We love New Hampshire, and we’ve been saving its history for 200 years. Since 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society has been preserving our state’s past and telling its stories to each generation. Nowhere will you find more extensive collections of archives and objects related to New Hampshire’s history.
But we aren’t just looking to the past—we also have our eyes on the future. The New Hampshire Historical Society serves thousands of people every year through our library, museum, educational programs, websites, and publications. From school kids to seniors and everyone in between, the Society helps us understand who we are and why New Hampshire is a place like no other.
We invite you to join us in a year-long celebration of the state we all love and the organization created to preserve its heritage.
Public Programs
Join us through the year for a variety of lectures, workshops, collections highlights talks, and family programming—both in-person and virtual. These programs cover a wide range of topics related to the Granite State and are led by historians, authors, storytellers, and library and museum professionals. Regularly visit the
Programs & Events Calendar for up-to-date information.
Special Events
The New Hampshire Historical Society is hosting a number of special events throughout 2023, including a program on the Society’s founding held at the Portsmouth Athenaeum; the annual spring lecture series with Professor R. Stuart Wallace; a special anniversary celebration at our annual meeting with keynote speaker Philip Zea, president emeritus of Historic Deerfield; an evening with award-winning author and historian Nathaniel Philbrick; and our popular member tour. Visit the
Programs & Events Calendar for details.
603 History Hunt
A statewide scavenger hunt was held during the month of July and presented a series of challenges that got people exploring the state and learning more about New Hampshire. An ice cream social for 603 History Hunt participants was held on Saturday, August 5, at the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, where prizes were awarded. The 603 History Hunt was sponsored by Merrimack County Savings Bank.
Granite State Stories
For such a small state, New Hampshire has a remarkable history, full of interesting people, creative inventions, daring adventures, and astounding beauty. In celebration of the New Hampshire Historical Society's 200th anniversary, Society staffers are touring the state and sharing a collection of six stories that capture the iconic spirit of New Hampshire. The Society is partnering with New Hampshire Humanities to offer Granite State Stories as part of the Humanities to Go program. Visit
nhhumanities.org to book the Society's program at your library, local historical society, club meeting, or other event.
Publications
New Hampshire Historical Society members will receive two special issues of the Society’s journal,
Historical New Hampshire, in honor of its 200th anniversary year—each exploring the Society’s history—one century at time. The
first issue was distributed to members in July and the second will published at the end of 2023. When published, these issues also will be available for purchase through the
Society's store.
Be a Part of the Legacy
For two centuries, private philanthropy has been the foundation of the Society’s long and successful history. The legacy continues today, and individuals remain the Society’s largest and most loyal source of support. You can help ensure the Society's mission will be carried on for generations to come by making a planned gift. Those who include the Society in their estate plans are recognized by the Edward and Julia Tuck Society, named after the New Hampshire Historical Society’s great benefactors. Visit the Society’s
planned giving web page to learn more.
You’re Invited
As an independent nonprofit organization, all of the New Hampshire Historical Society’s work to save, preserve, and share New Hampshire's past depends on membership dues and contributions from people like you. To our members, we say thank you. And, to all others who share our love of New Hampshire, we invite you to
join today.