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July 2009

July 1 & 2 Keene Wednesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
Historical Society of Cheshire County
Teacher Workshop: Immigrant Experiences in the Granite State — 1860s - 1930s
Preregistration is required for this two day teacher workshop. Learn more on the Historical Society of Cheshire County website. For more information, contact the Historical Society at 352-1895 or by e-mail.

July 1 New Hampton Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Town Meeting House, 86 Town House Rd.
Sprightly Steps: New Hampshire’s Contra & Square Dancing Traditions
If you would rather dance than eat, if you hanker after live fiddle tunes, if you crave the merriment of plain old kitchen junkets, then it’s time to bring your two left feet to the celebration of country folks’ old-time frolics. Adam Boyce presents this program which is hosted by the New Hampton Historical Society. Contact: Gordon DuBois, 279-0379

July 1 Keene Wednesday, 7 p.m., Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St.
Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussion
This first of three Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussions will focus on two non-fiction works: Prudence Crandall: Woman of Courage by Elizabeth Yates and Miss Crandall’s School for Young Ladies and Misses of Color by Elizabeth Alexander and Marilyn Nelson. Books are available to borrow from the Keene Public Library. Learn more about Keene Chautauqua 2009. Contact: 352-0157

July 2 Franklin Thursday, 7 p.m., Webster/Tay House at Webster Place, 21 Holy Cross Rd.
Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn
Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk introduces history common to New Hampshire farmers and focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Hubka’s research demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. Thomas Hubka, University of Wisconsin, presents this program which is hosted by the Franklin Historical Society. Contact: Leigh Webb, 934-8222

July 6 Gilford Monday, 7 p.m., Gilford Village Field
Sprightly Steps: New Hampshire’s Contra and Square Dancing Traditions
If you would rather dance than eat, if you hanker after live fiddle tunes, if you crave the merriment of plain old kitchen junkets, then it’s time to bring your two left feet to the celebration of country folks’ old-time frolics. Adam Boyce presents this program which is hosted by the Thompson-Ames Historical Society. Contact: Jennifer Eldridge, 528-5043

July 6 Wolfeboro Monday, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, Lehner St.
Liberty is Our Motto: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers
Originally from Milford, NH, the Hutchinson Family Singers were America’s most popular musical entertainers for much of the mid-19th century. They achieved international fame with songs advancing social reform and political causes such as abolition, temperance, women’s suffrage, and the Lincoln presidential campaign of 1860. Chautauquan, musician and singer Steve Blunt (in character as John Hutchinson) tells the Hutchinsons’ story and shares their music with audiences of all ages. Selections include: ″The Old Granite State,″ ″Get Off the Track!″ and ″Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground.″ You’ll help sing the chorus, perhaps, ″Huzza, Huzza, Huzza!″ Hosted by the Wolfeboro Historical Society. Contact: Lois Carey, 569-3696

July 7 Chatham Tues., 7 p.m., Chatham Town House, Route 113B
Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn
Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk introduces history common to New Hampshire farmers and focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Hubka’s research demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. Thomas Hubka, University of Wisconsin, presents this program which is hosted by the Chatham Historical Society. Contact: Susan Crowley, 694-3337

July 7 Meredith Tues., 7:30 p.m., Meredith Historical Museum, 45 Main St.
Popular Music during World War II: Using Propaganda to Boost Morale
World War II brought about a government-sponsored drive to unify the country and increase morale both at home and abroad in the military. Over 2,000 songs relating to the war and home front efforts were written with those goals in mind. Focusing on these songs, Calvin Knickerbocker uses thirty-five recording excerpts, some well-known and others obscure, to explore the historical era and the changes this music wrought in the culture. Hosted by the Meredith Historical Society. Contact: Jan Phillips, 279-4617

July 8 Manchester Wednesday, Even Start
Connections Book Discussion
This is the first in a four-part Connections book discussion series titled “Journey Home” and led by Hetty Startup. Connections book discussions offer participants an opportunity to read interesting, beautifully-illustrated books and discuss them with other adult new readers and a trained facilitator. Preregistration is required. Learn more on the Connections page or contact Literacy Coordinator Terry Farish at 224-4071 x12.

July 8 Rumney Wed., 7 p.m., Quincy Bog Natural Area, Quincy Bog Rd.
The Great Sheep Boom and Its Enduring Legacy on the New Hampshire Landscape
In a brief 30-year period in the early 19th century the New Hampshire countryside became home to hundreds of thousands of sheep. Production of wool became a lucrative business, generating fortunes and providing the only era of true agricultural prosperity in the state’s history. It left behind a legacy of fine architecture and thousands of miles of rugged stone walls. Farmers overcame enormous challenges to make sheep husbandry succeed, but forces from beyond New Hampshire were to doom the industry, with social consequences that would last a century. Steve Taylor presents this program which is hosted by Rumney Ecological Systems. Contact: Christine Perron, 726-7178

July 8 Temple Wednesday, 7 p.m., Temple Town Hall, 423 Route 45
Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn
Through architecture unique to northern New England, this illustrated talk introduces history common to New Hampshire farmers and focuses on several case studies that show how farmers converted their typical separate house and barns into connected farmsteads. Hubka’s research demonstrates that average farmers were, in fact, motivated by competition with farmers in other regions of America who had better soils and growing seasons and fewer rocks to clear. The connected farmstead organization, housing equal parts mixed-farming and home-industry, was one of the collective responses to the competitive threat. Thomas Hubka, University of Wisconsin, presents this program which is hosted by the Temple Historical Society. Contact: Anne Lunt, 878-3443

July 9 Portsmouth Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Portsmouth Historical Society Discovery Center, corner of Middle & Islington Sts.
The Star Island Digital Collection
The Vaughn Cottage Museum on Star Island has created a digital catalog of the museum’s holdings through a grant from the Humanities Council. Curator Sarah O’Connor will share highlights from this treasure-trove in this public program. O’Connor will share some of the challenges, rewards and humorous moments of a winter spent gathering nearly a thousand catalog records into this new digital format. Star Island’s museum collections will be much more accessible for research requests and exhibits and users may browse the collection thematically by person, topic or other key terms. “Our ability to use our collections has significantly improved,” said O’Connor, “and we are looking forward to passing on such benefits to our visitors.” Learn more about the Vaughn Cottage Museum and Star Island at the Star Island Corporation’s website. Contact: Sandra Rux, 430-6272

July 9 Madison Thursday, 7 p.m., Madison Library, 1895 Village Rd.
Liberty is Our Motto: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers
Originally from Milford, NH, the Hutchinson Family Singers were America’s most popular musical entertainers for much of the mid-19th century. They achieved international fame with songs advancing social reform and political causes such as abolition, temperance, women’s suffrage, and the Lincoln presidential campaign of 1860. Chautauquan, musician and singer Steve Blunt (in character as John Hutchinson) tells the Hutchinsons’ story and shares their music with audiences of all ages. Selections include: ″The Old Granite State,″ ″Get Off the Track!″ and ″Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground.″ You’ll help sing the chorus, perhaps, ″Huzza, Huzza, Huzza!″ Contact: Mary Cronin, 367-8545

July 10 Chester Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Chester Historical Society
Teaching Local History with Cemetery Walks
Learn more about this workshop. Contact: Stephanie Skenyon at 856-0611 or by e-mail.

July 11 Grantham Saturday, 6 p.m., Grantham Town Hall, 300 Rt. 10 S
Baked Beans and Fried Clams: How Food Defines a Region
Baked beans, Indian pudding, fried clams, and lobster rolls... so many foods are distinctive to New England. Does food have anything to say about who we are as a region? Bean-hole beans, johnnycakes, chocolate chip cookies — you can find them all over the country now, but they all originally came from New England. Edie Clark shares the history of our regional foods including some of New England’s more famous foodies -- Fannie Farmer, Hayden Pearson, and Julia Child -- and includes an analysis of how the changing times have affected the way we eat. Hosted by the Dunbar Free Library. Contact: Katrina McCurley, 863-0694

July 13 Washington Mon., 7:30 p.m., Camp Morgan Lodge, 339 Millen Pond Rd.
Brewing in New Hampshire: An Informal History of Beer in the Granite State
Glenn Knoblock will explore the fascinating history of NH’s beer brewing industry from Colonial days, from when it was home- and tavern-based, to today’s breweries and brew pubs. Rare photos and advertisements document this changing industry. A number of lesser-known brewers and breweries are also discussed, including the only brewery owned and operated by a woman before the modern era. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or a ″tea-totaler″, this program will be enjoyed by adults of all ages. Anticipating an oft-asked question... Sorry, there are no beer samples given out at this lecture. Hosted by the Washington Historical Society. Contact: Ray Clark, 495-1423

July 14 Holderness Tuesday, 7 p.m., Holderness Library, Rt. 3
The Shaker Legacy
In their more than two-and-a-quarter centuries of existence as a religion, members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly known as Shakers, made ingenious contributions to diverse fields: agriculture, industry, medicine, music, furniture design, women’s rights, racial equality, craftsmanship, social and religious thought, and mechanical invention and improvement. Darryl Thompson presents this program which is co-hosted by the Holderness Historical Society. Contact: Victoria Lang, 968-7066

July 14 Wolfeboro Tuesday, 7 p.m., Libby Museum, Route 109 N
Digging Into Native History in New Hampshire
Abenaki history has been reduced to near-invisibility as the result of conquest, a conquering culture that placed little value on the Indian experience, and a strategy of self-preservation that required many Abenaki to go ″underground,″ concealing their true identities for generations to avoid persecution. Robert Goodby, Franklin Pierce University, shares the archaeological evidence that shows their deep presence here, inches below the earth’s surface. Contact: Patricia F. Smith, 569-1035

July 15 Manchester Wednesday, English for New Americans
Connections Book Discussion
This is the first in a four-part Connections book discussion series titled “Treasured Things” led by Carolyn Cicciu. Connections book discussions offer participants an opportunity to read interesting, beautifully-illustrated books and discuss them with other adult new readers and a trained facilitator. Preregistration is required. Learn more on the Connections page or contact Literacy Coordinator Terry Farish at 224-4071 x12.

July 15 Barrington Wed., 6 p.m., Barrington Library, 39 Province Lane
Saving Buffalo & Cardinal: New Hampshire’s Environmentalist Earnest Baynes
Earnest Harold Baynes (1868-1925) fought to prevent the mindless slaughter of buffalo by frontiersmen, even raising herds of them here in New Hampshire. Images from his fragile glass slides show a buffalo team pulling him to the Claremont Agricultural Fair. James Atkinson shares color images from these slides which also show the varied wild animals he domesticated locally. Brightly plumaged birds, like the cardinal, suffered a cruel fate at the hands of the fashion and hat trade that environmentalist Baynes worked to curtail. His aim was not to subdue nature but to preserve it. In his books and lectures he sought to persuade Americans that the lives and liberties of all creatures were sacred. Contact: Amy Inglis, 664-0193

July 15 Bethlehem Wednesday, 7 p.m., Bethlehem Library, 2155 Main St.
Stark Decency: NH’s WWII German POW Camp
During World War II, 300 German prisoners of war were held at Camp Stark near the village of Stark in New Hampshire’s North Country. Allen Koop, Dartmouth College, explains how the history of this POW camp tells us much about our country’s war experience and about our state. Contact: Annette Marquis,
616-3111

July 15 Keene Wed., 7 p.m., Horatio Colony Museum, 199 Main St.
Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussion
This second of three Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussions will focus on Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women, and Cornelia Meigs’ biography of Alcott, Invincible Louisa. Books are available to borrow from the Keene Public Library. Learn more about Keene Chautauqua 2009. Contact: 352-0157

July 16 Gilford Thursday, 7 p.m., Gilford Library, 31 Potter Hill Rd.
The Outermost House by Henry Beston
This book discussion is part of a series titled "American Wilderness." In 1926, Henry Beston spent two weeks in a two-room cottage on the sand dunes of Cape Cod. He had not intended to stay longer, but, as he later wrote, "I lingered on, and as the year lengthened into autumn, the beauty and mystery of this earth and outer sea so possessed and held me that I could not go." Beston stayed for a year, meditating on humanity and the natural world. In The Outermost House, originally published in 1928, he poetically chronicled the four seasons at the beach; the ebb and flow of the tides, the migration of birds, storms, stars, and solitude. The landscape was his major character, and his writing provides a snapshot of the Cape, a place physically changed yet as soulful 80 years later. Like Henry D. Thoreau before him, and Rachel Carson after him, Beston was a writer of stunning beauty, importance and vision. Robert Finch once wrote of him, "His are burnished, polished sentences, richly metaphoric and musical, that beg to be read aloud." The Outermost House is a classic of American nature literature. This month's discussion is led by Mark Long. Books are available to borrow from the Gilford Public Library courtesy of the NH State Library's Bookbag. Contact: Betty Tidd, 524-6042

July 18 Bristol Saturday, 2 p.m., Masonic Hall, 18 Pleasant St.
American Quilt Traditions
Do you love looking at quilts? With her slides and and quilts, Savageau will discuss quilts from Anglo (mainstream), Amish, African American, and several Native American traditions, and will ″read″ them for their cultural context, historical meaning and significance, political, religious, and geographical influences and the differing aesthetics they embody. This program is presented by Cheryl Savageau and co-hosted by the Minot-Sleeper Library and the Bristol Historical Society. Contact: Deborah Gilbert, 744-3352

July 20 Concord Monday, 2:15 p.m., Havenwood Auditorium,
33 Christian Ave.
Introducing America to Americans: Documentary Photographs of the 1930s
Among the most iconic images in American history are the documentary photographs taken during the Great Depression by Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee, and others for the Farm Security Administration, a New Deal program. Roy Stryker, the organizer of this effort, expressed its goal as ″introducing America to Americans.″ This discussion and slide presentation by Martin Fox, NH Institute of Art, examines these documentary photographs and how they served to define the era. Hosted by Havenwood Heritage Heights. Contact: Cathy Herman, 229-1185

July 20 Campton Mon., 7:30 p.m., Campton Historical Society, Rte. 175
Baked Beans and Fried Clams: How Food Defines a Region
Baked beans, Indian pudding, fried clams, and lobster rolls... so many foods are distinctive to New England. Does food have anything to say about who we are as a region? Bean-hole beans, johnnycakes, chocolate chip cookies — you can find them all over the country now, but they all originally came from New England. Edie Clark shares the history of our regional foods including some of New England’s more famous foodies -- Fannie Farmer, Hayden Pearson, and Julia Child -- and includes an analysis of how the changing times have affected the way we eat. Contact: Judy Landry, 726-3081

July 21 Alton Tuesday, 7 p.m., Gilman Library, 100 Main St.
Firefighters in the Civil War
Lew Gage explores the forming of the 1st Fire Zouaves by Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, his ties to NH, and his relationship with President and Mrs. Lincoln. Gage details the exploits of the 1st Fire Zouaves (11th New York), 2nd Fire Zouaves, (73rd New York), Birney’s Fire Zouaves (23rd PA), and Baxter’s Fire Zouaves (72nd PA). Hosted by the Alton Historical Society. Contact: Nancy Thomas, 875-2488

July 21 Mont Vernon Tuesday, 7 p.m., Daland Memorial Library, 5 N. Main St.
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James
This discussion is part of a three-part series titled “Women Mystery Writers” and conducted in collaboration with the Wadleigh Library in Milford and the Gregg Free Library in Wilton. Handsome Mark Callender is found hanging by his neck, a lipstick stain on his mouth. The official verdict is suicide, but his aristocratic father suspects murder, and hires fledgling detective Cordelia Gray to investigate. This discussion is led by Kathleen Shine Cain, Merrimack College. Contact: Karen MacDonald, 673-7888

July 22 Haverhill Wed., 7:30 p.m., Ladd St. Schoolhouse, County Rd.
The Great Sheep Boom and Its Enduring Legacy on the NH Landscape
In a brief 30-year period in the early 19th century the New Hampshire countryside became home to hundreds of thousands of sheep. Production of wool became a lucrative business, generating fortunes and providing the only era of true agricultural prosperity in the state’s history. It left behind a legacy of fine architecture and thousands of miles of rugged stone walls. Farmers overcame enormous challenges to make sheep husbandry succeed, but forces from beyond New Hampshire were to doom the industry, with social consequences that would last a century. Steve Taylor presents this program which is hosted by the Haverhill Historical Society. Contact: John Page, 989-5978

July 25 Littleton Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Littleton Library, 92 Main St.
A Woman That Keeps Good Orders: Women, Tavern Keeping and Public Approval
When her husband died in 1736, Ann Jose Harvey became the owner of a prominent Portsmouth tavern and sole guardian of seven small children. For at least twenty years, Harvey ran the increasingly prosperous tavern. Using documents related to Harvey’s 18th century tavern, we will explore the world of female tavern keepers. A tavern was potentially the most disruptive spot in town. Why would a woman want to keep one? Marcia Schmidt Blaine, Plymouth State University, presents this program. Contact: Jeanne Dickerman, 444-5741

July 26 Derry Sunday, 2 p.m., Robert Frost Farm, 122 Rockinham Rd.
New Hampshire Gravestones
Gravestones illustrate the religious beliefs, history, and community values of the dead and the living. David Watters, UNH, explores the development of colonial New England traditions through a series of vignettes on burying grounds and cemeteries such as the Point of Graves in Portsmouth, the Derry and Chester Scotch-Irish burying grounds, family graveyards across the state, and Concord’s rural cemetery. Contact: Cheryl Lynch, 432-6140

July 27 Hampstead Mon., 6:30 p.m., Hampstead Library, 9 Mary E. Clark Dr.
Music in My Pockets: Family Fun in Folk Music
Singing games, ″pocket instruments″ like spoons and dancing puppets, tall tales, funny songs, and songs kids teach each other in the playground -- all ″traditional″ in that they have been passed down the generations by word of mouth -- will be seen, heard and learned. We will revisit 1850 or 1910 in a New England town, with families gathered around the figurative hearth, participating in timeless, hearty entertainment and, almost without knowing it, learning how America amused itself before electricity. Jeff Warner presents this program. Contact: Patty Falconer, 329-6411

July 28 Holderness Tuesday, 7 p.m, Holderness Historical Society, Rte. 3
Robert Frost’s New Hampshire
As much as Robert Frost’s life and poetry were naturally influenced by his residence in New Hampshire, he, in turn, created an enduring image of this state’s places and people. Learn more about the connection between his life in Derry, Plymouth, and Franconia, and some of his best-known poems. David Watters, UNH, presents this program which is co-hosted by the Holderness Library. Contact: Linda Foerderer, 968-7487

July 28 Peterborough Tues., 7:30 p.m., Peterborough Library, 2 Concord St.
Entering the Realm of Poetry — For Readers
Anyone who can read, think and feel can “get” poetry — but is that what poetry is for? In this two-session program you’ll move through 8 basic elements toward a confident appreciation of all that poetry has to offer. Through readings and discussion Alice Fogel will demystify poetry and at the same time show readers how to value the mystery that remains. The second session is scheduled for August 11. Contact: Michael Price, 924-8040

July 28 Chester Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Chester Town Hall, Rte. 121 & 102
Digging Into Native History in New Hampshire
Abenaki history has been reduced to near-invisibility as the result of conquest, a conquering culture that placed little value on the Indian experience, and a strategy of self-preservation that required many Abenaki to go ″underground,″ concealing their true identities for generations to avoid persecution. Robert Goodby, Franklin Pierce University, shares the archaeological evidence that shows their deep presence here, inches below the earth’s surface. Hosted by the Chester Historical Society. Contact: Hilary Hall, 206-4786

July 29 Ashland Wednesday, 7 p.m., Ashland Railroad Station Museum, 69 Depot St. (Route 132)
Baked Beans and Fried Clams: How Food Defines a Region
Baked beans, Indian pudding, fried clams, and lobster rolls... so many foods are distinctive to New England. Does food have anything to say about who we are as a region? Bean-hole beans, johnnycakes, chocolate chip cookies — you can find them all over the country now, but they all originally came from New England. Edie Clark shares the history of our regional foods including some of New England’s more famous foodies -- Fannie Farmer, Hayden Pearson, and Julia Child -- and includes an analysis of how the changing times have affected the way we eat. Hosted by the Ashland Historical Society. Contact: David Ruell, 968-7716

July 29 Goffstown Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Goffstown Library, 2 High St.
Music in My Pockets: Family Fun in Folk Music
Singing games, ″pocket instruments″ like spoons and dancing puppets, tall tales, funny songs, and songs kids teach each other in the playground -- all ″traditional″ in that they have been passed down the generations by word of mouth -- will be seen, heard and learned. We will revisit 1850 or 1910 in a New England town, with families gathered around the figurative hearth, participating in timeless, hearty entertainment and, almost without knowing it, learning how America amused itself before electricity. Contact: Sandy Whipple, 497-2102

July 29 Dublin Wednesday, 7 p.m., Dublin Public Library, Main St.
That Reminds Me of a Story: Yankee Humor and the New England Storytelling Tradition
New England has a rich storytelling tradition from folklore to “Bert and I” to stories about your family, your life, or the town you live in. Humorist Rebecca Rule will prime the pump with stories she’s collected at small-town gatherings over the last ten years, plus a classic or two. Our “discussion” will be the stories that listeners offer up – humorous, serious, thought-provoking, or just plain entertaining. We’ll practice and preserve our stories and tradition. And laugh, a lot. Contact: Kathy Merrick, 563-8772

July 29 Keene Wednesday, 7 p.m., Horatio Colony House Museum, 199 Main St.
Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussion
This last of three Keene Chautauqua 2009 Book Discussions will focus on Louisa May Alcott’s little-known novel Work: A Story of Experience. Books are available to borrow from the Keene Public Library. Learn more about Keene Chautauqua 2009. Contact: 352-0157

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