AHSNH

E-ssociate Vol. 5, No. 11

November 2009

 

AHSNH NEWS

 

AHSNH announces the winners of the new awards program designed to honor organizations and individuals for their contributions to state and local history.  Congratulations to:

 

Collections Management: Sullivan Public Library & Archives/C. Christopher Pratt - recognizing Pratt's work in organizing the public archives of Sullivan and creating an Archives Room in the town library, as well as his efforts to educate other in NH on proper archival methods.

 

Research/Documentation: Hayes-Genoter History & Genealogy Library, Pelham Historical Society - an ambitious project to digitize and place on-line thousands of pages of text and hundreds of photograph.  William Hayes and Karen Genoter.

 

Public Education & Programming:

Hillsborough Historical Society - "Historic Hillsborough Living History Event," which involved over 100 volunteers for a three day event of demonstrations, performances and re-enactments at six different sites.  Paula Simpkins, Virginia Lieby and Linda Brown accepted the award.

Claremont Historical Society - "History Education through Storytelling" Program, teaching history through storytelling and living history performances in cooperation with a local drama group, as well as a holding a workshop on the use of living history history by local historical societies.  Colin Sanborn, Sharon Wood.

Portsmouth Historical Society - "Discover Portsmouth Center," establishing along with 20 nonprofit organizations this center in the historic old city library to introduce visitors to the cultural activities of the city and to provide galleries for exhibits.  Richard Candee accepted the award.

Hancock Historical Society - "Life in the 1890s" Program, a collaborative effort with the Great Brook School to involve students in local history and research.  President Ken Chester, Museum Director Cindy Amidon,  Ellen Zimmerman and Bobbi Nylander.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award:  Paul Holmes of the Plaistow Historical Society, for his work in local archaeology, identifying nine Native American sites in the town, his service as curator for a collection he donated to the town, and his activities in the NH Archaeological Society.  Robert Carolan, President of the Plaistow Historical Society accepted on his behalf.

 

Certificates of Achievement:  Jinga Moore, New Hampton Historical Society, for historic tours, exhibits and other services; Roger Robar, Lisbon Area Historical Society, for his work on restoration of the Lisbon Railroad Station; and Allen Walker, Grantham Historical Society for his work on Grantham's building preservation and history.

 

AHSNH Officers Elected at Annual Meeting.

At the AHSNH Annual Meeting, held this year on October 17 at the Meetinghouse of the New London Historical Society, the following officers were elected: 

 

President - Tom Haynes, Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene.

Vice President - Ann Sprague, New Hampshire Boat Museum, Wolfeboro.

Treasurer - Stephanie Skenyon, New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord.

Corresponding Secretary - Jennifer Goodman, New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.

Recording Secretary - David Ruell, Ashland Historical Society.

Auditor - William Hatch, Gorham Historical Society.

 

Other Directors are:  Leigh Webb, Franklin Historical Society; Jennifer Carroll-Plante, Laconia Historical & Museum Society; Laura Gowing, Exeter Historical Society.  Thanks go to the following individuals whose terms have ended or are stepping down:  Linda Day of Penacook; Michelle Stahl, Peterborough Historical Society; Lynn Clark of Contoocook.

 

MEMBER EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

1.  From the American Independence Museum, Exeter:

Sat., Nov. 7, 10am & 11am.  Breakfast with George Washington.  Eat pancakes with the President.  President Washington visited the Folsom Tavern on November 4, 1789 and he'll return again for a special breakfast.  $10/adult; $8/child.  Members receive $2 discount. Includes food, a visit with Washington, children's craft and child-friendly museum tour.  Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes; space is limited.  Register today by emailing Stephanie Rohwer at education@independencemuseum.org or call 603-772-2622.

 

Wed., Nov. 11, 11am.  Special Veterans Day Observance.

 

Except for special events, the American Independence Museum will close for the season on November 6.  Visit their Calendar page at http://www.independencemuseum.org for details, including Candlelight Christmas and A Victorian Child's Christmas.

 

2.  From the Brentwood Historical Society:

Thurs., Nov. 12, 7:30pm.  "Winter Storytelling."  Michael Harris of Gilmanton will look at seasonal celebrations throughout history and across cultures, weaving in lore about Christmas celebrations, the stories of Dickens, Longfellow and others, winter weather and wildlife talks.  Free and open to the public. 140 Crawley Falls Road, Brentwood.

 

3.  From the Centre Harbor Historical Society:

Thurs., Nov. 19, 7:00pm. "People to People."  Presented by Matthew Stearns, the program will share pictures of Japan and the tour by 38 NH students and 4 adults.  Free & open to the public.  Schoolhouse Museum, 94 Dane Rd., Center Harbor.  Call 603-253-6746 or visit http://www.chhistory.com.

 

4.  From the Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene:

"Monadnock Moments-Tales from Southwest New Hampshire" by Alan Rumrill, Director of HSCC, is a collection of one hundred interesting vignettes paired with historic images, chronicling the lives of successful businessmen, politicians and soldiers, spinning tales of disaster, murder and adventure that all had their roots in towns like Keene, Stoddard, Walpole and Jaffrey.  To purchase your copy, contact HSCC at 603-352-1895 or visit http://www.hsccnh.org.

 

5.  From the Enfield Shaker Museum:

Fri., Nov. 6, 6:30pm.  "Taste of the Upper Valley."  An evening of food, fun and festivities.  The Upper Valley's top purveyors of fine foods will offer sample culinary works of art - "signature" appetizers, entrees and desserts.  Complimentary wines and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. $50/pp or Table of 8 $40/pp or Table of 6 $45/pp.

 

Sun., Nov. 15, 1-4pm.  "Natural & Sustainable Gifts for the Holiday."  Retired herbalist Happy Griffiths will prepare herb sauces, tea blends, spice and her rubs from the kitchen and discuss how to grow and preserve your favorite herbs.  Foot balm, natural cosmetics, anti-microbial cleaning agent will be prepared.  Take home samples, recipes, and info sheets.  $45/member; $50/nonmember.  ESM, 447 NH Route 4A, Enfield.  603-632-4346 or visit http://www.shakermuseum.org.

 

6.  From the Exeter Historical Society:

Wed., Nov. 4, 7:30pm.  "What Next? Trying to Predict NH's Unpredictable Weather."  Presented by Kevin Skarupa, Meteorologist at WMUR TV.  Take a look at different types of weather and describe when they are most likely to occur.  Contact Laura Martin Gowing, Program Manager, at 603-778-2335 or info@exeterhistory.org. EHS is open  to the public weekly, Tues.-Thurs., 2-4:30pm and Sat. 9:30-12pm.  47 Front St., Exeter.

 

7.  From the Laconia Historical & Museum Society:

Mon., Nov. 16, 7pm.  "Designing Progress:  A History of Industrial Architecture."  Presented by the architectural and design firm of Misiaszek Turpin, pllc.  The architectural history of Laconia, focusing on its mill buildings.  Held at the Laconia Public Library.  603-527-1278 or visit http://www.LaconiaHistorical.org.

 

8. From the Meredith Historical Society:

Mon., Nov. 3, 7:30pm.  "Meredith Linen Mill."  MHS members explain pictures and artifacts and relate memories.  Main Street Museum, 45 Main St., Meredith.  603-279-1190, http:/www.MHSweb.org.

 

9.  From the Moultonborough Historical Society:

Mon., Nov. 9, 7pm.  "A Tribute to All Veterans."  All military veterans are invited to attend and, if they wish, share their experiences while in the service.  Refreshments will be served.  Held at the Moultonborough Public Library meeting room.  For more information, contact moultnews@hotmail.com.

 

10.  From the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner:

Sun., Nov. 8, 1pm.  "Digging Into Native History in NH."   Presented by Dr. Robert Goodby, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Franklin Pierce University.  A look at the Native American presence in NH through archaeology, history, culture and a discussion of contemporary issues.  A NH Humanities Council program.  Free & open to the public at the MKIM, 18 Highlawn Rd., Warner.  603-456-2600 or visit http:/www.indianmuseum.org.

 

MKIM is looking for Crooked Knives to display in their 2010 Special Exhibit for loan mid-April through November.  Please contact Shawn Olson at mkim.director@tds.net or 603-456-3244.

 

11.  From the New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord:

Sun., Nov. 15, 2pm.  "New England Kitchens:  Then & Now."  Susan and Steve Booth of Vintage Kitchens in Concord will present this lecture that includes a collection of photos, period advertisements and historical drawings that illustrate many of the changes that have influenced how kitchen design and use has evolved.  Held at the NHHS library, 30 Park St., Concord.  Free/member; $5/nonmember.  Contact Chris MacLeod 603-856-0604 or cmacleod@nhhistory.org.

 

12.  From the Pierce Manse, Concord: 

Tues., Nov. 24, 10am.  Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony.  Each year the White House sends a wreath in recognition of President Pierce's birthday.  The National Guard and the Governor's Horse Guard will lead the ceremonial laying of the wreath at President Pierce's grave at the Old North Cemetery.  Refreshments to follow.  Pierce Manse, 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane, Concord.  Contact Caroline Amport at 603-225-4617.

 

13.  From the Thompson Ames Historical Society, Gilford:

Mon., Nov. 2, 7pm.  "My Remembrances on the Smile of the Great Spirit."    Presented by Merrill Fay.  The evolution of boating on Lake Winnipesaukee.  Free.  thomames@metrocast.net or http://www.gilfordhistorical society.org.

 

 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

 

14. Thurs., Nov. 12, 9am-12pm.  Membership Development & Fundraising.  To be held at the Exeter Historical Society, this workshop is part of a series of workshops for local historical societies and is a collaborative effort of AHSNH, the NH Humanities Council, the NH Archives Group, and the New Hampshire Historical Society.  Space is limited, so please call and register in advance by contacting Stephanie Skenyon at 603-856-0611 or sskenyon@nhhistory.org.

 

15.  On Tuesday, November 10, 10am-3pm, the New England Museum Association is hosting a workshop designed for organizations without paid staff on  Basic Housekeeping and Basic Research. Co-sponsored by AHSNH, registration is limited to 20 participants.  $25 Fee.  Call NEMA at 781-641-0013 to register.

 

16. NEMA is hosting its annual conference in Nashua, NH, on November 11-13.  The theme is "Promises to Keep:  Vision & Value in Museums."  Current AHSNH members will receive the NEMA member rate.  Scholarships available. Visit http://www.nemanet.org or call NEMA at 781-641-0013.

 

Editor's Note:  As of the next issue (December), I am stepping down from my role as editor of The E-ssociate. It's been a rewarding and interesting role and I've enjoyed helping to promote your events and news.  Jennifer Carroll-Plante of the Laconia Historical & Museum Society has generously volunteered to take over these duties effective immediately.  A new contact email address will be provided as soon as possible.  I will continue volunteering for our statewide organization as vice-president in 2010.  Thank you and keep up the good work.  AWS

 

Ann W. Sprague, 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 annsprague@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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