Revolutionary Women

A Hetchel

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Hetchels were used to break down flax into silky fibers that were spun into thread. The thread was then woven into linen. In 1764, Parliament passed the Sugar Act, taxing imported textiles. To protest this tax, women boycotted imported fabrics and made more linen to lessen dependence on British wool. During a time when women were banned from political participation, boycotts provided ways for women to make their voices heard. The Daughters of Liberty organized spinning circles to support this boycott and the Sugar Act was repealed within two years. With the introduction of cotton in the south, flax fell out of favor in the north, placing more pressure on southern industry and contributing to the tragedy of the Atlantic slave trade.

The impact of textile protests can still be seen in today’s American culture in the black armbands traditionally worn as a symbol of mourning. In the earlier colonial period, people wore mourning clothes when a loved one died. To reduce the need for imported fabric, colonial Americans began to use mourning armbands during the boycotts, which reduced fabric consumption and lessened dependence on imported textiles.

The Trail Holds Professional Development Day for Educators

The “Cultivating Teacher Care” event at Castle in the Clouds in 2024

On Thursday, February 6, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will host their second annual Professional Development Day for educators, Cultivating Teacher Care at the Castle.

“We want to provide a unique and relaxing day of learning that showcases Castle in the Clouds and all we have to offer,” said Debbi Finkelstein, Director of Education & Partnerships at Castle in the Clouds. “Our mission is all about sharing and educating, so this program fits in perfectly.”

The event is designed for educators who teach kindergarten through grade 12, but Finkelstein said preschool teachers and college level instructors are also welcome. During the event, educators will have the opportunity to network and participate in activities such as mindfulness journaling, crafting, and yoga. The event will also feature an informational session, Good Food, Good Mood, with nutritionist Katy Magoon and From Canvas to Film: Exploring the Art & Artists of Lucknow, a presentation by Castle in the Clouds Curator & Director of Preservation Robin Sherman.

According to Trail President Jeff Barraclough, events like these are “at the heart of our mission to connect the public with our culturally rich member institutions.” He added, “Supporting educators in the state and beyond means we are also supporting the next generation’s stewards of history.”

Educators at last year’s event

Taking place on Thursday, February 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cultivating Teacher Care at the Castle requires pre-registration and costs $150 per person. Lunch will be provided along with a short hike around the property, weather permitting. Each educator will be entered into a raffle with the opportunity to win a complimentary Castle in the Clouds Family Membership, a Family Four Pack, and a $50 gift certificate for use at the estate.

Interested educators in New Hampshire and surrounding states can pre-register and learn more here. Castle in the Clouds will also host a free annual Teacher Open House in June with more information to be released soon.

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

National Historic Landmark Designated on NH Heritage Museum Trail

The Lucknow Estate (Castle in the Clouds) in Moultonborough, NH

In December, the Lucknow Estate (Castle in the Clouds), a New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail member, was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This designation is the highest level of Federal recognition for a historic site.

“Having the Lucknow Estate recognized for its exceptional integrity and significance in both architecture and landscape architecture is a testament to the importance of preserving our nation’s history,” said Castle in the Clouds Executive Director Charles Clark. “It is particularly gratifying that our work to preserve, interpret, and share this special place has been recognized.”

Built between 1913 and 1914, the estate initially sat on 6,300 acres and was a retirement retreat for shoe manufacturer Thomas Gustave Plant and his wife, Olive Plant. The recent National Historic Landmark designation includes over 5,300 acres protected by partner organizations Castle Preservation Society and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, making the Lucknow Estate the largest geographical Historic Landmark District in the state.

According to Clark, the road to designation was “an intense process with multiple steps.” The Lucknow Estate is now one of roughly 2,600 National Historic Landmarks in the country and one of 24 in New Hampshire.

“We hope that this designation encourages even more people to visit the Estate and see first-hand the beauty and integrity that make it one of the most special places in the country,” added Clark. “The Castle Preservation Society will continue to strive for the highest level of historic preservation, just as we have since taking over the restoration and operation of the property in 2006.”

Click here to learn more about the Lucknow Estate and its history.

In addition to Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Grant to Fund “Preservation in Action” on NH Heritage Museum Trail

From left – LCHIP Board Chair Richard Lewis, Gov. Chris Sununu, AIM Board President Joe Pace, LCHIP Executive Director Paula Bellemore. Photo credit – Joe Klementovich

The American Independence Museum (AIM), a member of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, has been awarded a $170,590 matching grant for a major restoration project to preserve the historic Ladd-Gilman House. The grant was awarded by the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).

Trail President Jeff Barraclough expressed gratitude for LCHIP’s contribution to funding the restoration project. “The Ladd-Gilman House is a historically significant structure in the state,” he said. “This grant will help preserve history and bring awareness to other historic buildings and sites on The Trail.”

Built in 1721 by Nathaniel Ladd as one of the state’s first brick houses, AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House was purchased in 1747 by Daniel Gilman, a prominent Exeter merchant. The Ladd-Gilman House served as the state treasury during the Revolutionary War when two members of the Gilman family, Col. Nicholas Gilman and his son John Taylor Gilman, later the state’s governor, served as state treasurer. The house was also the birthplace of Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the United States Constitution and a U.S. senator.

“This project is vital for the longevity of the Ladd-Gilman House,” said AIM Interim Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “It ensures that the house is not only visually beautiful for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 but is well preserved for future generations.”

According to Carr, preservation work will include window restoration, foundation repair, structural work, repairs to doors, jambs, and thresholds, asbestos abatement, and exterior work on damaged clapboards and paint. “I love that we are able to show guests what historic preservation really looks like,” Carr added. “Preservation is part of our mission, but people rarely see all that is involved in keeping centuries-old buildings standing. This project is a wonderful opportunity for guests to see preservation in action.”

Per LCHIP grant guidelines, AIM is required to match each dollar plus at least one additional dollar to fund the project.

Carr noted that people can expect to see exterior renovation work over the next two years.
“As we move toward the nation’s Semiquincentennial, there is an increased opportunity to bring attention to the need to preserve places with ties to the American Revolution,” she said. “This generous grant allows us to do just that.”

In addition to the American Independence Museum in Exeter, member institutions on The Trail are located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.

Portsmouth Historical Society Showcases Sweet Traditions with Gingerbread Contest

Last year’s best first-time entry award went to Penny and Charlotte for “Christmas at John’s House”
Photo credit – Portsmouth Historical Society

On Friday, November 29, the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition opens at the Portsmouth Historical Society on the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail. This year’s theme is “Holiday Memories,” where participants were encouraged to make their favorite holiday memories out of gingerbread.

Featuring a Reception and Judges’ Award Presentation on Friday, December 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition closes on Monday, December 30. “This year’s gingerbread displays promise to bring the spirit of the holidays to life through warm family memories and winter pastimes,” said Marketing Manager Sabina Ion. “This annual event is a truly unique way to celebrate the magic of the season.”

Click here to learn more about this and other holiday-themed events at Portsmouth Historical Society.

According to Jeff Barraclough, President of the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, the 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition is “one of many festive events” on The Trail. “From Portsmouth to the Lakes Region and Manchester, there is plenty of holiday cheer for all ages on The Trail this season,” he said. “Explore and share the holidays with us.”

In addition to the 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.