want to participate, bring recycled materials, including cans, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, bottles, jar lids, or anything else you think you could turn into an instrument,” Clark added.

Labor Day Weekend at Castle in the Clouds concludes with Putting Human Faces on the Textile Industry: The Workers of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company on Monday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. During this presentation, made possible by a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities: Humanities To Go program, guests will glean insights into the daily life of Amoskeag Manufacturing Company textile workers in the early 1900’s.

“It’s a fascinating look at how people from European countries and French Canada made the transition from an agrarian to an industrial society,” said Clark. “It’s a look into how these changes affected families, local cultures, the nature of work itself, and relationships among workers.”

In talking about their membership in the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, Clark said he hopes Castle in the Clouds can inspire visitors to visit other member institutions throughout New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire is full of history, and there is no better way to experience it than on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail,” he said.“All of our members feature professional staff, fun events, and inspiring programs. Some members, like us, also feature incredible natural scenery that can be explored by walking trails, so there is no shortage of things to do.”

Upcoming Events on the New Hampshire Heritage Trail

Aside from special programs, exhibits, virtual and in-person tours, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail often features special events that provide visitors with unique experiences.

On Wednesday, August 25, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will take people back 100 years to the 1920s for a night of Gatsby-era music, dancing and fun to support restoration of the historic Lucknow estate. In addition to live music, the event will feature a buffet dinner and a live auction, which includes eight unique Castle experiences.

“People often express that when they visit the Castle and grounds, they feel like they could live here,” said Executive Director Charles Clark. “Offering opportunities to experience more private moments at Castle in the Clouds gives auction winners a taste of what it was like living here and the lifestyle that Tom and Olive Plant enjoyed in the early-to-mid 1900s.”

To purchase tickets, or learn more about the auction (and experiences) or museum, click here.

On Saturday, September 11, Strawbery Banke will host its largest fundraiser, Vintage & Vine, returning for the 33^rd year. Taking place outdoors throughout the Museum’s 10-acre site, heirloom gardens, and historic landscapes, the event features an extensive selection of fine wines and imaginative cuisine prepared by Greater Seacoast-area top chefs and caterers.

“Acknowledging that this year’s event falls on September 11 and the enormous challenges of the pandemic, we are offering First Responders who purchase tickets and attend this event a complimentary individual one-year membership,” said Robyn Aldo, Vintage & Vine Event Chair and Strawbery Banke Trustee. “Existing members will get a three month extension.”

Featuring a mini-wine auction and raffle, the event is also a kick-off for the Vintage & Vine Online Auction, which runs through October 10 and includes home goods, great escapes, beauty products, health and fitness packages, and more.

To purchase tickets, or to learn more, 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 Region. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Loudon, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.

Listen to the ‘Sounds of Music’ on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

This summer on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, many museums feature live music.

At the Woodman Museum in Dover, their Summer Concert Series continues through the first week in August. On Sunday, July 25, Great Bay Sailor will perform an extensive repertoire of maritime, Irish/Scottish, British, and old-timey music. On Saturday, July 31, the series welcomes Reverend Todd Seely, whose musical talents draw from Americana, country, bluegrass, gospel, rock and roll, and punk rock. Comprised of key brass players from the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, the Portsmouth Brass Quintet will perform on Saturday, August 7.

Reverend Todd Seely performs at the Woodman Museum

For tickets, or to learn more, click here.

Part of their Concerts in the Clouds series, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will host Classic Albums Live, who will perform The Eagles’ Hotel California, on Saturday, July 31. To learn more, click here.

Classic Albums Live to perform at Castle in the Clouds

Held from June 22 – September 14, Strawbery Banke’s Tuesdays on the Terrace will welcome the Chuck Walker Trio on Saturday, August 3. Blending a classic mix of jazz, blues, and soulful grooves, the Chuck Walker Trio celebrates the music of Django Reinhardt, Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others.

To learn more about the series or Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, click here.

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.