Colonial New Hampshire
Colonial New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s state motto “Live free or die” attests to the courageous and determined spirit of the settlers of a tiny colony seeking freedom and a new life in a new land. As one of its original 13 colonies, New Hampshire was pivotal in the founding of the United States and became the ninth state on June 21, 1788. While many visitors come for the breathtaking scenic beauty accented by majestic mountains and serene shores and waterways, the Granite State is full of fascinating and riveting historic treasures to enjoy. Here is a suggested itinerary that explores Colonial New Hampshire:
Start your tour at the American Independence Museum in Exeter. The museum features stories of the brave men and women who overcame their uncertainties about freedom from Great Britain and established the United States. Among the museum’s permanent collection of documents chronicling the nation’s founding are an original Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and early drafts of the U.S. Constitution (www.independencemuseum.org).
Then head your tour to Portsmouth to take a tour of Strawbery Banke. Visitors to Strawbery Banke have the opportunity to experience and imagine how people lived and worked in this typical American neighborhood throughout four centuries of history. Through its restored houses, its featured exhibits, its historic landscapes and gardens, and its interpretive programs, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire community from the late 17th to the mid 20th centuries (www.strawberybanke.org).
While in Portsmouth, you can arrange for a lecture from Discover Portsmouth Center or stop in for a free introduction to Portsmouth’s historical relevance to the United States. The building includes seven four-color four-foot by eight-foot information panels on each of Portsmouth’s historic houses, museums, landmarks and performance venues. The side galleries are filled with rotating exhibits, and the center’s theater hosts continuous showings of Welcome to Historic Portsmouth, a film on Portsmouth’s 400-year history (www.portsmouthhistory.org/discover_portsmouth_center).
Then, head to Fort Constitution (formally Fort William and Mary) in New Castle located just a few minutes drive from downtown Portsmouth and visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Built in the 1700s as Fort William and
Mary, Fort Constitution was the subject of Paul Revere's first ride and,
some say, the first overt act of the Revolutionary War
(http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/fort-constitution-state-historic-site.aspx).
After visiting Fort Constitution, drive to the Woodman's Institute in Dover (about 20 minutes from downtown Portsmouth). The institute features Native American items, early furniture and artifacts from the Civil War, as well as an original 1675 fortified
garrison house. Phone (603) 742-1038 for information or group reservations.
Your group can then complete their Colonial tour in New Hampshire's capitol of Concord with a visit the Museum of New Hampshire History and a chance to enjoy the Main Street shops and cafes (www.nhhistory.org).
In addition to experiencing the New Hampshire’s Colonial history, be sure to spend some time exploring the states many scenic and cultural wonders.
Rock walls and historic meeting houses and churches are imbedded in the landscape and are an important part of what makes New Hampshire home to the people who live there. They are reflections of how people lived centuries ago and how the locals loyally cling to this culture with pride. The state has talented woodworkers, potters, and craftsmen that are among the best in the country. Visitors can see more of these amazing trades through the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen (www.nhcrafts.org). Many of their members invite groups to visit them for demonstrations or workshops. This organization also runs the oldest crafts fair in the United States called the Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair.
Another way to experience historic culture which was adopted from Native Americans and is still alive and well today, is through maple sugaring in the spring season (www.nhmapleproducers.com). New Hampshire produces close to 90,000 gallons of maple syrup each year and visitors can come to help tap, watch the boiling process, or enjoy real syrup on pancakes, on snow, in maple bars, on ice cream, in soups or as glazes in dinner meals. There are entire recipe books dedicated to what you can do with real New Hampshire maple syrup.
The state’s lakes and mountains are filled with legends and stories of the Indians that inhabited the area before colonists began to rapidly move deeper into New Hampshire in the 1600s. Major epidemics of small pox and influenza caused the Indian population to decline in the early 1620s; however, they are today honored and admired for their contributions to culture and society. The Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum has powwow events, a museum, and interactive group programs (http://indianmuseum.org).
Outdoor recreation on the water is very popular in New Hampshire. Groups can go on kayaking tours through outfitters such as the Contoocook River Canoe Company (www.contoocookcanoe.com) or go white water rafting with Raft NH (www.raftnh.com). Groups can take a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee with the Mount Washington Cruises (www.cruisenh.com) or a wildlife or bird spotting tour of Squam Lake through the Squam Lakes Science Center (www.nhnature.org). It is very common to see large groups of people simply floating down the Merrimack River in clumps of kayaks, canoes, and floaties enjoying the beautiful scenery.
For more information on group tour possibilities in New Hampshire visit www.visitnh.gov/tour-operators. You can also phone the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development at (603) 271-2665.