AHSNH

E-ssociate Vol. 6, No. 5

 May 2010

 

 

AHSNH NEWS

Event submission requests may now be sent to news@historicalsocietiesnh.org by the 15th of each month, for submission on or about the 1st of the next month.


AHSNH Awards for Local History.
Help us recognize outstanding organizations and individuals seeking to preserve, interpret, and/or promote appreciation and understanding of an aspect of New Hampshire history with a nomination to our new awards program. AHSNH encourages historical societies, museums, and private individuals to nominate themselves or others in the categories of Research/Documentation, Collections Management and Public Education/Public Programs. AHSNH will also consider applications for lifetime achievement. Deadline September 10, 2010. For applications go to
http://www.historicalsocietiesnh.org


Host Sites Needed.

AHSNH and the NH Humanities Council are searching for a host site to conduct a Native American workshop offered by the Winter Center for Indigenous Traditions. The workshop is designed to help historical organizations curate and interpret NH’s Native history. Ideally, the host site should have Native artifacts in their collection to be used as examples during the one-day workshop. If you’re interested, please contact Tom Haynes at dired@hsccnh.org or 603.352.1895.



MEMBER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

NH Connecting to Collections:

NH Connecting to Collections initiative is now seeking information from NH libraries and cultural organizations about important special collections. The NH State Library was awarded a $40,000 National Leadership Grant during 2009 from IMLS to create a statewide portal and database of cultural collections housed in New Hampshire’s libraries, museums, archives, religious organizations, historic sites and other culture collecting organizations. This project will bring together information about collections from all participating organizations, allowing anyone with internet access to find collections that are important to New Hampshire’s culture and history through an online portal at: www.findnhhistory.org. In the next weeks, you will receive an email invitation and link to complete this online survey about special collections in your organization.   The survey will remain active through July 2010. We estimate the survey will take approximately 15 minutes or less to complete depending on how many special collections you report. Thank you in advance for your participation! The NH Connecting to Collections Partners are: New Hampshire State Library, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources, New Hampshire Division of Archives and Records Management, and New Hampshire Historical Society.




Sanbornton Historical Society:
Thursday, May 13. 7:00pm. Program- Stark Decency: NH’s World War II German POW Camp.”

Presented by Allen V. Koop. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. Program held at Lane Tavern in Sanbornton Square. Contact info@lanetavern.org for more info.




Peterborough Historical Society:

The Folkway Remembered Project-
Saturday, May 15. 8:00pm. Concert- “Malawi-born Tony Bird”.
$18 in advance. $20 at door. Folkway Remembered is an exhibit and concert series celebrating the landmark folk coffeehouse, The Folkway. The Folkway was a must-play venue on the folk circuit from the 1970's to the 1990's. The exhibit opens March 3 and the concert series features Folkway alumni with concerts every month through June. A full concert schedule and ticket information is on our website at www.peterboroughhistory.org or call (603) 924-3235.




New Hampshire Mayflower Society:
Saturday, May 8. 12:00pm. Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
Wentworth-by-the-Sea Country Club, Rye

Speaker: Judith H. Swan, Governor General of California. See: http://www.nhmayflower.org.




Wentworth-Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses:

Saturday, May 8. 9:00-12:00pm. Yard & Plant Sale.
Held on the grounds at Wentworth-Gardner House, features heirloom plants donated by members of the neighborhood and Portsmouth community.  In addition, we'll have gently used goods from the attics and basements of Portsmouth.  This event is always a great time and a good way to celebrate spring in New England! 50 Mechanic St, Portsmouth, NH.




Center Harbor Historical Society:

Tuesday, May 27. 7:00pm. Barbara Lauterback, Local cookbook author.
Lauterback will discuss NH Foods. The meeting is held at the School House Museum, Route 25B, Center Harbor.  Public is invited and refreshments will be served.  For further information contact Seth Ira at 279-1236.




Rochester Historical Society:

Thursday, May 13. 6:00pm. Program- “Mr. Lilac,” will visit Rochester, the Lilac City.
Guy J Giunta Jr, known throughout New Hampshire as “Mr. Lilac,” is a Landscape Specialist for the NH Department of Transportation and chairman of the NH Governors Lilac and Wildflower Commission. He has been involved in the distribution, planting, and care of thousands of lilacs throughout the state. He has made many presentations on their care and pruning. If you have any question about lilacs, Guy is the man to ask. Prior to the meeting, beginning at 6:00 PM, the Rochester Historical Society will be selling perennial plants donated by a local gardener. Proceeds will benefit the museum’s general operating fund. Admission is free and refreshments will follow the meeting. Rochester Historical Society Museum on Hanson Street. For more information, please call the Rochester Historical Society at 330-3099 or e-mail
rochesterhistorical@metrocast.net




The New Hampshire Boat Museum:

Friday, May 28. 6:00-9:00pm. 10th Season Celebration. 
Join the NH Boat Museum as it kicks off its 10
th season in Wolfeboro with a special pre-opening gala event.  Along with a special preview of 2010 exhibits, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and period entertainment as NHBM plays homage to the historic Allen A Resort.  The NHBM display hall is housed in the original dance hall/theatre building of this well-known family resort that was popular from 1940s-1970s.  Tickets are $35/pp and includes 2 free wine tickets.  For more information, call 569-4554 or contact museum@nhbm.org.


Saturday, May 29. NHBM opens for the season. 
Chris Craft is the featured exhibit in 2010, with three antique Chris Crafts on display, along with a special memorial exhibit for George Johnson, one of the Museum’s founding fathers.  The Museum will be open daily through Columbus Day Weekend Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm.  For further information and a full calendar of events, visit
www.nhbm.org.


NHBM Summer Boat Building Program.  The NHBM is accepting applications for its Summer Boat Building Program that includes special sessions for Youth, Families, and a Women-Only Kayak Building course.  Registration forms and details on boat kit choices can be found at www.nhbm.org and click on “Programs.”  All forms should be in by May 15.


NHBM is actively seeking donations and consignments for its New England Vintage Boat Auction that will take place this year on Saturday, July 17.  Boats large and small, projects or restored, boating accessories, camp and fishing items, models, and lake memorabilia.  Proceeds benefit the Museum and its programs.  Contact auction@nhbm.org or call 569-4554.





Mt. Kearsage Indian Museum:

Saturday, May 1. Special Exhibit: “The Art & Function of Crooked Knives”

The exhibit highlights the blend of utility and artistry of the carved wooden handles as well as the many objects created with this unique tool.  First used in New England by the Indigenous Native Peoples, the original stone or bone blade was replaced with metal when it became available. Early colonists adopted the knives, finding them more practical for many purposes then their own straight edge knives.  The crooked knife is named for its angled blade and is used by drawing it toward the body. Objects made with the knives include canoe parts, basket handles, bowls, and bows. Guests were given a special introduction to the exhibit by the exhibit curator, Dr. Lynn Clark and exhibit designer, Chris Bullock.  Guests also received a rare museum tour by founder Charles “Bud” Thompson who turned 88 last week.  The exhibit will be on display May 1- October 31.  


Sunday, May 2. 10:00-4:00. 7th Annual Celebrate the Earth Festival
Learn more about the history, making, and use of “crooked knives” at the at the Museum May 2nd from 10 am- 4 pm. This family oriented day is packed with food, games, and fun for everyone.  Children of all ages can learn about crooked knife history and making, black ash pounding and basket making, canoe carving, and wild turkey habitat preservation.  Children can make their own crafts, plant a tree sapling to take home, or take a walk through the Medicine Woods Nature Trail.  For those seeking a culinary treat, the buffalo burgers and hot dogs concession is available again this year. Admission for adults is $8.50, $7.50 for seniors/students, $6.50 for children ages 6 to 12, and $26.00 Family (children under 6 are free). A self-guided Museum Tour and Medicine Woods Nature Trail are included in the price of admission. Discount admission for Museum members, AAA, and AARP. Call 603-456-2600 or visit www.indianmuseum.org for more information.





Remick Country Doctor Museum:
Monday, May 3. 10am-Noon. Free Pre-school Story Hour: It's all about tractors!
We'll read from some of our favorite books and conclude story hour with a inside craft activity or outside farm time. No need to register, just come on by! We ask children to be accompanied by an adult please! See all of our upcoming story hour themes on our website: www.remickmuseum.org. The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm is located at 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH. (603) 323-7591 or toll free (800) 686-6117.

 

Saturday, May 8th. 10am-1pm. Sustainability Workshop: The Heart Shaped Basket

Just in time for Mother's Day! Sign up for our  last basket weaving workshop and learn how to make a heart shaped basket. No need to have any previous basket weaving skills. This workshop does require an RSVP. Please call the Museum's Visitor Center to sign up as soon as possible. (Seats fill fast!) Call: (603) 323-7591 or toll free (800) 686-6117.  Please bring a bag lunch or snack. Cost to attend this workshop is: $20 per person with an additional $5 materials fee. Ages 16 & up please! The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm is located at 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH. You can also visit our website to see all of our upcoming workshops: www.remickmuseum.org.

 

Wednesday. May 12. 5pm-8pm. Cows and Communities: How the lonely Bovine has nurtured New Hampshire through four centuries with Steve Taylor.

At 5pm join us for a Farm Tour of the Remick Museum and Farm Cows, followed by a delicious homemade stew with cornbread for $5 per person.  At 7pm at the Cook Memorial Library, independent scholar, journalist, farmer and long time public official, Steve Taylor will discuss the necessity of cattle for early settlers, “their contributions have been central to the life and culture of the state ever since. From providing dietary sustenance to basic motive power, bovines have had a deep and enduring bond with their keepers, one that lingers today and is a vital part of the iconography of rural New Hampshire. Where are New Hampshire's cows today? What are they doing for us now? Some answers will surprise you.” For more information please call the Cook Memorial Library at (603) 323-8510.

 

Saturday, May 15. 10am-Noon. Sustainability Workshop: It's all about Dairy!
Learn to make your own home-made yogurt, ice cream and sour cream. During this workshop we will learn to make three different types of dairy products: Yogurt, Ice Cream and Sour Cream. Learn all you need to know about making these everyday edible products and save some money at home! Please RSVP by calling the Museum’s Visitor Center at (603) 323-7591 or toll free(800) 686-6117.
Or click here to e-mail your reservation! Workshop cost: $20 per person, plus a $5 materials fee.

 

Sunday, May 16. 10am-Noon. Children's Fishing Derby!

It’s time for our annual fishing derby at the Remick Museum and Farm! Bring your own fishing rod, tackle, and pail and find spot by the pond. Winners of the fishing derby include those children who catch the biggest fish, smallest fish and first to catch the limit. Children up to ages 15 are asked to have parental supervision. Prizes will be awarded to the winners! Admission is free to participate. Access inside to the Remick Museum and Farm during this event is closed. A concession stand will be available. For more information please call (603) 323-7591 or toll free (800) 686-6117. This event is sponsored by the Bearcamp Valley Sportsmen's Club and New Hampshire Division of Fish and Game.

 




Meredith Historical Society:

Tuesday, May 4. 7:00pm. Program- Therapy Pets.

Presented by Holly Raus and certified therapy dog, Ben. Holly will speak about the role of therapy pets as they are used in hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. She will also get into the training and evaluation process for the handler and the animal. At Main Street Museum. Contact Dawn Dever dawndever@myfairpoint.net.





Rye Historical Society:
Friday, May 6. 5:00-8:00pm. Reception at Discover Portsmouth Center
in the historic old library at the intersection of Middle Street and Congress Street in Portsmouth. Last year the  DPC borrowed our exhibit: "Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea" which had been housed at the Rye Town Museum until it was removed last year for a new exhibit. Visitors will discover the grand hotels and boarding houses of Rye's Golden Age of Victorian resorts. Also on display are photos and documents relating to the larger aspects of the resorting community which extended well into the 20th century. Visitors will also see other exhibits on display by the DPC and the gift shop will be open. This reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. It should be noted that the monthly "Art Around Town," in which local galleries are open with refreshments, is occurring at the same time as this reception.



Pontine Theater:

Through May 9. ISLES OF SHOALS:  the Eternal Sound of the Sea.

ISLES OF SHOALS: the Eternal Sound of the Sea is created and performed by Pontine Theatre’s’s Co-artistic Directors, M. Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers.  They draw their script from the writings of two prominent New England authors, Celia Thaxter and Nathaniel Hawthore, who, in various works, explore the rich history and folklore of the islands, from the early settlement through the Victorian resort era.  Through Tabletop Toy Theatre, projected video and shadow play, Pontine’s co-directors, Mr. Gathers and Ms. Mathews,  bring the legend and lore of the Shoals to life onstage.   Tickets are $23 ($20 for seniors and students) and may be purchased by credit card at Pontine’s website:  www.pontine.org.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door (cash or checks only).  Pontine’s West End Studio Theatre is located at 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth NH.  For information contact Pontine by email:    info@pontine.org  or by phone:   603-436-6660.   Pontine’s 2009-10 season is supported by grants from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.




Historical Society of Cheshire County:

May 7th 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, May 8th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Tenth Annual Used Book Sale.

The sale will take place at the Society’s headquarters at 246 Main Street in Keene.


Tuesday, May 11. Batter Up!  7th Annual Trip to Fenway Park

There are still a few tickets remaining for our annual trip to watch the Red Sox play!  This year’s game is on Tuesday, May 11th against the Toronto Blue Jays.  The bus will leave the Historical Society at 3:30 p.m. for the 7:10 p.m. game time. Seating for this year’s game will be in two sections. There are 9 tickets left for the Outfield Grandstand Section 10, ticket cost is $65.00 for HSCC members and $70.00 for non-members.  There are 4 tickets left for the Right Field Roof Box Section 27, ticket cost is $85.00 for HSCC members and $90.00 for non-members.  Ticket prices include game admission, transportation, and a $10 donation to HSCC’s educational programs.  To secure your ticket(s), please contact HSCC at 352-1895.


Wednesday, May 19. 7:00 pm. Story Circle Group- The One Room Schoolhouse
The Story Circle Group, which was part of the recent Reflection Film Series, will be offering a series of story circles.  Everyone is welcome to attend and/or participate in the sharing and collecting of these valuable pieces of our region’s history. “The One Room Schoolhouse” story circle will be an opportunity for anyone, teachers or students, to share their one or two room schoolhouse experiences.  Held at the Historical Society of Cheshire County, 246 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431. 603-352-1895,
www.hsccnh.org.





Laconia Historical & Museum Society:

Monday, May 10. 7:00pm. Film Premier- Lost in Laconia

Admission $5. In 1901 The NH Legislature passed an act to establish a home for “feebleminded” children, wherein sixty children living in almshouses throughout the state were admitted. This 1 hr. documentary was made using interviews with former residents of the institution, parents and people who worked there along with old film footage and an extensive collection of photos and newspaper clippings. The film project examines the social values and cultural ideals of the 20th century, relative to individuals and families who were labeled feebleminded, deficient, or disabled. Thousands of children and adults were institutionalized in large, state operated institutions throughout the country, and in the case of New Hampshire, at the Laconia State School until it closed in 1991. Tickets available at Laconia Library or call 527.1278 or visit www.LaconiaHistorical.org.


May 13- mid-September. The Ol’ Ball Game: a history of baseball in Laconia
Exhibit showcases the early years of this national pastime in our City from the 1870s through the 1960s.   Prior to the years of professional ball playing, friends and co-workers established teams as a form of social entertainment.  It wasn’t until 1887 that a group of business leaders created the Laconia Base Ball club and began paying players in an effort to showcase civic pride and the progressive nature of Laconia.  Along with memorabilia related to the city teams and local businesses that manufactured baseball equipment, Laconia Historical will host a special traveling exhibit by the Essex Base Ball Club.  Sponsored by the Laconia Public Library and the Laconia Muskrats baseball team.


Monday, May 17. 7:00pm. Program- Music in Laconia.
Warren D. Huse will present a history of musical bands in Laconia. In addition to reviewing local musical notables, including Henry Gorrell, opera singer, Mr. Huse plans to talk about local music teachers, performers (to include groups, bands and orchestras), music stores, and the Kinsman Organ Company, which made electronic organs here for a number of years in the 1950s. The lecture will also focus a bit on the New Hampshire Music Festival, which was organized by Laconia people. Larry Leonard will include a talk about pipe organs in the city, past and present. The lecture is free and open to the public at the Laconia Library.

 

Saturday, May 22. 1:00pm. A Vintage Baseball Game.
Come out to the ball game on Saturday, May 22
nd as Laconia Historical hosts a vintage doubleheader baseball game at Robbie Mills Park with the New Hampshire Granites and the Boston Beaneaters.   Members of the nonprofit group the Essex Base Ball Club will be on hand to teach the history of baseball by playing two games, one with 1860s rules and another with 1880s rules.  Fun for all ages.  Admission is $5 per adult (includes one child admission) and $3 for additional children.   A silent auction with Boston Red Sox and Laconia Muskrats memorabilia will be held to support Laconia Historical, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Laconia including Lakeport and The Weirs.   Event is sponsored by Stafford Construction and the Laconia Muskrats baseball team .  For more info contact Laconia Historical at 527.1278.

 



Epping Historical Society:

Tuesday, May 11. 7:00pm. "That Reminds me of a Story" with Rebecca Rule.
This program is presented through the New Hampshire Humanities Council. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will follow program.




Washington Historical Society:

Monday, May 10. 6:00-9:00pm. Program- The Long and the Short of It.

Steve and Sharon Wood portray Abe and Mary Lincoln. Abe has talked to us before but this time he will be accompanied by his wife, Mary, to give us the feminine view. Potluck dinner at 6pm followed by business meeting and program. Open to public. Held at Camp Morgan. Call Gwen (603) 495-3231 or Tom (603) 495-3284




Warner Historical Society:
Thursday, May 13. 7:00 p.m. Program, The Great Sheep Boom and its Enduring Legacy on the New Hampshire Landscape. Speaker- Steve Taylor, former Commissioner of Agriculture. This program is co-sponsored by the Society, Pillsbury Free Library and Mountain View Sr. Center with funding from the NH Humanities Council. 456-2437




Milford Historical Society:

Thursday, May 20. 7:30pm. Program- NH legend Rebecca Rule.
Join us in welcoming NH's favorite humorist REBECCA RULE
. Ms. Rule will bring her unique brand of Yankee humor & storytelling to this event, to be held at the Milford Town Hall Banquet Room.  Program begins at 7:30pm.  The Milford Town Hall is located at 1 Union Square in Milford, NH (Please enter via door by the ambulance bay).  Books available for purchase & signing @ the event.  This program is sponsored by the Milford Historical Society & the NH Humanities Council and is free & open to all.


The Milford Historical Society begins this year's Open House series in April.  Each month through November, the MHS is open to the public from 2-4pm on the second weekend of each month.  Admission is always free and open to all.  The Milford Historical Society is located in the Carey House on 6 Union Street in Milford.  For more information about the MHS,see www.milfordhistory.com




Salisbury Historical Society:

Tuesday, May 11. 7:00pm. Program- "What NH Thought Was Funny Two Hundred Years Ago." 

Our first meeting of the year will be held in the Meeting House on Route 4 at 7 p.m.  Mr. Charles E. Clark of Durham will present "What NH Thought Was Funny Two Hundred Years Ago."  Sponsored by the NH Humanities Council. Free to the public.  Refreshments will be served.




Gratham Historical Society:
Thursday, May 20. 6:00pm. Annual meeting and program- Native American History of New Hampshire.

There will be a potluck supper starting at 6:00 PM, a short business meeting at 6:45, followed by a talk by Dr. David Stewart-Smith. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. Located at the Town Hall in Grantham.




Berlin & Coos County Historical Society:

Saturday, May 29. 1:00pm. NH state historic marker dedication.
The marker was granted for the site of the first permanent residence in what was then Maynesborough, NH. The name was changed to Berlin when the town was incorporated in 1829. This marker will stand on the site of the Brown Company barns, now owned by BCCHS, on the East Milan Road, opposite the state prison entrance. Descendents of the original builders will be in attendance. Refreshments will be served after the unveiling. For more information contact Jacklyn Nadeau,
bcchs@hotmail.com, or 603-752-7928.




Little Nature Museum:
Saturday, April 24. 1:30pm. Program- Ben Kilham on Bears.

at the Community Room, Hopkinton Town Library, Contoocook. Ben Kilham has been featured in numerous national TV programs and newspapers. He has researched bear behavior for years by raising orphaned or starving cubs and releasing them back to the wild. Ben's illustrated program will help us learn more about bears and about the research methods that he's used to help us learn to live with bears. The program is sponsored by The Little Nature Museum. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. More information: info@littlenaturemuseum.org; www.littlenaturemuseum.org; call 603-746-6121.




Historical Society of Kensington:

Wednesday, May 19. 7:00pm. Dave Watters on New England Gravestones.

This program is sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council's Humanities to Go program and the subjest seems appropriate for May. This meeting is open to all.


Monday, May 31. Open House

at the Social Libraries Sawyer Room from after the parade until 12 noon. At the same time the "Brick School" on Route 150 will be open. There are many interesting artifacts and records in the Sawyer Room and if you haven't had a chance to visit the school it is a 'Step back in History'.  School age children would enjoy a visit to both places.




Historic New England:
Saturday, May 15. 9:30-4:00. Historic House Kitchens Symposium. Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm, Newbury, MA. $60 Historic New England members; $90 non-members. This symposium helps volunteers and staff at historic house museums enhance the presentation and interpretation of kitchens at their sites. Learn how to find info on your kitchen’s history and how to enhance your presentation with faux foods. Help your visitors understand more about the meaning of the room and food preparation in previous eras. For session listings and registration contact HistoricNewEngland.org.




Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail:

Saturday, May 8. 8:45-1:00pm. Exploring Hidden History Symposium. Discover Portsmouth Center, 10 Middle St. Program is followed by a procession to Chestnut Street for a public vigil at the African Burying Ground. "Exploring Hidden History" is designed for classroom teachers, writers, performers and visual artists, and for historic site interpreters and educators. The symposium will provide an opportunity to interact with experts in various disciplines who are using local resources to create exciting new programs. Discussions will be facilitated by Professor David Watters, director of the Center for New England Culture at UNH.   A tour of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center is included in the program. Admission is free.  Lunch is $15 for those who register in advance, 603-380-1231.



Golden Ball Tavern Museum:
Monday, May 10. 9:00-4:00. Hearth, Home and Haberdashery: Women in the Late Colonial and Early Federal Period symposium. At First Parish Church, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA. For session information and registration contact www.goldenballtavern.org.




New Market Historical Society:

Monday, May 24. 7:00 PM. Program- The Making of Strawbery Banke

Local legend says Strawbery Banke Museum began when a Portsmouth librarian gave a rousing speech in 1957. The backstory is a complex tale of progress and urban renewal versus colonial architecture in New Hampshire's only seaport. J. Dennis Robinson, author of Strawbery Banke, A Seaport Museum 400 Years in the Making will share the history of ″America's oldest neighborhood″ and the scenes of the founding years. Tapping into private letters, unpublished records and personal interviews, he explores the politics of preservation at what Ken Burns calls ″one of the best history museums in the country.″ The author looks candidly at mistakes made and lessons learned in this grassroots success story. Program at the Stone School Museum, New Market. Sponsored by NH Humanities Council.




Strawbery Banke Museum:

LAMPLIGHT DIALOGUES: A Nighttime Journey Into the Ghost Lives of Puddle Dock, part of Harbor Light Stage’s History Theatre @ Strawbery
Banke. April 30 through May 23: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at
7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. Please note: Friday, May 14, the show will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30, available online at
www.strawberybanke.org, by phone at (603) 433-1107. Play begins at the Tyco Visitors Center at Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth. Audiences are advised to be prompt! Latecomers may
forfeit seats or miss the first scene. For more information, call Harbor Light Stage at (207) 439-5769, email harborlight@bitstream.net or visit
www.harborlightstage.org.




Sandwich Historical Society:

Saturday, May 1. 7:00pm. Fundraiser, "Sandwich Collects."

Guests to this event will get a close-up view of some privately held collectibles and will have the opportunity to meet their owners. Silent auction items will be on display for bidding. There will be light food,  desserts and beverages. Reserve your ticket or pay at the door. $15/individuals and $25/couples, payable to the Sandwich Historical Society. The event is at the Doris L. Benz Community Center, 18 Heard Rd, Center Sandwich. For more information, please call the Society at 284-6269 or email at sandwichhistory@gmail.com




Deerfield Historical Society:

Thursday, May 27. 7:00pm. Author Howard Coffin on the Civil War.

Coffin will share his experiences researching and writing his books on the Civil War history.  Long active in historic preservation, Coffin was appointed to the National Civil War Sites Advisory Commission. Long active in historic preservation, he has been named a lifetime trustee of the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation, is a former U.S. Senate appointee to the National Civil War sites Advisory Commission, received the Full Duty Award for the Civil War preservation and has been honored in the Vermont Legislature for his books and preservation accomplishments.  He most recently published Guns Over The Champlain Valley, a history and guide to military sites in the Lake Champlain/Upper Hudson River corridor.  He has also written books on the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College and the Diocese of Burlington. The lecture is open to the public and information may be received by calling 463-9727.




Franklin Historical Society:

Thursday, May 6. 7:00 pm. Genealogy program with Donna Hague Blinn.

The evening will be a journey to simplify and identify a path for you to pursue in discovering your roots through genealogical research.  Blinn is the Founder of Heritage, a family genealogy research firm, as well as an approved Researcher for Ancestry.com and listed on their Expert Connect program. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served after the talk and before the business meeting, to which all who attend are invited. Held at Webster/Tay House, 21 Holy Cross Road (at Webster Place, off Route 3, three miles south of the intersection of Routes 3, 3A, 127, and 11 in Franklin. Additional information about upcoming events is available on the Society's web page at www.histsoc.org/NH/FHS.




Hooksett Historical Society:

Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hooksett Heritage Day.

The Hooksett Historical Society, Heritage Commission, and Robie's Country Store Historic Preservation Corp. are cosponsoring this event in conjunction with National Preservation Month. There will be two featured speakers: Bill Veillette, former chair of the NH Preservation Alliance, will talk about Researching Your Old House in NH, how to research the story of your historic house and its occupants. Local railroad buff Chuck Tuson will speak on Early Railroads in Hooksett. Schoolmarms from the Hooksett Head School Society, a group of retired teachers who will be presenting the living history program at Head School, will give everyone a glimpse into school life in the mid 1800s. The mini class will highlight discipline, recitation, and mental arithmetic. The Heritage Commission will conduct a "not much walking" walking tour of historic Hooksett Village. Come and hear about the early development of the town, local businesses and recreation, and changes brought by the flood in 1936. No fee for any of the day's events.  For details and times and other things going on, see http://hooksetthistory.wordpress.com. Any questions, email Hooksett.Heritage@myfairpoint.net.




Moultonborough Historical Society:

Monday, May 10. 7:00pm. Community Landmarks program “Moultonborough’s Estate Builders”

Cristina Ashjian, Chair of the Moultonborough Heritage Commission, will speak on Moultonborough’s significant country estates.  The lecture will focus on the Greene brothers’ estates on Long Island (Roxmont and Windermere), Dumaresq’s Kona Farm on Moultonborough Neck, and Plant’s Lucknow in the Ossipee Mountains, known today as the Castle in the Clouds.  The Community Landmarks Series is intended to promote the recognition and appreciation of Moultonborough’s historical and cultural resources. The Moultonborough Library is located at the intersection of Routes 25 and 109 in Moultonborough village (www.moultonboroughlibrary.org; 603 / 476-8895).




American Independence Museum:
May 19th. The American Independence Museum opens for the season!
Visitors may take either a guided tour or a self-guided tour, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tours begin at 3 p.m.) For more information, visit www.independencemuseum.org


It’s Membership Month! And this year AIM is partnering with Historic New England by offering renewing and new members FREE admission to all HNE properties during the month of June. Members who renew or those who join by May 31 will be entered into a drawing for a one-year family membership with Historic New England, a value of $55! We also continue our strong collaboration with the Exeter Historical Society by offering Combination Memberships, benefiting both historical institutions and providing a great value to members. Details on our Membership page at www.independencemuseum.org. Join online today using PayPal!




New London Historical Society:

Sunday, May 2. 10:00-5:00. Antique Appraisal Day & Dessert Social with James Marquis, Certified Appraiser

NLHS Meeting House 179 Little Sunapee Rd, New London. Admission: $8 for one item or $20 for 3 items. No Jewelry, please. First come, first served…enjoy viewing other appraisals while you wait!


Saturday, May 8. 1:00-4:00 p.m. 2010 “Young at Art” Show

At the New London Historical Society, 179 Little Sunapee Road. This show features artwork by public, private and home-schooled students in grades Kindergarten through twelve from towns of: Newport , Newbury, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner, Wilmot, New London , Springfield , Bradford , Grantham & Andover. There is no fee to attend this show. Refreshments will be served and Cash prizes will be awarded at 3:30 p.m. in the Village Meeting House. Winning entries will be displayed at Tracy Memorial Library for one week following the show.


Wednesday, May 19. 7:00pm.“The Granite Kiss” – New England Stone Walls

Presented by Kevin Gardner. Gardner distills 25 years of experience in building and repairing New England-style dry stone walls into principles and practices that are adaptable to a wide variety of designs and circumstance. He considers the mythology of the stone wall and its place in the New England imagination. His exploration of the history, philosophy, and aesthetics of working with stone promises to bring as much pleasure to the armchair craftsman as it does valuable instruction to the beginning wall builder. Join us for Dessert Social at 7:00pm before the program in the Village Meeting House. Admission: $4 for NLHS members $6 for non-members of NLHS. New London Historical Society ~ 179 Little Sunapee Road. www.newlondonhistoricalsociety 526-6564




Horatio Colony Museum:

Saturday, May 1. 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Annual Quest Fest.

A quest is very much like a treasure hunt, with maps, riddles, and pictures to lead you through special places to  hidden treasure boxes.  You will be given a booklet filled with quests that can guide your explorations of Keene’s cultural and natural history.  Some of these quests take place right in downtown Keene, while others will lead you out into farms and woodlands. Begin the festival by getting your booklet and refreshments at the Horatio Colony House Museum , 199 Main Street, Keene, NH.  You are welcome to visit other quest sites throughout the day.  After questing, come back to the museum for snacks and awards at 2:30 pm.  Free. Happy Questing!


May 8 through June 13. Magical Miniatures.

An exhibit of Horatio Colony’s collection of silver miniatures, along with fully furnished doll houses, some examples of German Spielwaren, miniature hand-painted plates, vintage doll dishes and German figurines from the collection of antique auctioneer Helen Jesse. Free.  Open Wednesdays through Sundays - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. until June 13.


Saturday, May 8 - 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Exhibit Opening Party.
View the exhibit of miniatures and meet collector and antique auctioneer, Helen Jesse. Refreshments will be served. Free


Wednesday, May 19 - 7:00 pm. The World of Miniatures.

A lecture presentation: Antique dealer and auctioneer Helen Jesse will navigate you through collecting and caring for miniatures. She will recount her visit to see Queen Mary’s doll house in England. Participants are invited to bring in a piece of their own for identification. Space is limited; Reservations advised. Free.




The Fells:

May 28. 5:00-7:00pm. Exhibit Opening- New England Hooked Rugs as Art: 1850-1920.

Celebrating decades of New England handcrafted hooked rugs with important pieces on display from collection of Jeff Good. See how these utilitarian and decorative pieces have evolved to become highly prized by collectors. Opening reception features one-night-only additional exhibit of special collection museum-quality rugs. 6pm Gallery talk by owner, curator and rug historian Jeff Good. Some rugs available for purchase. The Fells Main House Gallery, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, NH. For more information call 603-763-4789 x3 or visit www.thefells.org.




WORKSHOPS, GRANTS, & PUBLICATIONS


Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire:

Saturday, October 23.. AHSNH Annual Meeting with Awards Ceremony. And “Fundraising for Local Historical Societies” workshop. Peterborough Historical Society. Workshop is free for AHSNH members. Session features Anne Hamilton, Director of Development at NHHS. Contact Stephanie Skenyon at sskenyon@nhhistory.org or call 603/856-0611.




New Hampshire Archives Group Workshop:
Wednesday, May 12. 9:30am. Disaster Planning Workshop.  The New Hampshire Archives Group will present an all day workshop on disaster planning at the Laconia Public Library, 695 Main St, Laconia.  The speaker will be Gregor Trinkaus-Randall who heads the Disaster Assistance Office of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and has just been elected future President of the Society of American Archivists.  In addition to a presentation on planning for emergencies, Trinkaus-Randall will conduct a hands-on wet materials recovery session.  The cost is $25 (lunch and materials included) or $20 for seniors and students.  Contact NHAG at nharchivesgroup@gmail.com for registration details. Hosted by Laconia Historical & Museum Society.




Division of Historical Resources:

Every 5 years, DHR publishes a preservation plan for the state. The plan reflects on recent success stories and lessons learned and looks forward to new challenges, priorities and interests. The plan does not set a path for what the DHR will be doing over the next five years, but for what the entire state hopes to do to preserve its historical buildings, neighborhoods, downtowns, archeological sites and traditional landscapes. To compile the plan, we need your goals, challenges and directions. For the first time, electronic tools are being used extensively to assemble the plan. People can contribute via emails and on a blog designed especially to gather comments and photos. Anyone interested in sharing their input is encouraged to attend one or more of the following meetings:

* May 3, Keene, Public Library Annex, 6-8 p.m.

* May 11, Littleton, Community House, 3-6 p.m.

* May 17, Portsmouth, Discover Portsmouth Center 4-6 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information about any of these four sessions, please contact the Division of Historical Resources at (603) 271-3483 or http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/programs/plan.htm.




New Hampshire Preservation Alliance:

Tuesday, May 18. 4:30 p.m. Announcement of Annual Preservation Awards.
Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street, Concord. “We welcome this opportunity to recognize outstanding projects and people, offer thanks and inspire others,” said the Preservation Alliance’s executive director Jennifer Goodman. The awards recognize individuals, organizations and corporations for work or projects in the categories of restoration and stewardship, rehabilitation and adaptive use, compatible new construction, public policy, and educational and planning initiatives. This year marks the Alliance’s 21st year celebrating preservation achievement in New Hampshire. The Preservation Alliance has presented 151 awards, for achievements such as PSNH’s and PC Connection’s renovations of historic buildings for corporate headquarters, the rescue of Daniel Webster Farm, the Wentworth-by-the-Sea hotel and the Epsom Meetinghouse, the restoration of the Gregg Free Library in Wilton, the re-use of the Plymouth Railroad Station, the proactive policies of the Lighthouse Kids, the Troy Heritage Commission, and a 5th grade walking tour of Antrim Award program sponsors to date include The Duprey Company, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green LLC, Dan V. Scully Architects, Granite State Plumbing & Heating LLC, Lumber Barn, Preservation Company, and Tate and Foss Sotheby’s International Realty.




Quilter's Muse Publications:

In celebration of the life of Ellen Emeline Webster, New Hampshire's early quilt historian, Quilter's Muse Publications is offering a free bumper sticker that says, "I (heart) Ellen Webster," to anyone who correctly completes a crossword puzzle about details of her life. The answers to the puzzle can be found in an e-book, Ellen Emeline (Hardy) Webster: Her Amazing Quilt "Charts," Her Writings, and Her Life by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings and James Cummings, 2008. Some of Ellen's charts can be viewed at the New Hampshire Historical Society in an exhibit that will be set up until January 2011. The e-book is available at the museum store and elsewhere. The crossword puzzle is accessible from the home page of Quilter's Muse Publications:  http://www.quiltersmuse.com




The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC):
Digitizing Historical Records Grants.
Deadline: June 3, 2010. NHPRC, a part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), supports projects that promote the preservation and use of America's documentary heritage essential to understanding our democracy, history, and culture. NHPRC's Digitizing Historical Records grants are for projects that use cost-effective methods to digitize nationally significant historical record collections and make the digital versions freely available online. AWARD Information: Grants are normally for 1 to 3 years, and up to $150,000 NHPRC will provide up to 50 percent of the total project costs. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations or institutions with IRS 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status; colleges and universities; state or local government agencies; federally-acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups. REMEMBER: All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov - Register early if you haven't already!



National Parks Service:
Save America’s Treasures grant: May 21 Deadline.

Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and historic structures and sites. 2010 SAT grant funds are not affected by the President’s FY 2011 budget request that eliminates the SAT program after this year. For more info www.nps.gov/history/hps/treasures.




Institute for Museum and Library Services partners with Bank of America:

American Heritage Preservation Grant: Deadline September 15, 2010.

Grants for small museums, libraries and archives to preserve artifacts and historical documents that are in need of conservation. Applicants will build on completed conservation assessments of their collections. Can be used with IMLS’s CAP and NEH’s Preservation Assistance grants. For more info www.imls.gov.





Jennifer Carroll-Plante, Editor

The E-ssociate

 


The E-ssociate is the on-line newsletter of the Association of Historical Societies of New Hampshire (AHSNH).  It promotes news of its member societies and provides other information that may benefit membership when space is available.  Please send submission requests to news@historicalsocietiesnh.org by the 15th of the month, for dissemination on or about the 1st of the following month.  Please let us know of any changes, additions or removals to this AHSNH distribution list.

 

AHSNH is a nonprofit organization that undertakes activities to promote the interests of its member societies and encourages the study and understanding of New Hampshire history.  To become a member, to find your local historical society, or for other information, visit the web site at:  http://www.historicalsocietiesnh.org.

 

 

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