New London Historical Society

Get the latest news on special exhibits and upcoming events at the Society. The Bulletin should be mailed later this week, but you can always find it here first!

Results of the Finlay Foundation membership challenge were announced at a luncheon in Concord today. Within the historical society category, the winner was the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, followed by Hampton Falls and Salisbury. 

Founded in 1985, the Lake Winnipesukee society added 699 individual members to its year-ago base of 112. They have already launched a campaign to expand their museum, which opened in June 2004, by building a 3,000 square foot timber-frame addition—our sincere congratulations to them.

The final numbers submitted by the New London Historical Society showed a respectable year-over-year membership increase of 85%, attributable to 151 new household members and to the more timely renewal of existing members. 

Thanks to all the volunteers and donors who helped us with this challenge. We did not win the $25,000 grant, but the Finlay Challenge was a great incentive for all of us to improve our recruiting and retention efforts. We knew from the outset that we would be well rewarded for making the attempt.

We had a very nice turnout for our Holiday Open House held earlier today. Light snow decorated the grounds and buildings as hundreds of visitors strolled the grounds, made craft projects, listened to musical performances, and sampled cider and treats of all sorts. The two fundraisers, a silent auction and holiday bake sale were well attended, and our first-ever gingerbread house contest was equally successful. Thanks to all the auction item donors and volunteers who planned, decorated, and staffed the various events.

The flow of visitors to Old Home Day was steady and gratifying for the many historical society volunteers involved. The weather was chilly but pleasant, especially when the sun was out. 

Fresh cider, ice cream, corn meal, corn fritters, cornbread, and apple rings were just some of the foods prepared on site. Visitors could shell their own dried corn, grind it into meal, deliver it to the hearthside cookers, and sample the results.

We were also pleased to host many members of the Dunbarton Historical Society, which has a tradition of selecting "away" sites for its own annual meeting.

There was an antique car parade at the start of the event which included vehicles from local collectors and from our friends over at Bill Kidder's Ice House Museum.

Our first Quilt Documentation Day in July was fully subscribed, so we are bringing it back on October 18th for another round. Time is running out, as the statewide inventory project wraps up its work in 2008. 

Appointments are required. If you would like to learn more about your antique quilts or get an appraisal, please follow this Documentation Day link for details.