New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail - New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Hot Rods and ‘Light’ Highlight Upcoming Events on New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

On Saturday, August 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the New England Racing Museum will host the Hot Rods, Muscle and More Car Show, presented by Shea Concrete Products. Accepting all makes, models, and years, the show will feature more than 150 vehicles with proceeds to support the mission of the New England Racing Museum.

“Everything we do is meant to preserve and educate the public on the history of New England motor racing,” said Thomas Netishen, executive director. “This show is a wonderful and fun way for the public to have a great time and learn more about us and the region’s rich motor racing history.”

In total, the museum will award 21 trophies, including the Parker-Coraine Best of Show Trophy. “Ted Parker and Gil Coraine are a big part of the museum’s success, so we are thrilled we can honor them in this way each year,” added Netishen.

One highlight of the show is the ‘Coolest Sounding’ vehicle runoff competition, which takes place at 1:00 p.m. In addition to a 50/50 raffle, visitors are invited to explore the history of regional motor racing with more than 30 historical race car and motorcycle exhibits inside New England Racing Museum as well as test their skills on its iRacing and four lane electric slot car track.

“We look forward to welcoming supporting car owners and spectators of all ages to our annual car show fundraiser for a day of family fun,” said Netishen.

The cost to enter a vehicle into the show is $20, which includes two free tickets to the museum that day of the show. The cost for spectators is $5 per person with kids under 12 admitted free. To learn more, visit nemsmuseum.com.

In nearby Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore several of its historic 18th century structures with protective UV filters removed from the windows. This opportunity is made possible through “Let There Be Light: Natural Illumination,” one of several new ‘By Appointment Only’ Tours.

“With these filters removed, visitors can experience the inside of these buildings in lovely natural light like the Shakers themselves,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan. “It is an incredible experience.”

“Let There Be Light” takes place on Fridays, August 19, September 16, and October 21. Other ‘By Appointment Only’ Tours include “Elders & Eldresses: Shaker Leadership” and “Music & Movement: Shaker Song & Dance.”

Established in 1792, Canterbury Shaker Village is one of the oldest, most typical and completely preserved of the Shaker Villages. Subscribing to a revolutionary Christianity that shocked their contemporaries, the Shakers challenged nearly every mainstream ideal of American society. “These appointment-only tours provide a rare glimpse into Shakers life,” added Nolan.

To make an appointment, or learn more about the Village, visit shakers.org

In addition to the New England Racing Museum in Loudon and Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, member institutions on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

‘Gala’ and ‘Excursion’ Highlight Upcoming Events on NH Heritage Museum Trail

In the Lakes Region portion of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, two special events take place in August.

In Moultonborough on Friday, August 19 from 5:30 p.m., Castle in the Clouds will host Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala, which will feature authentic New Orleans jazz, cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live auction with unique Castle experiences. Proceeds from the event will benefit the restoration and rehabilitation of Maple Lodge, a gatehouse that welcomes visitors to the property at the top of Ossipee Park Road.

“This building will become the permanent home of our library of archival documents and will provide substantial multi-use space and offices for our education team, “ noted Charles Clark, executive director of the Castle Preservation Society.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Castle in the Clouds is operated by nonprofit Castle Preservation Society. Its mission is to preserve, interpret, and share the buildings and landscape of Castle in the Clouds as a cultural and educational resource for the benefit of the public.

To learn more about Castle in the Clouds, or Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala, visit castleintheclouds.org.

Vintage Voyage Boat Excursion this August

In nearby Paugus Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee on Wednesday, August 17, the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) will take guests on the first of two Vintage Voyage Boat Excursions. Vintage Voyage I on August 17 leaves the The Naswa Resort in Laconia, while Vintage Voyage II leaves Wolfeboro town docks (Thursday, September 15).

Vintage Voyage I will take explorers to the west and northwestern end of Lake Winnipesaukee before returning for lunch at The Naswa Resort. Vintage Voyage II will explore the northeastern end of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Broads followed by lunch at Marker 21 restaurant.

“You will have the chance to ride in beautiful, privately-owned historic boats,” said NHBM Executive Director Martha Cummings. “Our boat captains tell stories and reveal little known tidbits about the area—this is a unique opportunity.”

Vintage Voyage Boat Excursion and fundraiser is sponsored by Lake Life Realty and Meredith Village Savings Bank. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit nhbm.org.

In addition to museums in the Lakes Region, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail includes members in Merrimack Valley and the Seacoast. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.

Plenty to do in Portsmouth on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail

Featuring nearly two-dozen museums in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail offers plenty to do in Portsmouth, one of its major hubs. “Portsmouth is not just a gateway for many visitors to The Trail, but the entire state,” said Jeff Barraclough, president of the group and also executive director of founding member, Millyard Museum, in Manchester.

Emma Stratton, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, agreed and said many visitors are actively looking for suggestions on what to do. “You could spend a week in Portsmouth and still not be finished, but then you have the entire Trail to explore,” she said.

Formed in 2014 to share resources and better promote their programs, exhibits, and events, The Trail includes museums on the Seacoast and in Merrimack Valley and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Regarding what is happening now in Portsmouth on The Trail, Stratton expressed excitement in the recent opening of their exhibit, entitled ‘Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books.’ A collection of more than 100 illustrations for children’s picture books, the exhibit represents a “who’s who” of New England illustrators—from Hans and Margret Rey (Curious George) and Dr. Seuss (aka Theodor Geisel) to contemporary artists.

“The exhibit also includes reflections on diversity and inclusion in addition to creative reading, craft and play areas, and a ‘Journey Box’ initiative that will go to local schools, libraries, and underserved families,” she said.

At nearby Strawbery Banke Museum, self-guided tours of the 10-acre campus, including the historic buildings and heirloom gardens, are available daily from May 1 to October 31. Strawbery Banke also features their popular Tuesdays on the Terrace, a music series that features regional talent every Tuesday through September 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

“This season, visitors to Strawbery Banke can also explore the Water has a Memory: Preserving Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth from Sea Level Rise exhibit,” said Lawrence J.

Water Has Memory Exhibit

Yerdon, President and CEO. “This exhibit teaches how the Museum and its partners are addressing the impacts of sea level rise on the historic houses.”In addition to Portsmouth Historical Society and Strawbery Banke, museums on The Trail in Portsmouth include Albacore Park and The Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden. Located just minutes from Portsmouth, other museums in the seacoast branch of the Trail include the American Independence Museum (Exeter) and the Woodman Museum (Dover).

“The Trail might begin on the Seacoast, but it does not end there,” noted Barraclough, who said they offer a Passport program, which provides buyers with one free admission ticket to each member museum at a discount.

Sponsored by Bank of New Hampshire, passports ($150 value) are available for purchase at each participating museum for just $25. The Passport includes brief summaries of the museums, organized by location and category, that may be stamped upon entry.

Founded in 1917, Portsmouth Historical Society is devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail Puts a Spotlight on John Paul Jones

On Saturday, July 10, the Portsmouth Historical Society on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail will host its annual John Paul Jones Birthday Party at the John Paul Jones House. Featuring free admission, the event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include house tours, live entertainment , refreshments, and family-friendly activities.

An important ship captain in the American Revolution, Jones is considered the founder of the U.S. Navy, although he was largely overlooked in the 19th century. “It is incredible how our interest in him continues to grow over time,” said Emma Stratton, executive director of the Portsmouth Historical Society.

This interest is captured in a new exhibit at Portsmouth Historical Society, entitled ‘Captain, Celebrity, Cliché: The James C. and Judith R. Bradford Collection of John Paul Jones Memorabilia.’ A collection of some three hundred collectibles of diverse kinds related to Jones (1747–1792), individual objects date from the mid to late twentieth century, reflecting years of collecting such material by the donors.

“Dr. James Bradford is a distinguished naval historian who has edited the papers of Jones and collected various examples of Jones’s popularity in modern culture,” explained Stratton. “We are thrilled to host this exhibit.”

Much of the Bradford Collection will be on view this summer at the John Paul Jones House, where the naval hero purportedly rented a room during his visits to Portsmouth in 1777 and 1781.

Founded in 1917, Portsmouth Historical Society is devoted to championing the history, arts, and culture of the Portsmouth region through acquisitions, preservation, museum exhibitions, programs, and publications. To learn more about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit portsmouthhistory.org.

New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail To Feature Music This Summer

Featuring nearly two-dozen museums in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast, the New Hampshire Heritage Trail has become known for its diversity in programming, including its penchant for music. “There is nothing quite like a live music performance with a museum of regional, or possibly, national significance serving as backdrop amidst beautiful scenery,” said Trail President Jeff Barraclough.

Two examples of The Trail’s emphasis on music can be found at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

Taking place every Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., through September 11, Canterbury Shaker Village presents Music on the Green, each week providing a different style of music from a different genre. Upcoming concerts in July include the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio (July 3), The Wholly Rollers (July 10), River Sister (July 17), The Mink Hills Band (July 24), and Jim Dozet Duo (July 31). The concerts are free, but donations are encouraged.

Music on the Green at Canterbury Shaker Village

“Music was very important to the Shakers, which is why this series is both fun and mission-driven,” said Leslie Nolan, executive director of Canterbury Shaker Village. “The Shakers were known to participate in long sessions of singing and dancing. “ To learn more about Music on the Green, or Canterbury Shaker Village, which interprets Shaker life through guided tours, exhibits, buildings, gardens, and programs, visit shakers.org.

At Strawbery Banke Museum, Tuesdays on the Terrace take place every Tuesday through September 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Upcoming July performances include “Kids Music and Magic Night” with Sages Entertainment and Mr. Aaron (July 5), Ben Baldwin & Kent Allyn (July 12), “Chorus Night” with Sounds of the Seacoast and Portsmouth Pro Musica (July 19), and Sharon Jones (July 26). Admission per concert is $5 and free for members and children under 3.

“The outdoor concert series is a wonderful addition to the slate of Strawbery Banke events and showcases the talent of accomplished musical acts from the Seacoast area,” noted President and CEO Lawrence J. Yerdon.

Located on 10 acres, Strawbery Banke Museum interprets more than 300 years of history through historical houses on their original foundations, heirloom gardens, traditional crafts, and costumed roleplayers who share the stories of the families who lived in the authentic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. To learn more about Tuesdays on the Terrace, or Strawbery Banke Museum, visit strawberybanke.org.

Member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.