About Us
What the Society Has to Offer...
The Society’s Museum
The Society’s Museum is in the Old Town Hall in Gilmanton Iron Works. It is open Saturdays from 10 am until noon. The Museum will also be open before each of the 2013 summer evening programs, beginning at 7 pm. Access to the Museum at other times may be arranged through the curators: Pat Clarke at 267-8428; Jeanine Moorehead at 267-8870; or Lori Baldwin at 435-7715. The Curators are responsible for a revolving exhibit of artifacts, photographs and written materials in cases in the Academy Building near the Town Clerk and Selectmen's offices and in the Gilmanton Year-Round Library. Donations of items of specific historical interest to Gilmanton are welcome.2013 Summer Program Series
Programs take place at the Old Town Hall on Route 140 in Gilmanton Iron Works. The Society’s Museum, now on the ground floor of the Old Town Hall, is open before the program, beginning at 7 pm. Programs are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Donations are welcome. Social time with refreshments begins at 7:00 pm. Programs begin promptly at 7:30 pm.- Tuesday, May 28th, 7:30pm
A Walk Back in Time: The Secrets of Cellar Holes
The northern New England landscape is full of reminders of past lives. One we have all seen is the abandoned cellar hole in the woods. Adair Mulligan explores the rich story to be discoveredin what remains behind in cellar holes. - Tuesday, June 25th, 7:30pm
The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggart, Traveling Entertainer
Musical humorist Charles Ross Taggart played all across the country for over 40 years starting in 1895. Adam Boyce portrays Mr. Taggart near the end of his career, with some live fiddling and humorous sketches interspersed in this living history program. - Tuesday, July 23rd, 7:30pm
Gilmanton Architecture
Richard Wilson, a Gilmanton summer resident and Professor of Architectural History at the University of Virginia, presents an illustrated program highlighting the wide variety of architectural styles to be found in Gilmanton buildings. - Tuesday, August 27th, 7:30pm
The Gilmanton Academy – Its History
The history of Gilmanton Academy, and the vital role it played for over one hundred years in the life of the community, is the subject of a presentation by Pat Clarke, Vice President of the Historical Society. - Tuesday, September 24th, 7:30pm
New Hampshire and the American Clipper Ship Era
Glenn Knoblock explores our nation’s maritime past with this exciting look at the fastest sailing ships ever built in America. Learn how the clippers evolved. who built them and why, as well as New Hampshire’s important role in supplying these unique ships
Click here to see a schedule and description of the programs.
Publications and gifts
The History of Gilmanton by Daniel Lancaster, covers the period from Gilmanton's incorporation in 1727 to the year 1845. Hardbound reprints are available for $55.00.
History of Gilmanton to 1875 by William Badger, picks up where Lancaster left off. In addition to information on the industry and politics of the time, it includes information of genealogical interest. $10
Gilmanton Summers , by Jane Cumming, records her recollections of summers in Gilmanton in the early 20th century. It is illustrated with photographs from the period. $15
Gilmanton My Home Town, Memoirs of Louise Place Shurbert, illustrated with photos from the museum collection. $12
The Dear Old Lake , Memories of Crystal Lake and the Village of Gilmanton Iron Works, by Elizabeth Widger Arms and Other "First Family" Members. Illustrated. $20
The Tavern A brief history of the historic Temperance Tavern in Gilmanton Corner.(pamphlet) $5
Smith Meeting House Smith Meeting House was the first house of worship in Gilmanton. The complex remains an historic highlight. (pamphlet) $5
The Academy The building now housing the Town offices and meeting rooms is the third on the site. (pamphlet) $5
Gilmanton Landmarks. A brief history, illustrated with pictures and drawings, of many sites and buildings in Gilmanton with "a story to tell." (pamphlet) $7
Historic maps
- 1860-1960 shows roads and residents for those years. $6
- Lancaster History Plan of Gilmanton showing original lots and ranges with development to 1845 superimposed. $6
Gilmanton historic photo magnets. Historic scenes of the Town adhered to flat magnets. $2
Historic postcards. A selection of reproductions in full color of postcards issued prior to 1920. $1
Shipping and handling $2 per order plus postage. Please make checks payable to Gilmanton Historical Society and mail with your order to the Society at PO Box 236, Gilmanton, NH 03237.